The Middle American Research Institute (M.A.R.I.) seeks a Collections Manager to oversee its collection of artifacts and archival materials.
Reporting to the Director of M.A.R.I., the Collections Manager is responsible for developing and executing a modern conservation plan to systematically maintain and curate the collection and archives and accept and process donations. Additionally, this position facilitates access to the collection and archives, manages the database, provides environmental monitoring, manages exhibitions, and supervises student employees, interns, volunteers, and research fellows.
M.A.R.I. has more than 35,000 ethnological and archaeological objects representing a century of donations, stewardship, and research. Although mostly consisting of materials from Mexico and Central America, the collections have important and pedagogically useful artifacts from South America, the prehistoric southwest and southeast of the United States, and an assortment of objects from Asia and Africa. Regarding the archival collections, M.A.R.I.’s stewards thousands of documents, photographic images, negatives, and slides relating to the exploration and scholarship of Mesoamerica.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- High level of proficiency with collections management databases and data strategies.
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival and collection activities including accessioning, cataloging, permits, object loans, safe object handling, conservation, integrated pest management, storage practices, security measures, and professional museum standards and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and train students, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
- Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
- Ability to manage and impart information to a range of clientele.
- Ability to use independent judgment, make decisions, be self-directed, work independently, and show motivation.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to move projects forward in a timely fashion, working both independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to push, pull, lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Attentive to detail.
Required Education and/or Experience
- At least a Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field (museum studies, anthropology/archaeology, or conservation).
- At least three years of collection management and preventative conservation collection care experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least three years of experience with database management.
- Familiarity with state, national, and international cultural heritage, and antiquity laws.
- Experience working with a range of collection types including artifacts, ethnographic materials, photographs, and archival documents.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in appropriate field.
- Experience designing and/or installing exhibits.
- Experience writing grant proposals.
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