Classification: Temporary, 1 year position
Work Schedule: Flexible, 30-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Reports to: Curator

Description:

While the museum remains closed to the public in 2017, it will undergo a strategic planning process with focused attention towards how the collection aligns with its mission and future moving forward. The Registrar/Collections Manager will play a crucial role in this process, working towards completing an accurate inventory and catalog of the collection, as well as establishing clear ownership and title of collection items.

Duties:
Oversee the proper documentation and care of the museum’s collections (including archives and Reference Library) in accordance with museum “Standards and Best Practices,” as put forth by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).

  • Complete an inventory of the collection, currently in-progress
  • Create and maintain object and vendor documentation and files, as well as digital files and photographs related to the collection
  • Determine status of museum ownership for collection items by reviewing museum records
  • Establish records of ownership for Found in Collection (FIC) items
  • Accession and catalog collection items; assigning accession and/or catalog numbers to all objects in the collection and creating accurate and precise entries in Past Perfect, the museum’s collection management database.

Develop cataloging solutions to improve systems of record and accuracy of collection data.

Maintain and oversee condition, housing, and transportation of collection items.

Prepare reports for Collection Management Committee meetings and assist with drafting new forms and paperwork, as needed.

Other Duties:

  • Oversee and help facilitate a preservation assessment of the collection by an outside professional, which will lead to the eventual creation of a Preventative Conservation Plan.
  • Work with Curator, Executive Director, and Collections Committee in reviewing, updating, and drafting policies and procedures related to collections management, including updating the Collections Management Policy.
  • Support Curator as needed in collection research, refining a scope of collections, and creating a vision for collection development in relation to institutional planning.
  • Performs other collection duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in history, art history, library science, museum studies or related field.
Master’s Degree is a plus.

2-5 years of experience in a museum environment involving collection registrar work and/or collections management, as well as object handling.

Extensive knowledge of collections handling techniques, as well as AAM-recommended museum practices and ethical standards.
Experience with collection/documentary photography and construction of basic housing for documents, books, and artifacts is a plus.

Proficiency using collection management software (such as TMS or Past Perfect) and knowledge of museum cataloging standards and registration techniques. Proficiency in working with Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Google SketchUp is a plus.

Willing and interested in working with collection records and computer database for long hours over extended periods of time, as well as able to use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and respect donor privacy.

Capable of working independently, but also adept at working in a team/collaborative environment, including working with and possibly overseeing volunteers and interns.

Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, including the ability to present information in a variety of formats, as well as demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

Interest and experience with letterpress printing, graphic design, digital technology and/or library science is a major plus.

Must have a valid driver’s license and able to lift 30 pounds.

Compensation:

Commensurate with experience and education. Temporary, full-time, 30 – 40 hours/week. The Museum of Printing History dba The Printing Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply:

Please direct all inquiries to Keelin Burrows, Curator. To apply, please send a current resume, a letter of interest, and the contact information for 3 professional references to Keelin Burrows, Curator at kburrows@printingmuseum.org. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by Wednesday, January 18, 2016. For more information about The Printing Museum please visit www.printingmuseum.org and for more information about the museum’s collections visit http://printingmuseum.org/collections/.

About us:

For nearly 35 years, the Museum has promoted, preserved, and shared the knowledge of printed communication and art as the greatest contributors to the development of the civilized world and the continuing advancement of freedom and literacy.

Each year, over 10,000 visitors experience the history of printing technologies and how those technologies were used by men and women to make a lasting impact on the world. Visitors also explore both historical and contemporary aspects of printing through temporary exhibitions and special events. We also provide an opportunity for people to excel at the craft and art of printing through workshops, seminars and our annual Summer Book Arts Studio.