The position of Chief of Operations-Senior Curator will oversee the day-to-day operations of the museum, maintaining a presence in the museum when it is open to the public. This position maintains building grounds, security, serves as building coordinator and primary contact for facilities issues. This position will also work with a variety of departments to coordinate and evaluate Museum operations, policies, procedures and to ensure proper maintenance and safety procedures are implemented to safeguard staff, visitors and museum property. This position frequently requires flexibility in the daily routine to meet the needs of the museum. This position requires that the individual be approachable, responsible, and work independently and with a variety of staff, vendors as well as the general public. This position will manage collections, and research and execute exhibition initiatives. The position will be tasked with managing the care and organization of the museum collection, exhibition installation.  The position includes research and writing of grants to support museum initiatives. The position requires adherence to accepted museum policies and procedures. Occasional evening and weekend work required. This position requires confidentiality, understanding, and high ethical standards. Excellent public-interpersonal verbal and written communication, time management, organizational and computer skills are required.  The Chief of Operations-Senior Curator works under the general direction of the GSM Heritage Center Executive Director, and acts as museum manager in Executive Director’s absence.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

  • Organizes collection and archival information in existing storage facilities
  • Installs changing exhibits – hanging and display, forms, labels, lights, etc.
  • Maintains collection records, inventory, loans, photographic materials, donor records, artist files, and other legal documentation relating to the collection.
  • Maintains climate control records
  • Processes museum collection into an electronic database
  • Performs research and writing on select objects within the collection
  • Assists in pubic programming and education programming
  • Conducts public presentations
  • Maintains building grounds, security, serves as building coordinator and primary contact for facilities issues.
  • Develops operating policies and procedures and directs the work operations including building maintenance.
  • Secures and protects the museum’s assets, including facilities and equipment.
  • Implements general policies established by the Board of Directors and management; directs their administration and execution.
  • Coordinates development of operating and capital budgets according to the budget calendar; monitors monthly and other financial statements for the museum; takes effective corrective action as required.
  • Provides advice and recommendations to the Executive Director and committees about construction, alterations, maintenance, materials, supplies, equipment and services not provided in approved plans and/or budgets.
  • Consistently ensures that the museum is operated in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal laws.
  • Monitor and maintain museum’s physical plant including HVAC, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Provide facility maintenance and repair on both an as needed and regularly scheduled basis throughout the Museum owned facilities by conducting regular inspections of buildings and grounds making recommendations for improvements and repairs.
  • Contributes to the leadership and overall effectiveness of the museum by attending all management meetings, participates in discussions, and supports the museum’s decision making process.
  • Maintains as-built plans for facility and consults with necessary contractors to plan for future facilities improvements inside and outside the museum; overseeing work and managing costs and time.
  • Reports employee/staff infractions to the Executive Director for necessary action
  • Works closely with multiple departments to determine demands of new exhibitions, programming and special events, including but not limited to effective lighting, plumbing, electrical, audio-visual needs, etc., collaborating to design practical solutions to meet the requirements within time and budget.
  • Establish and maintain good working relationships with vendors, outside contractors, firms and individuals providing services to the museum, such as police, fire, and other governmental agencies.
  • Effectively manage and lead large tour groups, volunteer groups and events.
  • Assist with opening and closing of museum as needed.
  • Hires, trains and manages all Janitorial/ Maintenance staff.
  • Develop, coach and lead the custodial/maintenance staff by fostering a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and the diversity of styles and thinking.
  • Establishes and approves workloads and performance standards.
  • Ensures proper cleanliness and sanitation of all museum facilities and environments.
  • Coordinates all ordering and usage of janitorial supplies and chemical
  • Handles emergencies such as fires, accidents and breaches of security or house rules promptly and in person.
  • Provide assistance at Special Events as necessary.

OTHER DUTIES:
Performs other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
  • 3-5 Prior experience in a museum or collecting institution is required. Prior experience with collections care, management and registration methods is preferred. Prior experience handling and exhibiting artifacts is preferred.
  • Ability to communicate in both oral and written form for a variety of audiences, including with the general public.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required.
  • Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems is highly preferred.