Director of Material Culture [Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI]

Description

BASIC PURPOSE

The Director of Material Culture (DMC) serves as the leader of the Collections Department.  This position directs staff and activities that are responsible for research, conservation, presentation, collections care, exhibition planning and implementation, acquisitions, loans, as well as day-to-day management and care of the material culture collection of Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.  The DMC manages the physical (storage, handling, access, etc.) and intellectual (records, finding guides, inventories, appraisals, etc.) control of the collection.

This position serves as the leadership for Ford House staff to ensure responsible use and accessibility of the collection in fulfilling the site’s education and programming objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Conducts and manages research on the provenance and historical context of the collection in order to maximize the potential of the collection in furthering the interpretive goals of the site, including a furnishings plan that documents the presentations of the museum rooms over time.  Oversees both the research and object files to ensure accessibility and intellectual depth.

Develops and implements policies and procedures for the access, handling, and cleaning of the collection according to professional standards and ensures that these are properly carried out.

Oversees and documents all physical movement of collection items.

Responsible for the storage and display environments, including climate and pest control, and makes recommendations for improvements of same.

Responsible for the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive and accurate record keeping system, including accession logs, photographs, condition reports, inventories, appraisals, loan forms, and other documentation relating to the physical description, location, condition, and site history of collections and archives owned by or loaned to Ford House.

Monitors rights and reproduction of collection images.

Coordinates regular appraisals of the collection to ensure accurate values for insurance purposes.

Manages conservation efforts, including using condition surveys and inventories to assess and prioritize conservation needs, recommending conservators, and planning and supervising conservation projects.   Manages internal conservation efforts and collection care.

Manages and supervises the collection care technicians ensuring that work is performed at highest standards.  Hires, trains, monitors and evaluates the work of the collection care technicians and makes recommendations for their compensation.  Oversees interiors of historic buildings on the estates including the main house, cottages, garage, playhouse, powerhouse, and recreation buildings to ensure cleanliness and overall presentation for the benefit of the public and the safety of the collection.

Manages exhibition program including concept and content development, associated budgets and timeline supervision.  Works in partnership with the Education & Visitor Experience Department as it pertains to program development associated with exhibitions.  Oversees all collections on exhibition at the property.

Develops, recommends, and manages the department budget in a manner that ensures efficient and effective use of resources.

Serves as a resource to Ford House staff as to the provenance, historical context and safe handling of the collection.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with major in museum studies, American studies, history, art history or related filed, a master’s degree is preferred.

Three to five years of previous curatorial/collections/registrarial experience in an historic house, museum or similar organization; management level experience preferred.

Extensive knowledge of collections management methodology, processes and procedures.

Computer proficiency including working knowledge of computerized database systems, preferably Past Perfect.

Excellent interpersonal, writing, speaking, and organization skills; attention to detail.

Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and work well independently.

Demonstrated ability to successfully manage and direct a staff of 2 – 4 people and a corps of interns and volunteers.

Collegial approach to the workplace, demonstrated ability to work alongside staff and interact effectively with co-workers, vendors, and the public.

Submit resume’ and salary requirements to jobsearch@fordhouse.org with Director Material Culture in subject line.