Collection Manager at the National Geographic Society
Job Title: Collection Manager
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary: $63,000
Description
How You’ll Contribute
The Collection Manager is responsible for the development, documentation, and care of National Geographic Society’s permanent collection of heritage artifacts and loans, which will feature prominently in the renovated public spaces of its Washington, D.C headquarters (called Base Camp) to be completed in late 2025. This position will play an essential role in fulfilling collection stewardship responsibilities in compliance with National Geographic Society’s Collection Management Policy and Procedures. The Collections Manager will oversee the physical, legal, and administrative control of objects during the acquisition process, while in transit, as well as for all incoming loans and objects in temporary custody.
Your Impact
Responsibilities Include
Strategy and Development (20%):
- Supervise workflows, procedures, and documentation strategies for permanent collection acquisitions and loans.
- Monitor and track budget estimates and expenses for packing and shipping arrangements, storage, and materials.
Collection Management (60%):
- Process, track, and document incoming acquisitions for Collection Committee meetings.
- Coordinate acquisition and loan related numbering, condition reporting, conservation, appraisal, photography, and location control to ensure complete and accurate collection records.
- Oversee new object data entries (acquisitions and loans), record cleanup and consolidation, and location updates in Axiell Collections collection management software (CMS).
- Organize and maintain object documentation and correspondence records.
- Manage packing and shipping arrangements for acquisitions and loans.
- Supervise the safe movement and storage of objects. Contribute to space planning and collection storage initiatives.
- Contribute to ideas and advice regarding the installation of objects in Base Camp displays.
Team, Divisional and Organizational Collaboration (20%):
- Work closely with Library, Archives & Media Management on allied strategy, development and collection management matters.
- Liaise with Legal and Business Affairs and Insurance and Risk Management on collection related legal, ethical, and risk-management issues.
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that acquisition and loan policies and procedures are followed and that legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Coordinate with staff and vendors to establish and maintain temporary collection storage, staging and work areas to support acquisitions, accessioning, and incoming loans.
Supervision
No direct reports.
Salary Information
As a leading nonprofit organization, National Geographic Society offers competitive salary and total rewards to attract, develop, and retain an innovative and dynamic workforce.
The salary range for this position starts at $63,000.00
Job Designation
Hybrid – At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Wednesday plus either Tuesday or Thursday. Because we recognize that we can effectively work remotely, this designation has been updated to provide more flexibility, both in the days staff choose to come into the office and how often they are expected to be at Base Camp. And of course, Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if they prefer.
This is a fixed term role through December 31, 2023 with the possibility to extend.
Requirements
What You’ll Bring
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree required in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or a closely related field.
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
5+ years of experience processing incoming acquisitions and/or incoming loans.
Necessary Knowledge and Skills
- Experience with collection databases and data entry.
- Knowledge of best practices in collection management standards and procedures.
- Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of staff and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and research skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail and thorough record keeping.
- Technical proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office tools.
- Ability to pack and move objects safely and efficiently, as well as proficiency with basic hand tools, material-handling equipment, and ladders.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with Axiell Collections CMS.
- Experience working with confidential information.
- Proven ability to meet deadlines.
To Apply: