MANAGER OF CAMPUS COLLECTIONS, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

Princeton University Art Museum is seeking a Manager of Campus Collections who will be responsible for managing all aspects of a campus art collection that numbers in excess of 700 objects, including coordinating their care, and managing a process of commissioning and otherwise acquiring new works of campus art.  Reporting to the Associate Director for Collections and Exhibitions, the Manager of Campus Collections also supports the Campus Art Steering Committee (co-chaired by the Director of the Princeton University Art Museum and the University Architect), and often takes direction from, and works in close partnership with, the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Conservator, and other Art Museum staff. 

This is a full-time, regular, benefits-eligible position.

Responsibilities:

   Collections Management:

  • On-site surveillance and inventory of the collections, including conducting regular condition checks and annual inventories;
  • Establishing and enforcing conditions for short- and long-term loans to the campus art environment, including coordinating contracts, shipping, storage, and security;
  • Identifying pressing conservation needs and working with the Director and the Associate Director for Collections and Exhibitions to establish priorities for and scheduling conservation and photography, as well as reviewing treatment proposals with the Conservator; and
  • Maintenance of electronic records and curatorial files for works of art assigned to the campus collections.

   Project Management:

  • Working closely with the Director, the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Campus Art Steering Committee (CASC) to shape and implement plans for new public art acquisitions, including commissions;
  • Conducting basic research and outreach to contemporary artists or their representatives in conjunction with commissioning opportunities as assigned;
  • Managing the process through which new works of public art move from concept to execution to installation, in close coordination and under the leadership of both the CASC and the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art; and
  • Managing communication with commissioned artists throughout project development and implementation, as well as coordinating all related logistical and budgetary issues in accordance with stakeholders’ objectives.

   Communication and Administration:

  • Collaborating with the University’s Department of Grounds and Buildings, Risk Management, and the Office of the General Counsel;
  • Responding to external inquiries, as well as coordinating communication with and between stakeholders, CASC, Museum, and University representatives;
  • Working with and providing support for scholars, students, and curators engaged in research on works in the campus art collection;
  • Writing interpretive materials to facilitate understanding and appreciation of the campus art collections; and
  • Shaping and monitoring budgets for special projects and for the care of the existing campus art collection.

Essential Qualifications:

  • An M.A. in art history, museum studies, or a related field with an advanced knowledge of modern and contemporary art is required;
  • A minimum of five years museum or related experience with demonstrated project management experience;
  • Evidence of a growing network of relationships in the community of artists, museums, and galleries;
  • Knowledge of museum practices and standards for packing, transportation, handling, and examination of works of art;
  • Superb organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
  • A sophisticated understanding of how relationships advance the Museum’s work and of how to leverage them to meet the overall mission, including appreciating the complicated dynamics of working with contemporary artists and their agents;
  • An understanding of the importance of transparent communications along with a deep appreciation of confidentiality and discretion;
  • An aptitude for (and preferably experience in) working effectively with multiple stakeholders and projects involving significant financial resources;
  • A strong orientation toward collaborative work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment;
  • A demonstrated passion for the visual arts, with a strong commitment to making art accessible and meaningful to students and the general public;
  • The ability to make effective decisions calmly in sometimes stressful, deadline-driven conditions;
  • Computer skills, especially Word and Excel, and cataloging works of art and with automated collections management systems.  Preference will be given to candidates with experience using TMS (The Museum System®, a collections management database by Gallery Systems).
  • Familiarity of the history of Princeton University and with public art programs on other university campuses and in other municipalities are preferred.

With a collecting history that extends back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, with collections that have grown to include more than 100,000 works ranging from ancient to contemporary art and spanning the globe. A private institution serving the public good, the Museum is committed to serving the University, local and regional communities, and beyond through a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, new scholarship, and innovative programming. The Museum advances critical thinking and visual literacy at Princeton University and also serves as a gateway to the University for more than 200,000 visitors from around the world each year. The Museum is located at the heart of Princeton’s historic campus and is free and open to the public.

To learn more about the Art Museum, visit https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/.

To apply, please go to Manager of Campus Collections.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  EEO IS THE LAW