Collections Manager at George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Job Title: Collections Manager

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Mount Vernon, VA

Salary: $72,000.00

• Supervises the Collections Management team, including Assistant Collections Managers and Collections Technician, as well as temporary and/or part-time staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Ensures that all Fine and Decorative Arts collections items are stored and displayed in a manner that ensures their continued preservation – conferring with the Collections Conservator – and works to prevent loss by theft, vandalism, or natural disaster. Works with the Security Department to provide maximum security for collections both on display and in storage. Works with the Collections Conservator to provide training in object handling; develops training programs for security and interpretive staff, as needed.
• Oversees preventive maintenance, integrated pest management, and environmental monitoring programs for the Historic Preservation and Collections Department, working with Collections Conservator, Preservation staff, and the Operations & Maintenance Department (“O&M”).
• Regularly reviews collections management procedures and policies, including lending, accessioning, and cataloging procedures, to ensure compliance with professional best practices.
• Manages all object movement, packing, crating, shipping, and condition reporting. Couriers collection items as needed.
• Coordinates scheduling, logistics, mountmaking, fabrication, installation, and de-installation of temporary and permanent exhibitions both on and off the Mount Vernon Estate, including in the Mansion; works with Operations & Maintenance, IT, New Media, and outside vendors to maintain exhibitions.
• Works with EDHPC and Chief Curator to implement and uphold collections management policies and procedures necessary for long-term preservation; supervises collections objects during photography and filming projects; facilitates access/research requests and assists curators during special subject and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Oversees the Mansion, Museum, and outbuildings cleaning routines, scheduling and overseeing after-hours cleanings as necessary.
• Serves as the departmental coordinator for disaster and emergency response planning and for review and update of Collections policy.
• Supervises administration by Registrar of the online collections database (TMS); monitors data input and ensures compliance with protocols.
• Works with the Chief Curator to develop annual budgets and work plans; monitors expenses and income; prepares monthly and other reports as required.
• Works with the Chief Curator and Collections Conservator to develop long-range, strategic plan for collections organization and housing.
• Collaborates with Curator of Special Collections and Curator of Preservation Collections, to develop policies and procedures to ensure consistency for collections across the estate.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Meals and merchandise discounts
• Free parking
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Annual employee events
• On-site gym
• Health and dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid leave
• Flexible spending account for medical care

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Museum Studies or related field, with coursework in Collections Management.
• Minimum 3 years professional Collections Management experience
• Solid knowledge of collections care and registration functions, including object handling and storage, environment monitoring, integrated pest management, condition reporting, transport, loan procedures, and inventory.
• Demonstrated computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management, esp. museum cataloging programs. Experience with TMS system preferred.
• Strong supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and team skills, to include diplomacy, discretion, and approachability. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be able to work collaboratively on multi-disciplinary teams across the estate.
• Ability to meet deadlines as well as work under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility, reliability, and availability to work beyond a normal work week. Must be available for travel as needed.
• Successful completion of security background check.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to bend and crawl.
• Ability to climb and balance on ladders, for example.