Collections Manager

The Collections Manager is responsible for the physical and intellectual aspects of the Weeksville Heritage Center’s historic homes, collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, textiles, and other objects. The Collections Manager ensures that the historic homes and objects are properly cared for, manages storage, conservation and record-keeping associated with objects. The incumbent will develop policies and standards for acquiring and disposing of objects, develop a master plan for maintenance, preservation, and conservation of the historic Hunterfly Houses.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for the onsite and offsite collection of WHC including the objects, textiles, documents, buildings both in person and digitally.
• Oversees, manages, and advocates for resources required for the proper storage of art, artifacts, and other objects in the WHC collection, including consulting with conservators regarding the conditions necessary to store objects safely.
• Acquires, stores and exhibits collections, select the theme of exhibits and develop and set up exhibit materials including returning of borrowed materials as needed.
• Manages and oversees the preservation, conservation, and maintenance of the historic Hunterfly Houses in collaboration with contractual caretakers, site coordinators, other contractors and facilities staff.
• Establishes new and strengthen existing collaborative relationships with local community leaders, organizations and residents to optimize historic and cultural resources.
• Reviews and updates the museum’s existing conditions report, master plan, specifications, drawings and bid requirements for all restoration repairs of the historic homes.
• Manages the following tasks to ensure that objects on display and in storage are being properly maintained:
  • conduct regular walk-throughs;
  • respond to notifications of problems in exhibition/storage spaces;
  • maintain data loggers in exhibition spaces and storage;
  • ensure all objects are cleaned with the appropriate solutions
  • conduct periodic checks for pests and request the appropriate pest control technicians when necessary.
• Collaborates with the Director of Operations on the budget for the team.
• Serves as the administrator of WHC’s collections online system, including PastPerfect and Archive Space, to:
  • create and maintaining administrative and user documentation for the software
  • manage user access
  • input data, and training relevant staff and interns on the use of the system.
• Plans and conducts special research projects for Weeksville Heritage Center.
• Collaborates with staff members across the organization in preparation of fundraising opportunities.
• Designs Emergency Procedures and Disaster Preparedness and Recovery plans for the collection.
• Experience in coordinating public access to a collection, to include access to archives and archaeological items.
• Experiencing in scheduling and designating specific times, spaces, and days, for scholars, students, and general inquiries, to be on site and work in designated spaces at Weeksville.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications

• Degree or background in any of the following: Historic Preservation, African American History/Studies, Africana Studies, Fine Art or Art History, Museum or Heritage studies, Archaeology, Cultural Studies and/or Anthropology.
• Minimum 5 years curatorial experience in a cultural institution, museum, or heritage site or experience working in a library, archives or museum environment performing archival-related tasks.
• Understanding of housing best practice for a broad range of visual materials, preferred.
• Knowledge of national and local descriptive standards best practices preferred.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong skills in critical thinking, communications, negotiations, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to research, write, analyze, and communicate complex documents with technical details to senior leaders and management as required.
• Understanding or desire to learn archaeological and preservation standards.

Weeksville Heritage Center offers a benefits package that is competitive with the market, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a retirement plan that employees can contribute to after the eligibility period, and paid vacation, paid sick leave, and personal days with the option for a hybrid work schedule.