Collections Manager

Title: Collections ManagerLocation: 4055 Pāpū Circle, Honolulu, HIReports to: Deputy Executive DirectorStatus: Full time, exempt How to Apply: Click here to apply and submit a résumé and cover letter. The priority application deadline for this position is February 15. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.Shangri La is a vibrant compound situated on a spectacular, 5-acre, oceanside property in Honolulu. It integrates a 14,000-square-foot house with multiple outbuildings, comprising a series of interlocking spaces, both indoors and out: rooms, courtyards, lanais, terraces, gardens and numerous water features. The property includes spaces for reflection and for gatherings. Historically operated exclusively as a museum to showcase some of its collection of 4,500 objects from diverse Islamic cultures, Shangri La is in the midst of a strategic transformation that envisions the institution as a global center for personal and societal transformation. Shangri La is owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and sustainability. Headquartered in New York City, DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. To learn more, visit www.dorisduke.org. POSITIONThe Collections Manager leads and supervises a small cross-functional collections team and related contractors focused on stewarding the collection, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, standards and timelines. Responsible for the care, organization, documentation and activation of the museum’s collections, this role is the primary steward of the museum’s collection including objects, archives and associated records. The Collections Manager ensures that collections are preserved according to professional standards while also remaining accessible, usable and meaningfully integrated into exhibitions, programs, tours, research and digital initiatives. In collaboration with curatorial, conservation, engagement and operations teams, the Collections Manager develops and maintains systems that support both long-term stewardship and dynamic public engagement. The position requires strong organizational skills, sound judgment, adaptability and comfort working across traditional collections, archives and digital environments in a distinctive setting.Page Break YOUR IMPACT AT DDFAs the Collections Manager at Shangri La, you will:Steward the integrity and accessibility of the museum’s collections.Oversee the day-to-day care, storage, handling and movement of collection items in alignment with professional museum standards.Maintain detailed and accurate records through thoughtful documentation and robust systems.Activate the collection as a living resource for learning, engagement and community connection.Collaborate across departments to integrate objects and archives into exhibitions, tours, programs and research initiatives.Support internal and external access to collections, including scholars, artists, staff and community partners.Advance continuous improvement in collection care and documentation.Lead ongoing inventory, storage optimization and data quality initiatives.Work closely with other members of the conservation team and in partnership with curatorial and operations teams to ensure environmental monitoring, preventive care and emergency preparedness.Strengthen institutional systems that support collaboration and cross-functional success.Facilitate communication across departments to ensure that shared timelines and goals are met for installations and conservation work.Support digital initiatives that expand public access and elevate the profile of the museum’s collections.WHAT YOU BRINGBachelor’s degree in museum studies, art history, history, archival studies, library and information science or a related field required; advanced degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.Progressively responsible experience in museum collections management, ideally in a small or midsize institution where adaptability and hands-on work are essential. Demonstrated experience supervising staff, fellows, contractors or interns, including setting work plans, providing feedback and supporting collaborative team environments. Strong understanding of professional standards for collections care, documentation and access, with the ability to apply those standards pragmatically.Strong organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage complex workflows across multiple projects.Experience managing inventories, improving systems and maintaining accurate records. Expertise in collections management software and standard office tools, with the ability to learn and refine systems as institutional needs evolve.Ability to physically perform duties that require standing, walking and sitting for extended periods; traversing the 5-acre property with uneven terrain; negotiating flights of stairs; lifting and carrying as much as 50 pounds.Ability to work in storage environments and assist with installations as needed.Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships related to collections, conservation or exhibitions.Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, partners, consultants and a diverse public. Ability to balance competing priorities and approach problem-solving with an eye toward efficiency and sustainability.Flexibility to work a varying schedule, including weekends, special events and emergency situations. We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply. WHAT WE OFFERThe anticipated salary range is $80,800 to $101,000. The final offer will depend on experience. Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness, imagination and a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.

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