Description

Job Summary: 

The Collections Manager will maintain records of storage, exhibit, and loan locations of all objects in the collection for use of establishment personnel, insurance representatives and other persons utilizing the Meadows Art Museum.  This position will develop and implement collections and archives management policies.  The Collection Manager will also assist with handling, packing and inspecting all objects entering or leaving the Museum.

Essential Functions:

  • Maintains records of storage, exhibit, and loan locations of all objects in collection for use of establishment personnel, insurance representatives, and other persons utilizing facilities.
  • Maintains the Collections database, including input of data, standardization of information and cross check.
  • Assists with incoming and outgoing paperwork for exhibitions and loans.
  • Arranges for insurance of objects on loan or special exhibition, or recommends insurance coverage on parts of or entire collection.
  • Develop and implement collections and archives management policies and activities based on best practices.
  • Create access tools, guides and finding aids. 
  • Assists with handling, packing, movement, and inspection of all objects entering or leaving establishment, including traveling exhibits, and confers with other personnel to develop and initiate most practical methods of packing and shipping fragile or valuable objects.
  • Assist with installations, courier trips, and deliveries.
  • Oversee and train interns, part-time staff and volunteers.
  • Manages certifications regarding the shipping of artwork (i.e., applications through Spanish government for export, Fish and Wildlife importation permits (CITES), and US Indemnity application).
  • Participate in Museum programs and activities.
Requirements

Education and Experience:  

Bachelor’s Degree is required; prefer emphasis in Art History.  Master’s Degree is preferred.

A minimum of five years professional museum registration work in a fine arts museum is required.  Two years supervisory experience is preferred.  Previous art handling experience is a plus.  Experience with digital photography and archiving is a plus.

Fluency in Spanish, including reading, writing, and speaking is desirable. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and positively with a wide range of constituencies.  Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing. Professional demeanor and communication skills are essential.

Database computer skills and accurate record keeping are crucial.

Candidate will also possess highly developed organizational skills that include multi-tasking and the ability to manage multiple forms of information in an orderly fashion.

Candidate must have the ability to carefully handle fragile, valuable art collection.

Candidate must demonstrate strong problem solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems as well as devise solutions.  Must also be able to work independently as well as to work collaboratively.

Candidate must possess ability to manage concurrent projects and handle multiple priorities at once.

Must also have a strong focus on attention to detail.

Strong project management skills are essential.

Candidate must be able to effectively train and supervise others.

Candidate must be prepared to work in both office and gallery settings, have the ability to adjust to new situations rapidly, travel for up to two weeks at a time, and have a reliable work ethic.

Physical/Environmental Demands: 

This position must bend, reach above shoulders, carry/lift over 25-50 lbs., squat, climb, kneel, handle objects (dexterity) stand, push/pull, walk for long distances, sit for long periods of time, and work around moving machinery.

This position is open until filled.

TO APPLY: Please visit our website www.smu.jobs and select staff careers from the right-hand side menu to access the online application. Click on Staff Career Opportunities and apply to Job ID#: 900948.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.  The Executive  Director for  Access  and  Equity/Title  IX1   Coordinator  is  designated  to  handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies,  including  the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.  Inquiries   regarding   the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.

Job Information
  • Dallas, Texas, 75206, United States
  • 28102816
  • April 19, 2016
  • Collections Manager
  • Southern Methodist University
  • Registrar/Collections Management
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • 5-7 Years
  • 10-25%

About Southern Methodist University

About SMU

The University

As a private, comprehensive university enriched by its United Methodist heritage and its partnership with the Dallas Metroplex, Southern Methodist University seeks to enhance the intellectual, cultural, technological, ethical and social development of a diverse student body. SMU offers undergraduate programs centered on the liberal arts and excellent graduate, professional and continuing education programs. The SMU experience also includes abundant opportunities for research experience, international study, leadership development, and local, national, and global service and internships – all with the goal of preparing students to be contributing citizens and leaders for our state, nation and world.

SMU comprises seven degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Meadows School of the Arts (performing, visual, and communication arts), School of Engineering, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology, and School of Education and Human Development. Total fall 2009 enrollment was 10,891.

Why Work at SMU?

Employment opportunities at SMU range from faculty members to professional staff to support services – all equally supportive of the mission and direction of the University. Employees can gain satisfaction in knowing that they are helping, in their own ways, to complete the educational experience for a myriad of students. For that, SMU seeks to offer competitive salaries and a broad array of benefits. Options include – but are not limited to – comprehensive medical benefits, retirement plan with immediate vesting, 100 percent tuition benefits, athletic and recreational privileges, and some on-site day care.

Campus

· Dallas campus – 74 buildings on 210 acres
· SMU-in-Legacy – 4 buildings on 25 acres, north of Dallas in Plano
· SMU-in-Taos – 26 buildings on 295 acres in Northern New Mexico

Work/Life Balance

The University also is committed to its Work/Life Balance Program that focuses on innovative ways to help employees balance work life and personal life. Cultural development includes free or reduced-price tickets for theater and dance performances, lectures and museum exhibitions on campus. The Wellness Program promotes a healthy lifestyle through coordinated exercise programs, free health screenings, CPR training and lectures ranging from nutrition issues to stress reduction. Employees are invited to participate in activities such as volleyball and bowling leagues, choir and intramural sports. The SMU Staff Association coordinates luncheons, lectures and a Staff Development Day. Employees also are encouraged to update and polish their work skills through regularly scheduled technology training and career guidance. In addition, employees can fulfill a desire to participate in volunteer or community service by joining coworkers on various projects such as Meals-on-Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

The Setting

The campus is nestled in a traditional residential neighborhood five miles north of downtown Dallas. SMU’s spacious park-like campus features red brick buildings of Collegiate Georgian architecture and beautiful fountains. Dallas ranks among the most livable cities in America and is consistently ranked by Fortune magazine as one of the top cities in the nation for business. Dallas has more than 150 museums, galleries, and artistic attractions; more shopping centers per capita than any major U.S. city; and four times more restaurants per person than New York City. Just a short walk away from the campus is Mockingbird Station, which includes a light rail train station, restaurants, shops, and an art house movie theater.

SMU also has a campus in Northern New Mexico that draws upon the area’s rich natural and cultural resources to offer summer courses in the humanities, sciences, and studio and performing arts. The site includes excavation of a 13th-century Indian pueblo.

Students -Fall 2009 Enrollment

· Undergraduate: 6,228
· Graduate: 3,544
· Professional (law and theology): 1,119
· TOTAL: 10,891

Athletics

· The SMU Mustangs
· SMU offers Division I sports in football (I-A); men’s and women’s basketball, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, and tennis; and women’s cross-country, equestrian, rowing, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball.
· SMU joined Conference USA in 2005.

Visit Us

Overall, SMU provides opportunities for all levels of employment in a pleasant, empowering, and fun environment. Take a look at the campus, either in person or by visiting our Web site at www.smu.edu.