Collection Manager – Costume and Textile [Chicago History Museum]

FLSA STATUS: Exempt – Professional
JOB SUMMARY:
The Collection Manager is responsible for the processing, inventory, and housing of
the Costume and Textile collection to facilitate preservation and access; ensures the
Costume and Textile materials are handled, preserved, stored, and exhibited in a
safe and prudent manner according to professional and institutional standards; and
facilitates internal and external access to and use of the collection.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
 Develop in-depth knowledge of the collection’s scope, condition, and
organization of the collection, including storage needs and associated
documentation
 Work with Curators to assess potential acquisitions and prepare acquisition
proposals
 Process accessioned materials, including re-housing, storage, cataloging and
documentation
 Coordinate and/or arrange for transportation of new acquisitions to CHM property
and the return/disposal of unwanted materials in accordance with established
procedures
 Develop and implement collection inventory protocols
 Coordinate and participate in the movement of collection items for exhibition,
photography, research, and conservation purposes, including tracking the
movement of collection materials
 Participate in the development of institutional policies, procedures and strategies
governing the use of and access to the collection
 Collaborate with other departments to facilitate access to and use of the
collection to meet institutional goals and support CHM programmatic activities as
directed
 Assist, guide, and orient researchers in their use of CHM’s holding and direct
them to pertinent documentation and related material within CHM as well as
other institutions
 Continuously monitor condition and security of storage areas, including
housekeeping and pest management to maintain a secure, stable, and pest-free
environment and work with Conservators and Facilities to resolve issues
 Maintain and track supplies for collection storage
 Provide assistance during exhibition installations and rotations Contribute to the identification of objects for deaccession; help plan and
implement the disposal process
 Participate in the planning and implementation of large-scale collection moves,
digitization initiatives, and other special projects related to the collections,
including contributing to grant writing activity to support these initiatives
 Perform routine gallery maintenance
Contribute to and promote a positive culture at CHM.
OTHER DUTIES:
 Conduct tours of storage areas and provide access to holdings for educational
and fundraising activities
 Recruit, train, supervise and mentor interns, work study students, and volunteers
 Assist with outgoing loans as needed, including paperwork, condition reports,
packing, and shipping
 Help prepare objects for display, including the creation and alteration of mounts
 Assist in developing informational brochures, finding aids, lists and other topical
guides to CHM holdings
 Respond to telephone, e-mail, and written requests
 Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
 M. A. in Costume History, Museum Studies (Costume/Textile), or related field
 Minimum two years paid experience handling and cataloguing costume and
textile materials in a museum/library setting; some sewing and mount making
experience preferred
 Experience working in teams, as well as independently, and meeting
departmental goals
 Strong subject knowledge in costume history and preservation
 Knowledge of museum/archival practices and procedures, with costume
cataloging experience preferred
 Knowledge of conservation issues and policies
 Experience with relevant technologies, including literacy in commonly used
computer applications, database experience, and excellent keyboarding skills
 Excellent oral and written communication skills
 Excellent memory and attention to detail
 Valid driver’s license
 Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighing up to 40
pounds
 Ability to ascend and descend ladders and lifts
 Ability to balance multiple tasks/responsibilities/demands for time.
 Ability to deal diplomatically and effectively with all constituencies.
 Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends
 Commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History
MuseumSALARY and BENEFITS
Salary is competitive; Excellent benefit package.
Please upload cover letter, resume with salary history, and the names and phone
numbers of three work references in 1 document to the “resume” tab at:
https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=6276141
SALARY HISTORY REQUIRED- RESUMES SUBMITTED WITHOUT ABOVE
LISTED MATERIALS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED Background check required
EOE M/F/D/V No phone calls
lease