Archives and Collections Manager at the Norman Rockwell Museum
Job Title: Archives and Collections Manager
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Stockbridge, MA
Salary: $65,000
Description
The Position:
Under the direction of the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, the Archives and Collections Manager maintains the daily operations, procedures, organization and preservation of the Norman Rockwell Museum’s archival materials and objects collection. The archival materials collection includes the extant papers, photographic collections, first published uses, audio/visual materials, and objects relating to twentieth century American illustrator, Norman Rockwell, and materials relating to other noted artists who achieved recognition in the field. The rapidly expanding objects collection includes paintings, drawings, sketchbooks, sculptures, and other objects and currently numbers around 30,000 works. It includes a core collection of works by Rockwell, as well as works by other notable illustrators and multi-media artists related to the history of illustration. Responsibilities include processing and preserving diverse collections materials and objects; establishing and maintaining records; creating, consolidating, and standardizing finding aids; management of archives and collections databases; care of Rockwell’s personal library; and oversight of the Museum’s extensive Library of illustration-related books, recordings, and film-based materials. The Archives and Collections Manager will work with Museum staff to create appropriate collection and access policies, as well as processing and accession guidelines. This includes an access policy, retention policy, and digital preservation policy. This position handles much of the physical movement of archival and collections materials from and to storage for study, exhibition, and curatorial work. This position is also responsible for managing visits to the archives and collections, by appointment. This position is also responsible for image services and copyright management related to the collections and their usage in publications or online platforms, exhibitions, and digital programs, and by outside parties.
In addition, the Archives and Collections Manager assists with record keeping, and location management in the Museum’s digital collections and Collections Management System, EMu, and its online component, IMu. On behalf of the Curatorial Department, the Archivist/Curatorial Information Manager establishes protocols and policies relating to the system, and serves as the liaison with the Axiell Company, CompuWorks, and the Museum’s Digital staff in relation to the management of this program, or others that may be instituted in the future. Related responsibilities include updates and maintenance of records; oversight with Curatorial and Digital staff of the expansion and integration of database capabilities; the acquisition and ingest of new archival materials; and the continual assistance with all collections database records—including bibliographic records, exhibition records, catalog raisonne records for Rockwell and illustrator Frank E. Schoonover, and related records; image and copyright management; and staff training in the use of the database as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure the long-term preservation of all archives and collections materials; monitor collection conditions and any preservation and arrangement needs
- Establish, update, and maintain all department policies and procedures as they relate to access to the collections
- Survey and recommend archives and collections for acquisition; act as a liaison to donors of materials materials
- Assist with planning strategies and oversight for the processing of collections, and implement best practices for data entry, cataloging, and digitization
- Plan, manage, and evaluate archival digitization projects, including the oversight of multi-year grant funded projects
- Establish protocols and supervise visits to the archives and collections from visiting scholars, students, and the general public; provide access to collections in person and remotely
- Coordinate access to archives and collections materials and images for Museum departments and projects, exhibitions, publications, and in response to any other internal photographic requests, including providing materials for press purposes
- Manage and coordinate incoming photography inquiries and as well as rights and reproductions in tandem with external copyright agencies and guidance as needed
- Provide educational experiences relating to archival collections and practice to students and other groups. Work with students to inform and educate youth, college students, and others about the Museum’s collections, their historic importance, and usage
- Write blog posts and articles, and develop focus exhibitions of archival materials
- Identify archives and collections projects for funding and assist with grant writing and reporting
- Act as a liaison to outside entities such as auction houses, galleries, and other professional organizations
- Assist with and occasionally oversee work relating to the Museum’s Collections Management System, EMu, and its online component, IMu. Establishes protocols and ensures accuracy relating to the documentation of information
- Maintain digital best practice standards and consistency among all object/artwork records. Lead digital preservation planning for digitized collections and born-digital materials
- Arrange, oversee, and provide access to the Museum Library collections
- Assess and recommend IT (software and hardware) needs related to both archival and collection management database operation and other special digital projects to curatorial and digital staff
- Hire and supervise interns and grant-funded archives- and collections-related staff
- Provide reporting and budgets on collections storage status and preservation needs
- Performs other tasks as needed
Other duties may be assigned.
Requirements
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Positive attitude and excellent relationship skills
- Provide direction and motivate performance
- Ability to supervise staff, including assigning work, evaluating, and providing training
- Customer service driven and team player
- Excellent decision-making skills, judgement, and adaptability
- Ability to maintain professional composure when dealing with a variety of circumstances
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with visitors, staff, emergency personnel across diverse cultures.
- Demonstrate good judgment and handling of sensitive or confidential information
- Proficient with computer equipment and systems including Microsoft Office applications and payroll platforms
- Understanding of a variety of security and safety devices and controls
- Ability to develop policies, write routine correspondence, procedures, and reports
- Good organizational skills
Experience/Education:
MLS or MA in history, art, museum administration or a related subject area, plus archives management certificate and/or equivalent experience in an archives or collections setting. Minimum of five years of work in a collections setting.
Knowledge of archival formats such as DACS, EAD, and Dublin Core. Experience working within a museum setting and/or familiarity with diverse archival collections. Strong written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of archives and collections processing standards and procedures. Knowledge of archives management technology and access systems. Project management experience necessary.
How To Apply: