Collections Manager (Two-year fixed term position) [Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA]

Description

Under the supervision of the Head of Registration, the Collections Manager will work with the permanent collections in art storage.  The CM will play an important role in rehousing, storing, tracking and coordinating transportation for the upcoming gallery transformation project.  This project will consist of planning the schedule and the reorganization of art storage, the de-installation of objects from the gallery, re-housing, and location tracking.

The CM will also be responsible for pulling and putting away artwork in storage for a variety of requests. S/he will work with Image Services to transport art to and from the Photographer and will assist with art handling as needed.

The CM will oversee proper storage for new acquisitions and make arrangements for packing, crating and act as a liaison with off-site storage if/when needed.

This is a mid-level Museum Registration position for an experienced museum professional with proven excellent art handling skills.  Must have the ability to communicate effectively, have a great deal of patience and be extremely detail oriented. Must be organized, resourceful and show initiative. Should be able to work independently and productively in a solitary workspace. The candidate should have previous experience working with 2-D and 3-D artwork and archaeological artifacts, experience with Asian art is a plus.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

1. Assist with the planning for reorganization of art storage
2. Assist with the reinstallation, unpacking and related logistics
3. Prepare new storage cabinets and shelving for re-housing art work
4. Assist with coordination of art move tracking and logistics in the collections management system
5. Order supplies and pack/unpack artwork
6. Assist with coordination of art shipments
7. Enter data related to collections move activities
8. Assist with collections inventory projects and with the annual audit
9. Coordinate art movement for researcher visits and other projects as needed
10. Oversee art movement for photography
11. Oversee art storage maintenance

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Art History, or closely related field from an accredited college or university.  An advanced degree in Museum Studies or Arts Administration desirable.
• Two (2) years’ experience in registration methods in an art museum or similar institution, or an equivalent combination of academic qualifications and work experience.
• Knowledge of current registration practices and principles.
• Strong knowledge and experience with art handling techniques and preventive conservation methods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and handle delicate and valuable works of art with extreme care.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with relational database management programs for museum collections. Experience with The Museum System (TMS) highly desirable.
• Extremely accurate and detail-oriented.
• Strong interpersonal, planning and organizational skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; effective problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical mobility is required to work throughout museum galleries and in art storage area as required. Climbing ladders, lifting, standing for longer periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Packing and creating safe/archival housing for objects in storage.
• Moving shelving in storage cabinets and cleaning as needed.
• Occasionally required to operate a pallet jack and utilize dollies to ensure the safe transport of heavy crated works of art.
• Pulling artwork from storage and transporting carts with artwork.

COMPENSATION 

$25.47 – $30.59 per hour with benefits package.

Please note: This position is represented by SEIU 1021.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Apply online at http://asianart.snaphire.com/?job=9518AAM

± The Asian Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art and culture. Home to more than 18,000 works of art from over 40 Asian countries, we strive to be a catalyst for discovery, dialogue, and inspiration. With Asia as our lens and art as our cornerstone, we spark connections across cultures and through time, igniting curiosity, conversation, and creativity.±

The Asian Art Museum embraces diversity in its mission, programs, and staff.