Collections Manager and Registrar at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian
Job Title: Collections Manager and Registrar
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Salary: $50,000 – $55,000
Description
The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is the oldest independent non-profit museum in New Mexico. Founded by Mary Cabot Wheelwright (1878–1958) in collaboration with the respected Navajo singer Hastiin Klah (1867–1937), it is situated in a historic building of modernist design based on a Navajo hooghan designed by architect William Penhallow Henderson. Recognized as a historic landmark, it has been open to the public since
1937. The Wheelwright is an accredited museum with a permanent gallery, a lively exhibition and public program. It houses the founding collections of Navajo ceremonial items in addition to contemporary Indigenous North American art, and Navajo and Pueblo jewelry. The collections include substantial archives, currently part of a digitization program funded by the Mellon Foundation. The Wheelwright has aimed to work in partnerships since its
founding.
This is a responsible position, whose central task is the management of collections, including all aspects to do with care, acquisitions, loans and exhibitions. This position is primarily responsible for the management of the collection, including the monitoring of gallery and storage conditions, maintaining photographs and documentation to the proper professional standards. This position’s focus is on collections care
and registrar functions. The postholder will work on documentation and archives with the Collections Data Manager, although both work to ensure the overall security and well-being of the collections and archives. This position works alongside the Collections Data Manager and Archivist to ensure that all collections and archives are properly accessioned, that their condition and location are maintained to the proper professional standards, and
that all records and documentation are up to date. This position assesses collections and storage needs, implements integrated pest management and documentation and database systems. This post oversees movement, packing and shipping of collections in compliance with insurance regulations and the highest standards of professional practice.
Requirements
- Maintains and monitors safety and security of collections in accordance with established professional standards, including responsibility for environmental conditions, integrated pest management and security of collections, this includes maintain a clean working environment,
- Oversight of the database: to revise and evaluate registration and catalog system to maintain applicability, consistency, and operation,
- Oversight and processing of all incoming and outgoing collections, for loans, donations and exhibitions including shipping, security, insurance, packing,
- Ensuring all legal and ethical issues regarding loans are addressed,
- Works with those inside and outside the Museum to support NAGPRA processes and compliance,
- Works in collaboration with Collections Data Manager in the maintenance of the museum’s collection database, and in the generation of all paperwork to do with pre- and post- acquisition process, including supporting the Collections Committee,
- Works with curatorial, collections management, contract and other staff in planning and installation of exhibits, especially in preparing collections and advising on conversation needs,
- Management and oversight of the collection database to review and evaluate registration and catalog system to maintain applicability, consistency, and operation,
- Recommends changes in recordkeeping procedures to achieve maximum accessibility to and efficient retrieval of collection objects,
- Schedules and facilitates research by scholars and other visitors,
- Part of emergency planning team,
- Contributes and supports public programs and access initiatives,
- Other duties as assigned.