Collections Manager at the East Hampton Historical Society

Job Title: Collections Manager

Job Status: Full-time

Salary: $65,000 – $75,000

Description

The East Hampton Historical Society (EHHS) seeks a Collections Manager to oversee the care, preservation, and documentation of its museum collections – comprised of more than 20,000 artifacts – that document the diverse communities who have lived and worked in the Town of East Hampton, NY. The Collections Manager works under the direction of the Executive Director to ensure the highest level of stewardship of the EHHS’ permanent collection. The Collections Manager will assist with institutional planning, budgeting, and implementation of museum-wide policies and procedures that promote the safe and thoughtful interpretation of artifacts at the East Hampton Historical Society. This is a full-time, salaried position with paid time off, holidays, and medical benefits. Occasional work on weekends and evenings is required.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

  • Oversee all registration aspects for storage and handling of artifacts, including records management, inventory control, policy formulation, insurance and risk management, and long-range planning.
  • In accordance with best practices, ensure proper coordination, handling, documentation, accessioning, and condition reporting of objects entering the EHHS, either on loan or for acquisition.
  • Coordinate all logistical movement of objects for incoming and outgoing loans including shipping, cataloging, and condition reporting.
  • Prepare and process gift receipts.
  • Perform necessary inventory of collection, in accordance with the Collections Policy, as well as cataloging and photography of collection.
  • Maintain the collections database and provide oversight of the use of the collection by staff, researchers, and other qualified organizations and individuals.
  • Work with Executive Director to develop a state-of-the-art storage facility and monitor building climate, lighting, cleanliness, and safety in accordance with museum practices for collections management.
  • Perform routine monitoring of integrated pest management in all storage areas.
  • Prepare loan agreements for exhibitions and keep checklists and coordinate photography for new acquisitions and loans.
  • With the Executive Director, oversee and revise the Historical Society’s collections and emergency preparedness policies and procedures, as needed, and train staff. Assist in the development and implementation of any additional EHHS policies and procedures involving collections care and maintenance.
  • Participate in various committee meetings as needed, including the Collections and the Buildings & Grounds Committees. Represent EHHS at professional and community venues to enhance the understanding of its mission and collections.
  • Collaborate with Executive Director on grant applications for collections needs.

Requirements

  • B.A. degree in history or related field.
  • Minimum 2 years of museum or gallery experience working with a permanent collection
  • Demonstrated knowledge of procedures for art handling, storage, and condition reporting.
  • Experience using PastPerfect or other collections database and digital imaging systems.
  • Experience assisting with the production of exhibitions that are accessible to diverse audiences.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to manage simultaneous priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Ability to speak Spanish preferred. 

TO APPLY

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