Collections Manager at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Job Title: Collections Manager
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Cambridge, MA
Salary: $73,490 – $98,283
Description
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Collections Manager
The MIT Museum seeks a collections manager to be responsible for the general management, conservation, storage, transport and access to the its collections. Will support the MIT Museum in its objective to make its collection of more than 1.5 million objects, plans, drawings, films, audio recordings, photographs and rare books accessible to the widest possible audience for use in research, teaching, exhibitions and programs. As a key member of the collections team, the collections manager will supervise collections assistants and collaborate with curators, registrar, digital archivist, reference assistant, and other collections project staff and volunteers to support the museum and contribute to the educational and research mission of MIT. In addition, the collections manager works with the museum’s exhibitions team to oversee the safe transport and appropriate display of all display artifacts (either from the museum’s collections or on loan).
The MIT Museum will complete the relocation of its entire collection in August 2024. The successful organization and operation of its new off-site Collections Facility for collections processing, conservation, long-term care, research, and teaching will be the immediate goal and top priority for the collections manager. In addition, this person will have an important role in proposing and supporting the development of innovative ideas related to contemporary collections management as part of a forthcoming strategic planning exercise under the leadership of a new museum director.
The MIT Museum posts full job descriptions here.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in museum studies or related field
- Five years’ experience as a collections manager or in a similar position in a museum environment
- Highly skilled in the handling of a range of objects and archival materials of all ages, sizes, materials, and conditions, including very large, complex artifacts requiring unusual handling and care
- Experience managing art handlers, movers, riggers, and other specialists
- Comprehensive knowledge of collections management standards and best practices
- Broad knowledge of conservation care and general museum policies/practices/procedures
- Experience with relational collections management databases, spreadsheets, and word processing software
- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
- Initiative and flexibility
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Discretion and judgment with confidential information/issues
- Driver’s license for traveling on campus, to off-site collections facility, transporting artifacts, and meeting with potential donors to inspect artifacts
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing workflow and meeting timelines in a deadline-driven environment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team and make critical independent decisions
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of museum professionals, vendors, students, faculty, administrators, alumni, international scholars, lenders, collectors, and the general public
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in science and technology-oriented institutions or in a university/college
- Experience with MIMSY XG collections database
- Experience with digital imaging technology
- Project management experience, including budget tracking
Work conditions: handling artifacts and archival materials of various shapes and sizes, lifting weights of at least 35 lbs., standing or working on one’s feet for up to seven hours a day, working at heights, ascending ladders, and operating manual and motorized equipment lifting equipment
Must be able to work occasional extended hours during scheduled shipments, exhibition installations, or to participate in evening and weekend events and projects.
There may be some travel to participate in professional conferences and training.
To Apply
Interested candidates may apply online at https://hr.mit.edu/careers. Please reference job number 24184.
Salary range: $73,490 – 98,283 annually
Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.
MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin. See MIT’s full policy on nondiscrimination at https://policies.mit.edu/policies-procedures/90-relations-and-responsibilities-within-mit-community/93-nondiscrimination. Know your rights.