Senior Collections Manager at Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico seeks a Senior Collection Manager to manage and care for the Museum’s ethnographic collections and collection documentation.  Founded in 1932, the Maxwell Museum holds large important anthropological collections in its divisions of archaeology, ethnology, osteology and archives. The ethnographic collections of ca. 17,000 objects are particularly strong in the U.S. Southwest and Northern Mexico, but have global representation. The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of collection professionals working to document and preserve the collections, support collection-based research and teaching in a vibrant university setting, build new collaborations with source and descendent communities, and support an active program of exhibitions and public engagement. 

Position Summary:

Manages and cares for anthropological collections, with particular responsibility for the Museum’s ethnographic collections and associated research materials. Manages the acquisition, cataloging, documentation, preservation and growth of museum collections and associated materials. Oversees museum records and collections documentation (including accession records, loans, repository agreements, etc.) and participates in development and implementation of collection database and digitization efforts. Collaborates with curators and staff in the development and implementation of collection management policies and procedures. Prepares reports, grants proposals and research papers. Supervises curatorial assistants, volunteers, and field technicians. Interacts with public, university and professional community through collections tours, teaching, lectures, presentations and publications.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree or other Graduate Certification in Anthropology or Museum Studies.
  • Demonstrated computer proficiency with museum collections databases, Microsoft Suite. Knowledge of PastPerfect software is desirable.
  • Familiarity with laws and regulations concerning collections; familiarity with NAGPRA desirable.
  • Community engagement experience highly desirable
  • Ability to effectively establish priorities, and perform multiple tasks involving ethnographic collections and museum records
  • Proven record of being a highly motivated and proactive team player.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manages all aspects of collection care by following and implementing accepted museum standards for processing and cataloging incoming ethnographic materials, data entry, maintenance of systemic order, and routine care and conservation; evaluates the standards and develops strategies to update the physical condition of the collections and increase efficiency.
  • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of computer database applications and participates in long-term planning for divisional and museum-wide data management protocol and network systems.
  • Oversees museum records and collection documentation (including creating donor and accession records, loans, repository agreements, etc.). Works with collection staff in other museum divisions (archaeology, osteology, archives) to assure that collections records are complete, well-maintained, and current.
  • Establishes work priorities and directs staff to effectively accomplish the division’s goals and objectives, recruits, employs, trains and supervises graduate and undergraduate curatorial assistants, volunteers, and field technicians.
  • In consultation with the curator, Interacts with the national and international scientific community responding to inquiries, facilitating the use of the collections, and managing specimen loans so as to influence the results of scholarly research.
  • Assists in activities associated with NAGPRA including, but not limited to overseeing inventories of ethnographic collections, working with director, curators and staff in other collections departments to prepare Federal notices and communications, responding to requests and participating in consultations with Native communities, and preparing materials for repatriation.
  • Assists Interpretation Division (Exhibits, Public Programming, Education) with negotiating and preparing object loans and documentation, including condition reporting and transport records; coordinates shipping. Maintains records of incoming and outgoing exhibition loans.
  • Interacts with internal contacts such as faculty, curators, museum staff, and various University administrators to exchange information regarding the collections; assists curator with the management of the annual budget, purchase of materials and supplies, development and submission of grant proposals and management of contracts and grants; maintains records on collection use and growth; and assists in the preparation of fiscal year reports.
  • Conducts public outreach programs, and participates in educational events (tours, lectures, science fairs, etc.).
  • Represents the museum through professional activities that may include: managing electronic resources, editing publications, organizing workshops, conducting research, teaching, and authoring published publications.
  • Advances professional development through attendance at conferences and workshops, service on advisory panels, holding office or assuming committee assignments in professional organizations in areas such as conservation techniques, integrated pest management, health and safety, and policy development.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Campus: Main – Albuquerque, NM

Department: Maxwell Museum (937B)

Employment Type: Staff

Staff Type: Regular – Full-Time

Status:  Exempt

Pay: $3,434.31 to $5,151.47 monthly

Benefits Eligible: This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement:

Temporary and on-call employees working an appointment percentage of 26 (.26 FTE) or greater, per quarter, will be eligible to earn retirement service credits and thus are required to make New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (NMERB) contributions. More information pertaining to your FTE and NMERB contributions can be reviewed on the NMERB Guidelines Clarified webpage.

For Best Consideration Date: 4/26/2019

Application Instructions:  

Applications should be submitted through https://unm.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=8481&site=14

 Please include a letter of interest, a resume/CV, and names and contact information at least 3 references.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.