The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College is seeking a full-time Assistant Collections Manager to join a team of museum professionals charged with the functional care of 19,000 works of art and associated intellectual data. The Art Center’s collection spans all media ranging in date from antiquity to contemporary. The successful candidate will be highly organized and detail-oriented with an ability to work with part-time work-study students from diverse backgrounds in a team-based, collegial work environment.

Principal duties:

Reporting to the registrar/collections manager, the assistant collections manager will be primarily responsible for making all objects accessible. S/he will determine the best methods for handling and housing all media as well as train and supervise students to assist. The assistant collections manager must design and administer regular collection assessments according to the range of media and unique housing and handling requirements of the 19,000 works of art. Additionally, s/he will be responsible for working with the contract photographer and overseeing all digital imaging sessions. S/he will coordinate the activities related to the digital image workflow and archive, as well as manage rights and reproductions. Other primarily exhibition-related duties include working with the preparator to prepare, install and deinstall exhibits using professional standards as outlined by the AAM, as well as work with the assistant registrar documenting the condition of incoming and outgoing works of art.

This position is a full-time, 12 month/year position and is eligible for full Vassar College administrator benefits, such as health insurance, retirement, and paid vacation.

Potential candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in studio art or art history with at least 1-2 years experience working with art objects in a gallery/museum setting. S/he should also have a good working knowledge of collections management databases (preferably TMS) and image archiving software. Experience with rights and reproductions, and familiarity with copyright law would be additional assets. The candidate must be adept at working both collaboratively and independently as well as comfortable working on multiple projects at any one time. Some heavy lifting may be required as well as occasional extended and/or weekend hours during exhibition installations.

 

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