Job Information
University of Kansas Collection Manager in Lawrence, Kansas
29512BR
Job Title:
Collection Manager
Department:
Spencer Museum of Art
Primary Campus:
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
Job Description:
Collection Care – 50%
Implement best collections management practices, including, but not limited to the following: accession and deaccession, registration and documentation, preservation, conservation, access, and risk management.
Provide long-term storage locations for collection objects, including ensuring appropriate materials are used, organizing and reorganizing storage furniture to provide adequate space, building storage mounts and boxes, and taking mitigating actions against agents of deterioration.
Pack, transport, and handling of collection objects between Spooner Hall and Spencer Museum of Art for exhibition, research, and class requests.
Monitor the storage environment and other conditions in Spooner Hall. Work closely with facilities services to provide access for maintenance activities.
Develop and implement an integrated pest management plan, including monitoring, prevention, and mitigation activities.
Help write and revise collections management policies and procedures and develop and implement disaster preparedness and recovery plans.
Receive objects and prepare Incoming and Outgoing Receipts, including transporting, packing, and unpacking artwork; prepare condition reports.
Conduct periodic inventories of collection and maintain accurate records of object locations.
Collections Data Management – 25%
Work with collection database managers to develop and implement metadata standards for collection objects.
Create new database records for incoming acquisitions, loans, new participants, literature records, etc.
Update and edit database records to ensure the most up to date information is available in both the internal database and online collection and ensure that the data retrieval for the online collection functions properly.
Work with the Global Indigenous Art and Lifeways curator to ensure that the data for that collection is recorded in an appropriate manner and reflective of cultural sensitivity concerns.
Maintain object files.
Research, Exhibitions, and Outreach – 20%
Assist with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance.
Conduct research on collections in the Global Indigenous Art and Lifeways department for the purposes of cataloging, reconciling records, improving artist information, publication, and information sharing with source communities and the general public.
Determine and obtain necessary state, federal, and international permits and permissions for collection activities.
Work as part of collaborative teams to steward and share the collections.
Participate in professional development that benefits the Museum by attending workshops and professional meetings related to collection policies, the physical care of collections, and legal ramifications related to the collections.
Other – 5%
Assist in mentoring staff, interns, and volunteers regarding collection management responsibilities.
Serve on a core team of Spencer staff that responds to building and collection emergencies.
Remain up to date on professional collection management practices, policies, and procedures.
Attend all-staff meetings.
Serve on cross-departmental teams and search committees.
Req ID (Ex: 10567BR) :
29512BR
Disclaimer:
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
Work Schedule:
M-F 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
FLSA Status:
Professional
Contact Information to Applicants:
Sofía Galarza Liu, Head of Collections,
reina@ku.edu
785-864-0146
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree or higher in Anthropology, Art History, Museum Studies or related field.
Three years of museum registration/collection management experience.
Two or more years of experience with a collections database, including data entry, as evidenced by application materials.
Knowledge of professional standards for collections care as evidenced by application materials.
Familiarity with museum legal and ethical issues, particularly with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, as evidenced by application materials.
Experience handling a wide variety of museum collection objects, including ethnographic works, paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and textiles, as evidenced by application materials.
Strong written communication skills as evidenced by application materials.
Employee Class:
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Advertised Salary Range:
$41,300-$58,000
FTE:
1.0
Preferred Qualifications:
Five years museum registration/collection management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (paid, volunteer, or internship).
Familiarity with preventive conservation methods and procedures, including IPM, as evidenced by application materials.
Demonstrated ability to work with very little direct supervision, with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
Previous supervisory experience in a museum setting, with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.
Familiarity with copyright and reproduction permissions.
Demonstrated experience with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance.
Demonstrated ability to communicate well with a broad range of individuals including donors, Indigenous community members, volunteers, artists, faculty, students, and vendors.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Position Overview:
The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas stewards and supports broad public engagement with a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art created across a wide range of time periods, geographic locations, and cultural affiliations. The Collection Manager works closely with the Head of Collection Management, fellow Collection Manager, the Curator of Global Indigenous Art and Lifeways (GIAL), and Exhibition staff to care for the Spencer Museum of Art’s collections, including the approximately 10,000 artworks in the GIAL department (62% North and Central American, 15% African, 9% South American, and 14% Asian, Oceanic, and European). This collection encompasses historical and contemporary artworks across mediums that came to the Museum through a variety of channels, often by people associated with the University.
The Collection Manager is responsible for maintaining the physical well-being and documentation of the collection, contributing research and content knowledge for the GIAL collection and related exhibitions, class visits, scholarly and tribal requests, and conducting public outreach. This position requires frequent interaction with various individuals, including donors, tribal representatives, volunteers, researchers, artists, students, faculty, and vendors. This position requires extensive participation in all grant-funded projects that involve the collections, including building renovations, gallery reinstallations, and storage improvements and conservation.
Reg/Temp:
Regular
Application Review Begins:
10-Jan-2025
Anticipated Start Date:
03-Feb-2025
Additional Candidate Instruction:
A complete online application includes:
Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
Resume.
Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
Only complete applications will be considered.
Application review and deadline date will be on 1/10/2025.
Job Family:
Museum/Arts-KUL
Work Location Assignment:
On-Site
Position Requirements:
The ability to climb stairs and ladders.
The ability to lift objects up to 30 lbs. unassisted.