Collections Manager

Description:

Appalachian State University, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls more than 20,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in the area related to the area of assignment and one year of experience, which demonstrates the attainment of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note: This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to reflect essential functions per ADA. Examples of competencies are typical of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.

License/Certification Required

Essential Job Functions
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University engages visitors from the university, community, nation and beyond in creating unique experiences through dynamic and accessible exhibition, education, outreach and collection programs. These programs inspire and support a lifelong engagement with the visual arts and create opportunities for participants to learn more about themselves and the world around them.
The Collections Manager is instrumental to the fulfillment of the Turchin Center’s mission by assuming responsibility for the development, management, intellectual integrity, and care of the center’s Permanent Collection.

Responsibilities include overseeing the development, maintenance, preservation, research, cataloging, storage, insurance, rights and reproductions, and legal responsibilities associated with the center’s 2500+ works of art. The Collections Manager will play a leadership role in developing a comprehensive collections policy for the Turchin Center, to help guide decision-making regarding future acquisitions, decisions related to de-accessioning work in the collection as well as the on-going care and safety of the collection. This position will play a leadership role in a current effort to re-organize the physical storage space which currently houses the collection.

Other specific responsibilities include coordinating donations and loans in conjunction with the Curator, conducting a thorough assessment and inventory of the entire collection in conjunction with the Curator, maintaining hard copy and electronic records, completing collections-related paperwork, and properly organizing and storing the collections. Additional responsibilities include museum environmental control and monitoring, pest management, security, risk management, and maintenance of the TCVA’s collection disaster plan and facility reports.
A primary function of this position is managing the Intra-Campus Loan Program across multiple campus locations. This position is also responsible for coordinating donations and loans in conjunction with the Curator. The Registrar/Collections Manager is an important member of the center’s curatorial team and plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and preservation of artwork at the university by overseeing the center’s compliance with AAM best practices and other state and federal laws regarding the collection and incoming loans. This position may require occasional travel.
SUPERVISION: Works under the guidance of and reports to the Curator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collections:
Works with Curator, Lead Preparator and Director in developing a comprehensive collections policy for the Permanent Collection.
Manages the Intra-Campus Loan Program.
Oversees development, maintenance, security, and upgrades of the collection’s database.
Assigns accession numbers, compiles digital and paper accession records, classifies, and physically numbers the museum objects.
Performs data entry and filing of donor recognition letters, gift forms, donor cards, catalog records, and other object documentation.
Manages and assures accuracy, security, and intellectual integrity of collection records.
Conducts regular inventories of collections and performs reconciliation with object records. Works with Appalachian State University’s Office of Fixed Assets.
Conducts periodic assessment of the Annual Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition and other sculpture across campus.
Manages and orders supplies for, ensures adequate insurance for, and upgrades storage, maintenance, care, and preventive conservation of collections in conjunction with the Curator.
Evaluates current practices, stays current with professional standards, and develops new practices in collections management and care in order to develop multiple access systems, meet the needs of a diverse audience, make use of changing technology, address legal issues of collections, and plan for changing needs of staff and the public.
Works with the Curator regarding possible de-accessions and manages documentation and disposal according to collections policy.
Performs simple, appropriate cleaning of art objects and seeks advice from an outside professional Conservator for all other object conservation needs.
Researches, develops, and manages funding proposals for collections management and care.
Retrieves and prepares artworks and artwork information, conducts artwork-related research, and provides input to staff regarding collection elements for exhibits, programs, and other museum needs.
Provides limited access to collections in response to requests for loans, research, and artifact information.
Handles arrangements, condition reporting, packing, shipping, and insurance for both incoming and outgoing loans in conjunction with the Lead Preparator and Curator.