Manager of Collections Operations

15-Oct-2024

Manager of Collections Operations

Harvard Art Museums

67137BR

Job Summary

The Harvard Art Museums has an exciting management opportunity in their very active Collections Management team. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Collections, the Manager of Collections Operations will provide critical leadership within the department, leading operations of the Harvard Art Museums’ storage and the Art Study Centers located in both Cambridge and Somerville, and supervising the staff charged with the care of and access to the collections. The Harvard Art Museums collections are comprised of more than 250,000 objects housed in a state-of-the-art facility. In both the galleries and the Art Study Centers, the collections are widely used by staff, Harvard faculty, students, and visitors for research and study.
 

Position Description

• Ensure that the Museums’ collections are handled, transported and stored in a safe and secure manner, facilitating collections care and access according to professional and institutional standards.   
• Enhance management of and access to the collection through exploration and expansion of technologies, procedures and workflows.

• Hire and manage staff, delegate and assign tasks to best support smooth and efficient operations. 
• Determine appropriate staffing levels to manage each day’s appointments and projects. 
• Consistently evaluate and adjust roles and responsibilities as needed to better support operations.
• Train staff on procedures and protocols in all aspects of study room usage and art storage operations.  Renew and revise staff training as needed to ensure competency and compliance.
• Provide back up support in all functions of the department’s daily operations. 
• Establish and nurture positive relationships with both internal and external constituents.
• Gather data and provide statistical information based on a variety of usage criteria to use as a basis for sound decision-making.  
• Support the Assistant Director for Collections with the planning and implementation of Museums initiatives. 
• Explore best practice models and industry standards for collections care.  Propose recommendations to Assistant Director for Collections and implement into daily operations for all art viewing facilities. 
• May be called upon to monitor and manage evening and weekend events in the Art Study Center.

• Assist with quarterly collections audit.
• Monitor storage facilities to ensure efficient, clean and optimum environment for the safety of the collections.
• Oversee and collaborate with conservation staff on art storage initiatives. Research and build art storage housings in collaboration with conservation staff.
• Assist with the movement and tracking of works of art in all Harvard Art Museum buildings. Manage the packing and shipping of artwork between museum buildings.
• Oversee the movement of artwork to support the daily conservation and photography schedules as needed.
• Perform related duties as needed.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Minimum of 5 years of experience working with collections in a professionally accredited museum, including a minimum of 2 years of staff supervisory experience.  Experience in art handling, storage maintenance, and collections care. 
 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

College background in fine art, art history or museum studies strongly preferred; knowledge of the preservation of works of art a plus; computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite; excellent interpersonal skills, must be a willing partner and collaborator; excellent writing and verbal skills; strong interpersonal skills with focus on service and education including setting priorities for self and others; initiative in handling multiple, complex projects; capacity to handle questions and instructions from various sources and ability to follow through despite interruptions; demonstrated successful problem-solving; ability to effectively manage amid conflicting priorities; ability to master complex collection management database (TMS); strong organizational skills; detail oriented; ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and as an effective member of a team.
 

Physical Requirements

Walking, standing, stooping, pushing, and pulling; must be able to reach and work above the shoulders, climb ladders, use personnel lift, kneel, twist, and squat. Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 30 lbs.) comfortably.
 

Additional Information

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

Ever since their founding, the Harvard Art Museums—the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum—have been dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. Displayed in galleries that mix not only media but schools of art, the collection at Harvard is celebrated and interrogated within a larger story of artistic expression and historical and contemporary issues. The diverse collection is among the largest in the United States. Through research, teaching, professional training, and public education, the museums strive to advance the understanding and appreciation of art.

The museums value staff diversity and are committed to building a culturally diverse community. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Museum

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

388057 Museum Professional

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

057

Department

HAM

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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