Position: Collections Manager (Permanent, Regular Part-Time, On-Site)

Reports to: Manager of Curatorial Affairs

The USS Constitution Museum seeks a part-time Collections Manager to join the Curatorial Department, which is responsible for the Museum’s collections, archives, and research library. Under the supervision of the Manager of Curatorial Affairs, this position is responsible for the intellectual and physical well-being of the Museum’s artifacts and accession records. The Collections Manager also contributes to historical research, publications, exhibit development, and special projects.

Responsibilities:

Collections Care

• Accession and catalog artifacts using the collections management database.
• Maintain a complete accession file in both physical and digital formats.
• Research provenance and history of all artifacts and keep up-to-date catalog records.
• Take registration photographs of artifacts and scan records as they are cataloged.
• Write detailed condition reports for artifacts.
• Create proper and safe housing for all artifacts.
• Help remediate problems in the collections storage environment as they arise.
• Propose objects for conservation as necessary and coordinate conservation work with appropriate vendors.
• Manage Integrated Pest Management system.
• Understand the Disaster Preparation and Response Plan, Collections Management Policy, and Preservation Plan. Contribute to regular updates of these documents.
• Maintain the Disaster Recovery Carts.
• Keep the collections areas clean and in good order.
• Assist with the packing and shipping of artifacts.
• Assist with regular collection inventories.

 

Research & Reference

• Answer research inquiries as needed.
• Contribute to curatorial website content, including descriptive and interpretive object content.
• Contribute to research, content development, and writing for publications.
• Search for and identify possible new acquisitions to the collection.
• Help plan Curatorial Committee meetings; including taking meeting notes and participating in object presentations.

 

Exhibits

• Monitor all artifacts on display.
• Rotate objects on view twice annually.
• Assist with content development and installation of exhibits.

 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree or certification in museum studies, or equivalent experience.
• Advanced knowledge of, and experience in, collections management and/or
  collections development.
• Understanding and experience in proper handling and storage of museum-quality artifacts and records.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail, including demonstrated records maintenance skills.
• Demonstrated informational research skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work in multiple projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Google Workspace, and databases. Knowledge of Re:Discovery Proficio and Adobe Creative Cloud a plus.
• Knowledge of American history, American studies, maritime history, or related field preferred.

 

Schedule:
20 hours per week, Monday – Friday. Schedule to be determined upon hiring.

Pay:
Hourly rate of $24. This position is unbenefited.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
Museum staff are required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID- 19 as a condition of employment. The Museum will consider an exemption from the vaccine requirement if they are unable to get vaccinated due to a qualifying medical disability or a sincerely held religious objection. The Museum is not required to provide an accommodation or exemption from the vaccine requirement if doing so would pose a direct threat to others in the workplace or would create an undue hardship for the Museum.

How to Apply:
Qualified applicants should email a cover letter and resume to Kate Monea at kmonea@usscm.org. No phone calls, please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application Due Date:
Please submit application materials by July 30, 2023.

About the USS Constitution Museum:
The USS Constitution Museum is a private, non-profit organization that serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution, by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of “Old Ironsides” and people associated with the ship.

The USS Constitution Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all.