Collections Manager at the Armenian Museum of America
Job Title: Collections Manager
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Watertown, MA
Salary: $50,000 – $65,000
Description
About the Organization
The Armenian Museum of America in Watertown, MA is a major repository for all forms of Armenian material culture that illustrate the creative endeavors of the Armenian people. The Museum’s collections hold more than 25,000 artifacts including 5,000 ancient and medieval coins, 3,000 textiles, and 180 Armenian inscribed rugs. In addition to more than 30,000 books in the Research Library, there is an extensive collection of ancient and medieval artifacts, ceramics, and illuminated manuscripts.
About the Position
We are seeking a full-time Collections Manager to steward and inventory our collection of more than 25,000 objects. Reporting to the Executive Director, the ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about standards and best practices in collections care; familiar with curatorial and exhibition work; and comfortable collaborating with researchers and the general public regarding inquiries about the Museum’s collections.
COLLECTIONS STORAGE & SECURITY
- Update master plan and manage organization of climate controlled storage areas
- Update and manage the Museum’s master plan for archival storage and processing
- Oversee preventative collections care and identify conservation needs
- Organize and manage the Museum’s digital resources such as its Oral History interview collection and digitized books and audio files
ACQUISITIONS & DOCUMENTATION
- Manage incoming inquiries about the Museum’s collections and new acquisitions
- Manage PastPerfect database of objects in the Museum’s collection
- Responsible for paperwork, correspondence, and logistics relating to gifts, purchases, and loans
- Process new and backlogged acquisitions, creating digital and paper records, condition reports, and proper storage for objects
- Collaborate with scholars and curators to update object files and the Museum’s website regarding artifacts in our collection
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
- Identify and liaise with scholars whose research pertains to the Museum’s collections, including the Museum’s Visiting Scholar
- Supervise collections interns and relevant projects
- Review and update the Museum’s Collections Management Policy
- Review and update the Museum’s Collections Disaster Preparedness Plan
- Source and apply for grants related to collections; oversee awards granted
EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMMING
- Coordinate with scholars and curators to select objects for Museum exhibitions
- Collaborate with Curator and marketing team about collections-related programming
- Contribute to virtual and interactive programming related to the Museum’s collections
- Work with staff to incorporate Oral History interview collection into future exhibitions
Requirements
Knowledge of the Armenian language and Armenian history is preferred, but not required.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, be able to work independently and as part of a team, and enthusiastic about our Mission to share Armenia’s history and culture with the world.