The Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. It is encyclopedic in nature with strong holdings across all media, all traditions and all ages.  The Art Institute is particularly recognized for its extraordinary Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary and American collections, among other aspects of its holdings.  In addition to housing its permanent collection, it typically stages 35-40 special exhibitions a year.  In 2014, it was named by Trip Advisor travelers as the number one museum in the world, a remarkable recognition that speaks not only to the quality of the collection but to the entirety of the visitor experience.

The Art Institute welcomes between 1,400,000 and 1,800,000 visitors a year and has a membership of 100,000.  The museum has an annual operating budget of approximately $110 million.

Founded in 1879, the Art Institute grew with the success of Chicago and quickly attained world class stature given the strength of its collection.  The Art Institute has expanded several times in its history, most recently and notably with the opening in 2009 of the 264,000 square foot Modern Wing designed by internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano.  The addition has been critically important to the museum as it not only provided much needed gallery space, but also allowed the Art Institute to reorganize its galleries to present the collection in a more logical and accessible fashion.  The new addition also includes one of the largest education facilities at any museum and this center has allowed the Art Institute to expand its already impressive array of offerings.

We are currently seeking a Collections Manager who will be:

Responsible for accuracy of new and existing records and documents of art works in the permanent collection.

Working in consultation with curatorial and conservation staff, enters information into CITI in a consistent fashion, reviews the information for consistency and accuracy, and makes corrections and updates.

Responsible for planning the selection of objects for and coordinating the photography portion of the ongoing catalogue project, working in close collaboration with the conservation staff, Photographer, and Department Chair.

Facilitates new publication of object information to the website.

Manages progress and reports on project status to the Department.

Assists with creating and updating material in permanent collection files.

Provides research support to curators in regard to the permanent collection.

Assists with handling, movement and tracking of the collection and collection related material as needed.

Performs other duties as required.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

Masters in art history or related subject required.   Museum, gallery, and/or collection management experience preferred.  Experience with handling of historical textiles and/or costume is desirable.  Extensive knowledge of historical textiles and/or costume a plus.  Strong organizational skills and attention to detain essential.  Must have very strong research and cataloguing skills.   Experience with museum object records and CITI or other collection management system desirable.  Must be proficient in MAC-based platforms.

Special Project Position

This is a full time Special Projects position ending June 2016, with the possibility of a two year extension.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

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