Curatorial Collections Survey Project Manager

Job Summary

The Getty Research Institute seeks a Project Manager to provide day‑to‑day leadership for a three‑year initiative to survey and assess our Special Collections holdings. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Project Manager will coordinate the work of GRI curators and curatorial staff as they review collections—including unprocessed materials—to produce a comprehensive survey that documents current conservation and processing needs and informs future acquisition priorities. The project manager will develop and oversee data‑gathering schedules and workflows, ensure consistency in data collection and tracking across curators and curatorial assistants, and collaborate closely with Special Collections managers to confirm that the information gathered supports the needs and workflows of multiple departments.

As time permits, the project manager may support Special Collections staff with existing initiatives aimed at increasing storage efficiency and preparing for future collection moves.

The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, collaborative, and an effective problem‑solver who excels at coordinating complex projects.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate and plan projects using accepted project management methodologies
• Conduct background research relevant for ongoing projects
• Develop project schedules, work plans, and resource requirements
• Identify potential project risks and difficulties and design strategies to mitigate or avoid them
• Develop project timelines, deadlines, and monitor progress
• Compile and distribute project information, and project status reports
• Creates documentation procedures to capture and deal with changes in original project plan
• May develop criteria for evaluation of programs
• Organize, coordinate, and edit complex reports for the chief curator
• Works closely with necessary parties to ensure all appropriate policies and procedures are followed
• May help plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others
• Compile and distribute project information and status reports

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an arts-related discipline plus work experience in an arts-related or educational organization
• 3-5 years of project management or significantly similar experience
• Prior experience working with and handling archival materials preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of project management practices
• Skill in project management monitoring
• Excellent computer skills including strong proficiency in standard business software: Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Airtable, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and project management and database software
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions and to analyze complex information
• Ability to conduct research and synthesize information
• Ability to prepare project reports and to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
• High level of integrity and ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion and maintain the highest level of confidentiality
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of interacting professionally with various stakeholders

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, visit Getty HR.