Collection Manager: University of Michigan Museum of Anthropological Archaeology
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached with your resume as one file. The cover letter should summarize your specific interest in the position and outline relevant skills and experience that directly relate to this position. In addition please have one to two letters of recommendation sent to anthro.museum@umich.edu.
Job Summary
As an integral part of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA), the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology is an international leader in anthropological archaeology research and student training. The research collections include materials from all over the world including archaeological, ethnobotanical, ethnographic, zooarcheological and archival materials. The collections lead to new research, grants, and to the education of undergraduate and graduate students. Under the direction of the Museum Director, the Research Collection Manager will provide the daily and long-term care and use of the UMMAA permanent collections. This will include working with curators, graduate and undergraduate students and volunteers to conduct research, upgrade storage and object conditions, maintain an accurate inventory of the collections, train students in collection management, and provide an avenue of public outreach, tours, presentations and community service.
The target salary range for the position is $48,000-55,000. A higher salary may be possible based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
Responsibilities
- Collection Management: Responsible for the overall management and care of the collections in UMMAA, including storage, organization, and physical condition preservation. Oversee the facility environment at multiple locations; climate monitoring; integrated pest management; regulate security and access to storage locations; and emergency planning.
- In conjunction with other collection management staff:
- Organize and re-housing of artifacts, plant and animal remains, geological, and radiocarbon samples including both incoming and older collections that are in need of conservation and improved storage.
- Manage the accessioning/deaccessioning of collections and coordinate all cataloguing activities associated with teaching and permanent collections.
- Create and maintain databases for all aspects of the collections including artifacts and digital collections.
- Collection use: Scheduling and monitoring use of research collections by local researchers and those visiting from other institutions.
- Preventive Conservation and Collection Care: Assess and document physical condition, recommend future treatment, propose improvements to storage, and evaluate risk factors for the Museum’s permanent collections of approximately 3 million objects.
- Collection Planning/Policies: Collaborates on the development and implementation of operating policies and procedures related to the care of collections and compliance with associated regulations.
- Educational activities: Ongoing work with faculty curators, students, and counterparts in other units to plan projects using collections and facilitate use of collections in teaching.
- Grant writing and research: Investigate possible grant support opportunities and write grants to improve physical condition, storage and housing of materials.
- Direct supervision: Mentoring and professional development of student temporaries and volunteers.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of a Master’s degree in an appropriate field (museum studies, anthropology/archaeology, or conservation) and 3-5 years of collection management and preventative conservation collection care experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Expertise in standard museum registration practices including cataloguing, conservation and storage practices. Prior experience in relational database management is essential.
Ability to be flexible and work collaboratively in a team environment. Excellent organizational skills and communication skills and the ability to effectively prioritize tasks. Some moving and transporting of materials and objects that could weigh up to 50 lbs.
Desired: Familiarity with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Additional Information
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skill required.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
