Associate Director of Collections | Canyon, TX

As part of the senior management team and the lead administrator for the Collections Department, the Associate Director of Collections is responsible for the day-to-day strategic management of the Collections Department as well as fostering a collaborative culture within the department and across the Museum. This role will establish the collections strategy in the context of PPHM’s strategic and long-term plan for its collection of thousands of artifacts, artworks, scientific collections and the Museum’s archives. Charged with the care, preservation, and risk management of PPHM’s collections, and with ensuring that the collections are available for current and future visitors, the Associate Director of Collections is responsible for all aspects of collections record-keeping for the permanent collections and loan material. This position also implements and enforces the Collection Department’s policies and practices, including ones pertaining to the acquisition, management, and disposition of artifacts. This leadership role is responsible for balancing a complex and interconnecting set of priorities, ranging from digitization of the collection to keeping up to date with best practice innovation in the physical care and storage of artifacts.

Salary Range: Minimum of $47,654*
*The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:

·         Work with PPHM’s Leadership Team to define, outline, and implement Collections Department goals to align with its near and long-term plans.

·         Ensures all aspects of the physical and records management of the museum’s collections are properly handled according to museum best practices and professional standards, which includes accurate and up-to-date record keeping, proper standards of storage, object security, risk management, and preventative conservation action

·         Oversees the care, management, security, shipping logistics, receipt, accessioning, cataloguing, labeling, and documentation of objects acquired for PPHM’s collections while adhering to current industry standards and best practices. Conducts regular inventories of the collection according to the Collection Management Policy.

·         Leads a team which manages all details regarding incoming and outgoing loans and temporary exhibitions, including contractual arrangements, loan agreements, adherence to exhibition contracts, condition reports, etc. Schedules and oversees all shipping arrangements, including the coordination of packing, unpacking, and crating of objects. Designates and coordinates couriers from PPHM, lending, and borrowing institutions.

·         Researches files to determine the status of objects regarding clear title, copyright and long-term loans. Collaborates with each department regarding collections activities including publication, repatriation claims and NAGPRA compliance.

·         Manages insurance liability, negotiates insurance renewals, and maintains insurance coverage. Supervises and administers the coordination of insurance on incoming and outgoing loans, including collaborating with Curator(s) to maintains up-to-date valuation of objects in the collection and works with outside evaluators, specialists, and conservators. Maintains regular cooperative contact with shipping, insurance, and customs brokers

·         Ensures the accuracy and completeness of collections records by reviewing, updating, implementing, and enforcing adherence to data standards. Oversees systems upgrades and maintains user licenses.

·         Supervises, evaluates, hires, and trains staff, interns and volunteers as required. Plans, organizes, directs, schedules, and executes the work of the Collections Department.

·         Develops and monitors projects and oversees the Collections Department budget.

·         Working with Curators, oversees deaccessioning of selected works from the collection according to the Collections Management Policy as required. Aides in providing documentation for all aspects of the deaccessioning process, including but not limited to justifications, Board of Trustee approval, and sale or transfer of materials. Coordinates disposition of deaccessioned items. Coordinates sale and disposition of deaccessioned works of items as required.

·         Leads the development of policies and procedures related to collections management and care. Develops, maintains, and implements the Collections Management Policy and procedures and ensures that the Policy reflects up-to-date professional museum practices and standards. Produces and revises collections management procedures. Works with Facilities Department to develop, maintain, and implement Integrated Pest Management Policy and Disaster Preparedness Plan.

·         Works collaboratively with Director of Operations to schedule and organize installations of major exhibitions and permanent collection installations, rotations, and site-specific installations.

·         Participates in the planning and organization of installation schedules for temporary and permanent installations and movement in consultation with Curators and exhibit team.

·         Represents the Museum positively and professionally to outside vendors and contractors and occasionally tours VIPs or new trustees through storage and collection areas as needed.

·         Assists Director of Operations and Director with Collection Committee record and meeting preparation; serves as primary liaison for the Collections Committee.

·         Other duties as assigned.

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Necessary Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s Degree in applicable field

·         8 Years of Related Experience

·         Abilities with Word Processing, Spreadsheet, and Database applications.

·         Proficiency with collections management systems.

·         Broad knowledge of professional museum standards pertaining to collections management

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Master’s Degree in applicable fields

·         8 Years of Related Experience working with a collection in a museum setting

·         Knowledge of Museum Ethics, published by the American Alliance of Museums.

·         Knowledge & experience with all aspects of a loan including paperwork, renewals, and shipments.

Applicant Instructions:

To apply, please visit: Make a difference. Work at WT! (myworkdayjobs.com)

Please include the following with your application:

·         Cover letter

·         Resume

·         Three references