Posted July 31, 2014.

Colgate University is seeking a Museum Head Registar to be responsible for overseeing the care for the Picker Art Gallery’s (PAG) and Longyear Musem of Anthropology’s (LMA) permanent collections of 27,000 objects in their current facilities, and in anticipation for the future Center for Art and Culture (CAC), designed by architect David Adjaye, and to be located in downtown Hamilton, New York. This is a 2 year, full time temporary position with benefits.

Essential Functions will include:

Plan the efficient move of the collections into the Center for Art and Culture and recommend storage facilities appropriate to both collections (PAG/LMA).
Assist in the design of the storage areas and be an advocate for the collections.
In collaboration with the PAG/LMA team, provide leadership to implement the curatorial research results (provenance; exhibition records) into the database, transfer FileMakerPro (LMA’s database) into TMS (PGA’s database), implement eMuseum (release of complete individual catalog entries online), administer the museum’s TMS digital assets, and establish consistency in their associated metadata.

Policies/Procedures:
Follow museum best practices; recommend, develop and implement necessary collections management policies and establish visitor guidelines for the Print Study Room and other areas pertinent to the collections.

Collections Documentation:
Demonstrated knowledge of current best practices and standards in the field (art handling, packing, shipping and policies).
Demonstrated ability to advocate for broader use of collection management system.
Successfully administer the museum’s digital assets and establish accuracy and consistency in their associated metadata.
Facilitate ongoing development and administration of the collections information systems.
Develop and oversee museum-wide training; develop web-based collections search systems.
Serve as a primary contact for technology support of collections information systems to initiate effective campus-wide use on the web.
Produce and manage object documentation (including audio, video, and images) and integrate this documentation into the collection management system.
Review and evaluate the registration and catalog system for applicability, consistency and operation; recommend changes in record keeping procedures to achieve maximum accessibility to the collection. Prepare acquisition reports for review of curatorial and administrative staff, and develop departmental budget.
Oversee the maintenance and update of all aspects storage (on and off-site). Oversee coordinating and scheduling visiting appraisers, conservators, scholars, faculty and students (and the use of the Print Study Room).

Database/Metadata:
Demonstrated familiary with data and metadata standards including Dublin Core and CDWA Lite preferred. Knowledge of museum registration practices and related art handling and understanding of intellectual property laws with respect to visual arts and rights and reproduction practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is required; master of arts in art history and/or museum studies preferred; preference also given to candidates with MLIS or museum studies with collections information management focus.
Must have knowledge of current cataloging best practices and standards including Cataloging Culture Objects (CCO), etc.
A minimum of 5-7 years of verifiable museum registration experience is required.
Experience working with art and artifacts across cultures and centuries required.
Knowledge of and experience with collection management databases such as FileMakerPro and TMS required; eMuseum preferred.
Must be capable of working collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff and students on a daily basis.
Must possess prior supervisory experience.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and to meet timelines in a deadline-driven environment is essential.
Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; attention to detail a must.
Colgate University is a highly selective residential liberal arts institution located in the quaint village of Hamilton, NY. Distinguished by academic excellence and interdisciplinary inquiry, Colgate takes pride in the active engagement of its students and faculty in local, national and global communities. Colgate currently enrolls approximately 2,850 undergraduates. As one of the largest national liberal arts colleges, Colgate offers 53 majors to its students.

Colgate is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student population. We strive to be an inclusive community – one that embraces and values diversity in an environment of mutual respect, communication and engagement. We acknowledge that in order to fulfill our aspirations, we must free ourselves from personal biases, ingrained social stereotypes, and institutionalized forms of discrimination. While we recognize that there are challenges in the experience of diversity, we seek to face them in a spirit of growth and learning.

Hamilton, NY – Conveniently located in the heart of Central New York

The university is located in the village of Hamilton, a community of about 3,000 residents who enjoy the downtown’s ambience, art galleries, and restaurants, and who take pride in the many homes and public buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The village is an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, anchored by the Colgate Inn on the north end of the village green. The green, with its gazebo, fountains, and sitting areas, serves as a gathering place for students and residents as well as home to an active farmers market, symphony concerts, and the annual Fourth of July parade.

The village activities are complemented by the wide range of events offered at the university, which is a short walk or a quick ride from campus on the Colgate Cruiser.

Lake Moraine is just north of Hamilton and provides good boating options, while the beautiful rolling hills, ponds, and open spaces provide many stress-free routes for bicycling, jogging, and hiking. A unique balance of small size, natural beauty, and varied cultural opportunities gives our students, faculty, and staff an inviting and tight-knit place to call home.

For more information about the Hamilton area, please visit http://www.visithamiltonny.com.

Colgate, an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, is committed to developing and sustaining a diverse faculty, student body, and staff to further the university’s academic mission. Women and candidates from historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Please visit our careers site to submit an application, view our comprehensive benefits package and learn more about working at Colgate at https://careers.colgate.edu.