Collections Systems Specialist (Art Museum) - Princeton University

The Collections Systems Specialist is responsible for the analysis, manipulation, and integration of the complex cultural heritage datasets residing primarily in two Museum systems of record: the collections information system - The Museum System (TMS) and the digital asset management system - ResourceSpace. The position is responsible for database management and backend support for both systems, including data extraction, data batching, report writing, and advanced SQL query development. The position is also responsible for the integration of data among TMS, the Museum's API, and ResourceSpace, with the potential for additional integrations with other systems, including but not limited to the Museum’s website CMS, Airtable, and OnBase. Other areas of responsibility include the documentation of all related data extraction and integrations, logs and quality assurance monitoring, and periodic system upgrades to TMS and ResourceSpace.

Working in a team environment for the department of Communication and Information, the CSS will report to the Sr. Manager of Data Operations and work in close coordination with the Manager of Art Information and their team, the Museum Application developers, and other staff members across the Museum.

About the Museum:

With a collecting history that extends back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, home to collections that have grown to include more than 115,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary art and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing the University’s teaching and research missions, the Museum also serves as a hub for the humanities at Princeton for visitors worldwide. The Museum currently presents exhibitions in its two downtown venues (Art on Hulfish and Art@Bainbridge) and is touring collections exhibitions nationally and internationally. When the Museum opens its dramatically reconceived building, scheduled for 2025, it will initiate a new exhibitions program with annual exhibitions on-site and on tour.

To learn more about the Princeton University Art Museum, visit artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications for the position.

Database Management/Systems Management

• Model, implement, and manage data processes and integrations among Museum systems and nightly routines that process and deliver data and digital assets.
• Write and maintain custom code (primarily Python, PHP, and Javascript) to support the extraction and transformation of collections data to other platforms including the Museum website.
• Write scripts to manipulate and import large data sets into TMS and ResourceSpace in support of core Museum work such as cataloging, exhibitions, and research projects.
• Collaborate with the members of the systems and art information teams to prepare and implement TMS and ResourceSpace upgrades.
• Partner with Museum IT staff on system hardware, upgrades, and SQL development.
• Maintain system administration and configuration, including application settings.
• Document system administration processes, custom configuration, workflows and procedures.

• Provide support for TMS and ResourceSpace users as appropriate.

Reporting

• Design and maintain custom reports (built in Crystal Reports and SSRS) for Museum-wide users as well as faculty and students–working closely with Museum registrars and curators to meet their information access needs.
• Design expanded Museum reporting to support centralized information access through data dashboards and other means.

Strategic Planning/Administration/other duties
• Contribute to strategic planning as it relates to system integrations and data modeling and extraction.

Essential Requirements

• 3+ years’ experience working with museum collections information systems and museum data
• Demonstrable expertise in SQL
• Experience with one or more high-level programming languages, ideally Python, PHP, or Javascript
• Understanding of data formats, such as JSON, CSV, RDF.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work both autonomously and as an integral part of a close-knit team, establishing priorities and achieving goals
• Excellent organization skills and close attention to detail
• Familiarity with source code control and collaborative development systems (e.g., git); SQL Server, Javascript, Microsoft Office Applications
• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, Information science, computer science or related field with proven interest in cultural heritage data management.

Preferred Requirements

• Familiarity with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Crystal Reports
• Expertise in museum and library data standards.
• 3-5 years’ experience working with museum collections information systems and museum
  data.
• Knowledge of or interest in current trends in museum and cultural heritage data and image
  management, including IIIF, Linked Data.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS