Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the Monterey Museum of Art

Job Title: Director of Collections and Exhibitions

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Monterey, CA

Salary: $75,000 – $80,000

Description
The Monterey Museum of Art seeks a talented and motivated Director of Collections and Exhibitions. This position will oversee the Museum’s Collections and Exhibitions department, including the supervision of the Collections and Exhibitions Associate, Registrar, Preparator, Volunteer Archivist, and student interns. Responsibilities include the creation, organization, and planning of Museum exhibitions and loans, as well as managing strategy and logistics for the acquisition of artwork for the permanent collection. The Director of Collections and Exhibitions will also oversee the creation, monitoring, and administration of collection policies and procedures related to the acquisition, documentation, management, care, preservation, and access or disposition of artworks owned, loaned, and exhibited by the Museum. Additional duties involve promoting cooperation and good working relationships between the Collections and Exhibitions department and other Museum departments, as well as maintaining positive relations with the Board of Trustees, museum professionals, collectors, artists, scholars, gallerists, and other stakeholders.

DUTIES

  • Oversee department operations, including the supervision of the Preparator, Registrar, Collections and Exhibitions Associate, Volunteer Archivist, and student interns, in compliance with professional museum standards and best practices.
  • Prepare and monitor the departmental budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance and Operations, Controller, and Executive Director.
  • Oversee Museum production schedules and calendars for exhibitions, including logistics and tasks related to exhibition planning, organization, preparation, and installation, with the support of the Collections and Exhibitions Associate.
  • Propose, plan, and curate collection-based exhibitions, including layout design and implementation, in collaboration with the Preparator, Executive Director, and the Marketing and Communications and Education and Public Programs departments.
  • Review and propose collection acquisitions and deaccessions in line with the Museum’s mission and vision and in accordance with the Museum’s collections management policy and ethical guidelines.
  • Review and advise the Executive Director and relevant committees on acquisitions, art loans, exhibitions, curatorial matters, and other related legal contracts.
  • Oversee the tracking and circulation of traveling exhibitions, including those organized and hosted by the Museum.
  • Work with the Registrar and Preparator to ensure proper handling, installation, maintenance, security, and tracking of artwork in the Museum’s galleries and storage facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with Museum standards to maximize artwork safety and longevity by monitoring environmental conditions such as light, temperature, and humidity levels in the Museum’s galleries and storage facilities.
  • Ensure that AAM standard facilities reports are maintained and that AAM accreditation procedures are followed (with support from the Registrar).
  • Oversee risk management related to art collections and exhibitions, including fine arts insurance, and emergency and disaster recovery plans (in collaboration with the Registrar and Director of Finance and Operations).
  • Monitor the physical condition of artworks with the Registrar and Preparator and prioritize and secure outside conservation services as needed.
  • Oversee the maintenance of the Museum’s historical and photographic archives (with support from the Registrar and Volunteer Archivist).
  • Administer the collections management database (EmbARK) and the online component (Web Kiosk), along with legal documentation and registration records for all artwork in the care of the Museum (supported by the Registrar).
  • Ensure rights and reproductions, copyright, and related compliance issues are adhered to as they pertain to the Museum’s collections (with support from the Registrar).
  • Research and write copy for collections and exhibitions content in the newsletter, website, exhibition brochures, rack cards, and exhibition didactics (in collaboration with the Collections and Exhibitions Associate).
  • Ensure that collections and exhibitions information requested by other departments, including Education and Public Programs and Marketing and Communications is collected and distributed in a timely manner (in collaboration with the Collections and Exhibitions Associate and Registrar).
  • Maintain professional networks and contacts at the international, national, and regional levels through correspondence, professional organizations, and active participation in the field.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Master’s degree in museum studies, library science, art history, or a related field.
  • Three to five years of administrative or curatorial experience in an art museum setting.
  • Working knowledge of curatorial and collection management procedures, registration standards, and object handling protocols.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and produce excellent written and edited content.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with museum staff.
  • Proficiency in a variety of computer applications using a relational database and Windows platform with digital imaging capabilities such as EmbARK or TMS.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and Adobe products.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in the workplace.
  • Willingness to travel periodically. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds without assistance.
  • Membership in professional organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums, Association of Art Museum Directors, California Association of Museums, or Curators and Registrars Committees of AAM is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply via AAM