What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collection Manager position at InsideHigherEd?
Position OverviewThe Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas stewards and supports broad public engagement with a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art created across a wide range of time periods, geographic locations, and cultural affiliations. The Collection Manager works closely with the Head of Collection Management, fellow Collection Manager, the Curator of Global Indigenous Art and Lifeways (GIAL), and Exhibition staff to care for the Spencer Museum of Art’s collections, including the approximately 10,000 artworks in the GIAL department (62% North and Central American, 15% African, 9% South American, and 14% Asian, Oceanic, and European). This collection encompasses historical and contemporary artworks across mediums that came to the Museum through a variety of channels, often by people associated with the University.
The Collection Manager is responsible for maintaining the physical well-being and documentation of the collection, contributing research and content knowledge for the GIAL collection and related exhibitions, class visits, scholarly and tribal requests, and conducting public outreach. This position requires frequent interaction with various individuals, including donors, tribal representatives, volunteers, researchers, artists, students, faculty, and vendors. This position requires extensive participation in all grant-funded projects that involve the collections, including building renovations, gallery reinstallations, and storage improvements and conservation.
Job Description Collection Care – 50%
- Implement best collections management practices, including, but not limited to the following : accession and deaccession, registration and documentation, preservation, conservation, access, and risk management.
- Provide long-term storage locations for collection objects, including ensuring appropriate materials are used, organizing and reorganizing storage furniture to provide adequate space, building storage mounts and boxes, and taking mitigating actions against agents of deterioration.
- Pack, transport, and handling of collection objects between Spooner Hall and Spencer Museum of Art for exhibition, research, and class requests.
- Monitor the storage environment and other conditions in Spooner Hall. Work closely with facilities services to provide access for maintenance activities.
- Develop and implement an integrated pest management plan, including monitoring, prevention, and mitigation activities.
- Help write and revise collections management policies and procedures and develop and implement disaster preparedness and recovery plans.
- Receive objects and prepare Incoming and Outgoing Receipts, including transporting, packing, and unpacking artwork; prepare condition reports.
- Conduct periodic inventories of collection and maintain accurate records of object locations.
Collections Data Management – 25%
Research, Exhibitions, and Outreach – 20%
Other – 5%
Position Requirements
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete online application includes :
1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application review and deadline date will be on 1 / 10 / 2025. Contact Information to ApplicantsSofía Galarza Liu, Head of Collections,
reina@ku.edu
785-864-0146Advertised Salary Range$41,300-$58,000Work ScheduleM-F 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm.Application Review BeginsFriday January 10, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday February 3, 2025 Apply to Job
Salary : $41,300 - $58,000
