Collections Manager (Art)/Museum Specialist (Art) (IS-1016-11) - Smithsonian American Art Museum

Description

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinating and tracking the movement of SAAM collection objects located in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture (DWRC) and Renwick Gallery, for acquisition, exhibit, conservation assessment/treatment, photography, and study. Handling works of art (loading and unloading trucks, crating and uncrating objects, moving objects through the museum buildings and storage spaces) and overseeing private vendors handling works of art to assure that objects are handled safely. Obtaining specialized advice or services from commercial handlers as necessary including detailed specifications for complicated moves of large or awkward objects (packed and unpacked).  
• Maintaining accurate location records in collections management database (TMS) and providing related documentation for collection items within, entering, or exiting SAAM premises in an organized and easily retrievable manner. Organizing and completing periodic inventories of the collections in SAAM museum buildings as prescribed in the museum’s and the Smithsonian Institution’s collection management policies.
• Inspecting the collections for signs of deterioration or damage and determining whether a registrar or conservator should be consulted. Documenting any damage to objects in the collection and initiating appropriate corrective action when required. Assessing the safety of objects on view and recommending protective measures. Coordinating with the Office of Protection Services and the Office of Facility Maintenance and Reliability as needed.     
• Processing objects coming into SAAM’s collection by creating technically accurate and professionally valid receiving reports and evaluations of an object’s condition, creating written and photographic documentation of the condition or damage to objects, maintaining up-to-date location and computer files, and assuring that objects are marked with their appropriate identification numbers by accepted methods.
• Providing registration/collections management oversight of permanent collection galleries. Coordinating permanent collection temporary exhibitions and gallery installations/deinstallations at the DWRC and the Renwick Gallery, working closely with the Exhibitions, Curatorial, Renwick, and Conservation departments. Coordinating registration/collections management activity related to SAAM’s multi-year gallery re-installation initiative. 
• Supporting museum priorities by cataloguing collection artworks, coordinating photography of artworks, and tracking digitization status in conjunction with registrar staff and photographers, assisting with object handling as necessary.   
• Analysis of immediate and long-term collection storage requirements and methods, providing input on planning, configuration and implementation of appropriate storage systems and equipment, taking into consideration collections safety, retrieval, and environmental requirements, and then preparing objects for storage by applying appropriate preservation and rehousing methods.  Maintaining clean and organized collection storage areas at the DWRC and Renwick buildings.   
• Will be required to leave the primary duty site to go to other buildings and locations. Travel may be necessary.   
• Will be required to leave the primary duty site to go to other buildings and locations. Travel may be necessary.   

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of the principles and practices governing museum registration and collections management practices; accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Skill in the methods and techniques that apply to the physical management of works of art, including those related to the care, handling, and movement of fragile and valuable objects.
• Knowledge of methods for organizing and storing art objects, including an understanding of the environmental and conservation considerations that affect the movement, storage, display, and physical integrity of works of art.
• Ability to use a computer, software applications, and computerized collection information databases for correspondence, budgeting, scheduling, and data management; skill in using TMS database is preferred.  
• Knowledge of standard exhibition practice related to organizing and transporting objects.
• Skill in organizing and managing multiple complex tasks, establishing priorities, and responding to an array of requests from staff, museum partners and the public. Attention to detail, efficiency, and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to manage large and/or complex projects involving multiple museum departments.  Must communicate effectively with a variety of audiences to provide information and to answer questions.
• Ability to stand, reach, bend, and occasionally lift objects or materials (up to 25 pounds). On a daily basis, work may require some physical exertion, possibly including long periods of walking, standing, stooping, reaching, and lifting moderately heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Manual and physical dexterity is required to handle, move, and pack fragile works of art of various sizes. Manual and physical dexterity required to clean (ex. dust, vacuum) storage rooms as needed.      
• Knowledge of art practices, art history, and American art history is desirable.