The Bostonian Society seeks an experienced Collections Manager, who will play a key role in reshaping the Society’s artifact collection.  The incumbent has primary responsibility for the artifact collections of the Bostonian Society, overseeing the care, preservation, and handling of all materials, as well as managing  their documentation, storage, research access, and responsible display.  In addition, the Collections Manager will actively support the Society’s ongoing work in assessing the condition and significance of collections, defining the desired shape of collections, developing a collecting plan to create greater depth in the era of the American Revolution, as well as in thematic areas central to new exhibits currently being developed for Boston’s Old State House.  An entrepreneurial mindset, excellent project management skills, and an ability to work both independently and in a team setting will be essential.

Reports to:  Director of Public History

Areas of responsibility

Collections – The Collections Manager:

  • Oversees the long-term, strategic planning of the Society’s artifact collection;
  • Maintains and implements the Society’s Collections Policy, and recommends new policies with an eye toward improving the care and use of the collections;
  • Ensures that the preservation and conservation needs of the Society’s artifact collection are met;
  • Maintains appropriate collections records, including the collections database and object files;
  • Works with the Executive Director and Director of Public History to define the desired shape of the collections, develop a Collecting Plan, and identify materials that are least and most important in adhering to this shape and implementing the plan, through a program of assessment, deaccessioning, acquisitions, and board engagement;
  • Maintains a knowledge of, and relevant contacts in the art market;
  • Manages the documentary, ethical, legal, and logistical aspects of accessioning and deaccessioning artifacts;
  • Develops annual budgets for the care and management of the collections and all special collections projects;
  • Administers incoming and outgoing loans;
  • Monitors pest management and environmental conditions in storage and exhibition areas;
  • Works with the Finance Director to ensure that the collections are appropriately insured;
  • Serves on the Society’s Disaster Team; and
  • Advances a public and scholarly understanding of the collection, by providing access to the collection to researchers, by responding to reference requests, and by conducting object research.

Exhibits – The Collections Manager:

  • Maintains and observes environmental levels in galleries;
  • Fabricates or works with designers and conservators to prepare object mounts and installations;
  • Oversees installation and de-installation of exhibits, and helps with in-house fabrication when necessary.

Outreach and Education – The Collections Manager:

  • Supports public programs and gallery activities involving artifacts, research, and fabrication as necessary;
  • Presents occasional gallery talks;
  • Recruits and supervises interns and volunteers, as needed; and
  • Works to increase the visibility of the collections by writing occasional entries for the Society’s blog, other social media platforms, or journal.

Physical requirements:

The work of this position takes place primarily in a normal office environment. Incumbent must possess the ability to work in a three-story historic structure that does not have elevators, and must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Qualifications: 

Responsibilities will ordinarily require:

  • A Master’s degree in Museum Studies or a related field;
  • A minimum of three years of experience in collections management and direct object care;
  • Historical research skills;
  • Familiarity with best practices in collections care;
  • Knowledge of HVAC systems;
  • Knowledge of, and facility with collections database software, including Excel and Re:discovery;
  • Strong organizational and project management skills;
  • Experience with object preparation, exhibit fabrication, and display techniques; and
  • A valid driver’s license.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample (1-2 pp.).  The writing sample may be a condition report, research summary, blog entry, exhibition text, policy document, or other relevant form.

Send applications to hr@bostonhistory.org.  Applications will be accepted through Sunday, August 28, 2016.

For more information about the Bostonian Society and the Old State House, see www.bostonhistory.org.