Manager of Art Study Center Operations at Harvard University

Job Title: Manager of Art Study Center Operations 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Job Summary

Unique in size and scope among North American museums, the expansive Art Study Centers at the Harvard Art Museums allow visitors to request objects not currently on display in the galleries, facilitating self-directed teaching and learning from works in all media. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Collections Access, the Manager of the Art Study Center Operations will provide critical leadership for access to the Harvard Art Museums’ collections. The Manager will organize and guide the operations of the Study Centers located in Cambridge and Somerville, MA and supervise the staff charged with the care and safety of collections.

Position Description

  • Ensures the Museums’ collections are handled and displayed in a safe and secure manner, facilitating preservation and access according to professional and institutional standards.
  • Enhances management of and access to the collection through exploration and expansion of technologies, procedures and workflows.
  • Hires and manages all Art Study Center staff, delegates and assigns tasks to best support smooth and efficient operations.
  • Receives and promptly processes and manages all art viewing request data in TMS (museum database).
  • Determines appropriate staffing levels to manage the day-to-day tasks in support of visitor appointments.
  • Consistently evaluates and adjusts roles and responsibilities as needed to better support to the daily workflow including monitoring appointments and moving artwork.
  • May perform the role of a Collection Assistant as needed to assist in the burden of the work on any given day.
  • Trains staff on procedures and protocols in all aspects of study room usage. Establishes and nurtures positive relationships with both internal and external constituents.
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date statistical information based on a variety of usage criteria and provide the data upon request.
  • Supports the Assistant Director of Collections Access with the planning and implementation of Museums initiatives related to Study Centers.
  • Explores best practices models within the museum industry and incorporates these practices into daily operational plans for all art viewing facilities.
  • Interfaces with the public and internal university constituents on inquiries related to the Art Study Centers and museum collections.
  • Oversees and executes the Student Print Rental program including processing contracts and maintaining TMS data.
  • Oversees the staffing support of the curricular gallery spaces.
  • Performs related duties as needed.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years of experience working with collections in a professionally accredited museum, including a minimum of 2 years of demonstrated staff supervisory experience required.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

College background/graduate study in art history strongly preferred; computer skills; experience in art handling, storage, and preservation of works of art; supervisory experience and skills. Excellent writing and verbal skills to interact with a wide audience range; strong interpersonal skills with a focus on service and education including setting priorities for self and others; initiative in handling multiple, complex projects; capacity to handle questions and instructions from various sources and ability to follow through despite interruptions; ability to master complex collection management database (TMS); strong organizational skills; detail-oriented; ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and as an effective member of a team.

Physical Requirements

Walking, standing, stooping, pushing, and pulling; must be able to reach and work above the shoulders, climb ladders, use personnel lift, kneel, twist, and squat. Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 30 lbs.) comfortably.

Additional Information

This position is onsite five days per week.

The Harvard Art Museums

Ever since their founding, the Harvard Art Museums—the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum—have been dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. Displayed in galleries that mix not only media but schools of art, the collection at Harvard is celebrated and interrogated within a larger story of artistic expression and historical and contemporary issues. The diverse collection is among the largest in the United States. Through research, teaching, professional training, and public education the museums strive to advance the understanding and appreciation of art.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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