Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

https://jobs.du.edu/en-us/job/496464/collections-manager-cahss

The University of Denver’s School of Art & Art History (SAAH) has offered instruction in Art and Art History since 1880 and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. SAAH offers undergraduate courses in Studio Art and undergraduate and graduate courses in Art History, and contributes to the Common Curriculum courses for the larger University. SAAH currently has 13 full time faculty members, approximately ten adjuncts, and serves an average of one hundred twenty undergraduate majors annually, in addition to approximately 18-20 graduate MA students in Art History. http://www.du.edu/ahss/art/.

Position Summary

The University of Denver is seeking a Collections Manager to steward the University Art Collections. The successful applicant for this full-time, benefitted position will manage the off-campus Hampden Art Study Center, train collections staff and student assistants, and administer the collections database. The Collections Manager will oversee the long-term preservation of objects in our care, ensuring they remain in good condition and available to students, faculty, and the community now and in the future.

With more than 6,000 objects representing a wide range of periods, cultures, and mediums, the University Art Collections are a tremendous resource for the University of Denver. Objects from the collections activate spaces, offer opportunities for teaching and learning, and provide engagement for the community on campus and beyond. The art collections are maintained at the Hampden Art Study Center, a professionally managed, off-campus facility open by appointment to students, faculty, scholars, and the wider community.

Essential Functions

• Work with Curator of Collections to create, implement, and uphold policies and procedures related to collections management (acceptance, care, deaccession, and ethics, among others)
• Work with staff to manage collections projects such as intake processing, surveys, moves, rehousing, conservation/preservation priorities, inventory, etc.
• Oversee collections database and maintain object files.
• Oversee the Hampden Art Study Center facility, including environmental conditions and pest control. Purchase supplies and maintain budget.
• Train and supervise collections staff and graduate assistants.
• Support exhibitions on campus through transportation, condition reporting, and un/packing of art.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Collections management skills.
• Strong ability to make decisions, be self-directed and work independently, and show motivation.
• High level of proficiency with collections management databases and data strategies.
• Strong storage organization skills and experience with rehousing/survey/inventory projects.
• Effective communication and cooperation with other staff.
• Ability to direct collections management tasks and provide training and supervision for staff.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Library Science (or related fields) and at least one year of practical museum experience OR 5+ years of experience in collections management.
• Experience working with a range of collection types including artifacts, photographs, and archival materials
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with collections management databases, metadata standards, and cataloging standards common to museums and archives
• Knowledge of museum collection standards and conservation practices including the standard agents of deterioration, their effects on different types of artifacts, and how to best mitigate their effects (theft, fire, water, temperature, relative humidity, pests, light, contaminants, etc.)
• Valid Driver’s License required, with a clean driving record, and the ability to drive a university vehicle to off-campus locations.
• Ability to lift 40lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Library Science (or related fields) with a minimum of 1 year of practical museum experience
• 3+ years of relevant practical experience with art handling, storage.
• Experience with large collections or high volumes of activity at a small-to-medium institution (or comparable experience).
• Knowledge of PastPerfect database software.

Working Environment

1. Warehouse facility with office space.
2. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
2. Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 40 lbs. without assistance.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Hours may vary as needed.

In accordance with the University’s flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.

Application Deadline

For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on July 10, 2023.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 10.

Hourly Range:

The hourly range for the position is $27.08 – $29.63. With a 37.50 hour work week, this is approximately $53,000 – $58,000 per year.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non‑discrimination‑statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.