Summary

Under general supervision coordinates and oversees a museum's collections items, acquisitions, documentation, use, preservation, disposition, and maintenance. Receives, prepares, and catalogs new materials; coordinates and organizes exhibition-related movement of objects, including packing, shipping, and insurance for collections, exhibitions, and incoming and outgoing loans. Coordinates access to collection for study, teaching, and research. Coordinates and facilitates maintenance activity reports and other database management. Coordinates publicity and publications related to the collection and exhibitions including copyright permissions and images. May supervise museum personnel, volunteers, and/or students.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Performs inventorying, processing, packing, repacking, cataloguing, transportation, storage, and preventive conservation of existing and new museum collections items and/or museum loans.
2. Develops and maintains databases of collection items; compiles and verifies collection documents, to include both manual and computerized records and forms. Performs research as needed.
3. Coordinates database migrations, updates, development of metadata and digitization of the collection. Prepares checklists and database reports for curators, researchers, faculty, and students.
4. Coordinates incoming and outgoing loan agreements, condition reports, shipping, and transport of collections objects and/or specimens.
5. Prepares collection materials for loan, research, and educational purposes, as required. Coordinates conservation, preservation, and preparation consistent with museum standards.
6. Participates in the coordination of outreach programs and public relations events related to the collection, as appropriate.
7. Provides information and consultation to external constituencies and/or the general public on matters pertaining to the collection; may participate in professional meetings and may present papers regarding the collection.
8. Researches and develops departmental reports and grant applications for special projects as directed; prepares work estimates for budget proposals as appropriate.
9. Participates in departmental meetings and serves on working committees; collaborates with other staff members in long range planning.
10. May supervise the work of staff, assistants, students and/or volunteers engaged in collection management and related activities.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Skill in the configuration and use of computerized database programs.
• Knowledge of conservation and preservation techniques and/or procedures for museum collections.
• Knowledge and understanding of the field represented by the collection.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively in a team environment.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of museum policies, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of research methodology, principles and procedures.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Overall management of museum collections and loans; b) performing inventorying, processing, cataloguing, transportation, storage and conservation of museum/gallery collections; c) developing and maintaining databases of collection items; d) providing information and consultation to external constituencies; and e) coordinating outreach programs, publicity, publications and events related to the museum including copyright permissions.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work may be performed in an office environment, museum environment or field environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds and/or standing and/or walking an average of four (4) hours per day.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 12/08/2023