Salary and Hiring Range
Total Salary Range: $40,000 – $60,000
Hiring Range: $40,000 – $52,000
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian also offers a comprehensive benefits and retirement package.
Purpose/Role
The Manager of Collections will oversee and ensure object and archival collections are safe, protected, maintained, properly exhibited, housed, cataloged, documented, and accessible in accordance with AAM standards, while following and intentionally prioritizing Cherokee cultural protocols. This individual will also lead and support to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (MCI) Collections department which is housed within the Collections and Exhibitions division. Will be responsible for supervising employees and any volunteers in the Collections department.
Responsibilities/Tasks
• Implement collections operations plan, policies, and procedures including professional American Alliance of Museums (AAM) standards in relation to object care, archiving, organization, maintenance, storage, digitization, accessions, deaccessions, loans, publication, and any additional related actions.
• Supervise and manage MCI Collections department staff and implement performance management/decisions; oversee Collections staff activities as they pertain to accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, maintenance, preservation, housing of object and archival materials, and genealogical services.
• Must accommodate and provide access to Cherokee tribal citizens, MCI guests, researchers, and outside organizations who may need to view or duplicate MCI collections, including but not limited to contemporary art, historic objects, archaeological collections, manuscripts, books, electronic records, photographs, maps, etc.
• Coordinate and facilitate research appointments and provide support to researchers; provide guidance, access, and supervision over research on MCI’s collections.
• Field donation offers and present acquisitions recommendations of Cherokee materials to the MCI Collections Committee.
• Oversee incoming and outgoing loan agreements, installation, and transportation of collections for exhibition or loan.
• Oversee digitization/migration of archival collections to provide better access to community members and scholars.
• Identify collections in need of conservation and coordinate conservation projects.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with relevant organizations and businesses to further the MCI’s collections mission and goals.
• Develop departmental budget proposals, responsible for ordering needed supplies/materials, identify grant funding opportunities, and assist Director with developing collections acquisition strategies.
• Provide lectures and workshops on areas of expertise to MCI staff, community members, and visitors.
• Identify educational opportunities for Collections Department staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills/Knowledge/Qualities
• Bachelor’s degree in Archival Studies, Museum Studies, History, Native American/Indigenous Studies, Library Science, or related field, and museum or archival related experience in collections is required; master’s degree is preferred.
• Leadership experience is required.
• Experience working with Cherokee or other Federally Recognized Native American tribal communities, and knowledge of Cherokee protocols and cultural practices is desirable.
• A demonstrated commitment to preserving the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people.
• Knowledge of collections management, best care practices, and archival handling practices of historic and fragile collections.
• Knowledge of Collections Management Databases and Digital Asset Management Software required.
• Knowledge of NAGPRA law, ability to lead and complete legal or ethical repatriations, and experience with Native American protocols surrounding culturally sensitive collections is required.
• Experience in and commitment to working in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, including the ability to competently compose correspondence and lead public presentations.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong computer literacy skills, including but not limited to Microsoft office suite and related software.
• Self-driven initiative and performance of the highest quality, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize the urgency of competing requests to meet established deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of archival concepts, theories, methods, and trends.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and advise a team.
• Must comply with all MCI policies and procedures.
• Must stay current with any applicable laws, regulations, or industry best practices regarding museum object and archival collections.
• Must be willing to attend workshops or educational courses as determined by direct supervisor.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Other
• Directly reports to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions.
• Work may be performed in a variety of settings, including climate-controlled museum or collections housing settings, office settings, scholarly settings, and outdoor or off-site settings. Interaction with guests and the public is required.
• May require limited travel, including overnight stays.
• Work may require lifting and carrying materials up to 50lbs.
This position will close March 30 at midnight EST.