Posted June 11, 2014

The Collections Manager and Registrar oversees all aspects of AMOCA’s permanent collection of approximately 7,000 artworks and oversees all facets of the Roger and Helen Porter Ceramic Library that comprises 4,199 volumes.  Reporting to the Executive Director, he/she is responsible for the acquisition and deaccessioning artwork and library resources in accordance with established policy as well as for cataloguing, storing, conserving, caring for and ensuring public access to both collections.  AMOCA is committed to achieving and maintaining best practices in all areas and is working toward AAM accreditation.

 

Specific Responsibilities

  • Develop a timeline for cataloguing the portion of the collection that is not yet indexed.  Catalog collection and new acquisitions.  Maintain collection management database and manage the input of data, including digital images.
  • Conduct collection research.  Provide information and access to the collection for researchers, the public and other staff working with the collections for educational and public program purposes.
  • Make recommendations to the Executive Director regarding the design of the collections storage area.  Monitor environmental conditions in the collections storage areas and ensure that these areas are organized and clean.  Coordinate object restoration projects.
  • Train, oversee and participate in the evaluation of the work of the Collections Coordinator.  Recruit, train and oversee department volunteers and interns.
  • Respond to departmental telephone inquiries and correspondence, prepare Board materials as directed, and perform various data entry activities pertaining to the collection.
  • Secure images and non-exclusive licenses for permanent collection artworks and new acquisitions.  Process rights and reproduction requests.
  • Coordinate the museum’s fine arts insurance coverage.
  • Implement the portions of the museum’s emergency preparedness policy that relate to the collections.
  • Manage correspondence and logistics associated with loans to the museum including loan agreements, loan records, insurance, shipments, and collections reports.
  • In consultation with the Executive Director, draft the collections component of AMOCA’s strategic plan and develop/implement an annual operational plan.
  • Assist the advancement department in conceptualizing and drafting grant proposals and budgets; assist in developing relations with existing and prospective donors.
  • Staff the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Directors: schedule meetings, draft agendas, take minutes, and perform related administrative tasks as required.
  • Provide administrative support for exhibition publications, and assist with all aspects of exhibition preparation, implementation, and archiving.
  • Contribute to the collection pages of the AMOCA website.
  • Manage the museum’s photo studio.

Qualifications/Skills

  • Minimum of 3-5 years of museum registration experience or equivalent with fine arts organization.
  • Post graduate degree in related field.
  • Excellent project management skills.
  • High level of written and oral communication skills.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of standard museum and conservation/preservation practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of and experience with collection database software.
  • Knowledge of copyright, fair use and licensing in regards to the visual arts.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, IPhoto, Filemaker or other archival management software.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility.
  • Proven ability to work independently and with a team, manage multiple concurrent projects, and meet deadlines.

About AMOCA

 

Founded in 2001 and opened in September 2004, AMOCA is one of the few museums in the United States devoted exclusively to ceramic art and historic innovations in ceramic technology. Its permanent collection includes more than 7,000 works.  The museum has more than 50,000 square feet of space for exhibitions, storage, a museum store, a studio, and preparatory areas.  It is located in an area abounding with ceramic history and internationally recognized clay artists from the Arts and Crafts Movement, the 1960s Clay Revolution, and the current Studio Pottery Era.

AMOCA is located in an urban downtown district where art is an important element of the continuing and successful community revitalization program. The home community consists of a rich ethnic mix and a large academic constituency with The Claremont Colleges, the University of La Verne, and California State Polytechnic University located within a five mile radius.  The museum is located 30 miles east of Los Angeles and Pasadena.

AMOCA has enjoyed remarkable accomplishments during its first 10 years.  It has attracted a talented, energetic staff, an enviable permanent collection and physical plant, and an exhibition  history that has received national acclaim.

In its second decade, AMOCA will continue to champion the art, history, creation, and technology of ceramics through exhibitions, collections, outreach and studio programming.  As an organization of vision, devoted to the arts, the museum believes that visual art experiences communicated through professional artists, workshops and gallery exhibitions promote cross-cultural understanding and provide new perspectives and insights that enrich our lives.

To Apply
Please email, in PDF or Word format, your cover letter and resume to search@amoca.org.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Salary is commensurate with experience.

AMOCA is an equal opportunity employer.