Collections Manager [The Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL]

Description 

COLLECTIONS MANAGER

History of Astronomy 

Join us in inspiring exploration and understanding of the Universe!  The Adler Planetarium has an opportunity available for a Collections Manager responsible for the documentation, care, and preservation of objects in the Adler Planetarium’s historical collections and for the management of collections-related activities of the History of Astronomy Department.

The Adler Planetarium boasts one of the largest and most significant collections of historic scientific instruments in the world. The collections also include rare and modern books, works on paper, photography, paintings, models, and archives. The Adler’s Webster Institute is responsible for holding and maintaining these collections. This individual will be responsible for the Adler’s institutional archives and other archival collections, will administrate the Webster Institute’s library, and participate actively in the use and promotion of archival and library material in our public programs, special events, social media and digital projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the preservation and safekeeping of collections, including maintaining environmental stability, performing conservation reviews, assessing storage conditions, overseeing movement of objects, managing inventory control and security measures in artifact storage areas and exhibition cases.
• Serve as Registrar of the collection maintaining records on collections, acquisitions, loans, de-accessioning, inventory, and storage.
• Supervise and organize access to the collections.
• Coordinate conservation activities. Oversee conservation work by staff and conservation contractors.
• Prepare for installation of artifacts, works on paper and rare books in all exhibitions. Plan and execute artifact preparation for internal exhibitions and loans.
• Supervise and organize access to the collections. This includes access by staff, contractors, and visitors including group and individual tours.
• Oversee all activity related to incoming and outgoing loans. Acts as primary courier for all outgoing loans to borrowing institutions.
• Oversees budget for collections management activities. Identify grant opportunities, and work with Adler staff to write grants in support of collections activities.

Education and Experience

• BA, BS, BFA in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in a similar museum collection, including museum documentation, collections care, object handling, exhibition preparation, computer literacy.
• Collections management databases, Word processing programs, Spreadsheet programs, Imaging software (Photoshop, InDesign).
• Experience with MINISIS Mint preferred.
• Well-organized, ability to handle artifacts with care, good supervisory skills, good communication skills, sound judgment and problem-solving skills, flexibility to handle last-minute requests and guests.

The mission of the Adler Planetarium is to inspire exploration and understanding of our universe. The museum strives to engage the public in space science and history, and develop innovative approaches that improve science, math and technology literacy.  The Adler Planetarium is located on Chicago’s beautiful lakefront museum campus.

For more information and to apply, visit our website:

http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/jobs