Collectons Manager & Curator, Chesterwood Museum
Posted September 19, 2008| Type | Full Time |
| Offered By | National Trust for Historic Preservation Department of Historic Sites Stockbridge, Massachusetts |
| Salary | Exempt |
| For More Information | 26396-CS-815@nthp.hrmdirect.com |
The Collections Manager & Curator will oversee the care and tracking of the museum collections at Chesterwood. In addition, the Collections Manager & Curator will work closely with the Director to help develop long-term collections care planning for Chesterwood. Chesterwood, located in beautiful Stockbridge, MA, in the heart of the Berkshires, is the historic home and studio of Daniel Chester French, sculptor of the seated Lincoln and other noted public monuments. This National Trust historic site includes French's 1920s summer home, his studio with working models of his most famous pieces, and his gardens, on a 122 acre estate.
Duties
Collections Management
- Oversee or perform routine collections maintenance, including regular inventories and condition checks of the museum collections, and prioritize collections care needs.
- Maintain and enhance collections records and files, both paper and electronic, at Chesterwood and on the Chesterwood website.
- Develop strategic planning initiatives for the long-term care and management of Chesterwood collections.
- Maintain, update, and manage written policies, including the collections management policy and housekeeping manual.
- Identify conservation priorities and coordinate conservation treatment.
- Consult with Buildings and Grounds Manager to monitor environmental conditions.
- Collaborate with Director for the protection of the collection during public programs.
- Oversee loans program, including the annual Contemporary Sculpture Show, and a limited acquisitions program.
- Manage rights and reproductions requests.
- Research, write, and submit grant applications for the conservation and care of Chesterwood collections.
- Participate in disaster planning with Buildings and Grounds Manager.
Curatorial
- Undertake research of collection objects, and provide content for educational exhibits.
- Develop, coordinate, and maintain relationships with other institutions with related collections, including the Historic Artists Homes and Studios program, in order to promote awareness and scholarship of Chesterwood collections.
- Develop, coordinate, and maintain relationships with external experts who will serve as guest curators for research, exhibits, and public programs.
- Develop relationships with groups, both local and national, with special collections interests; present Chesterwood's collections as a scholarly resource to these groups.
- Develop collections-related content for Chesterwood website and newsletters.
- Present programs to the public on collections-related topics.
Other
- Work with Chesterwood staff and National Trust for Historic Preservation staff in strategic planning.
- Help to achieve Next Trust strategic goals, including engaging more diverse communities and constituents.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- B.A. (M.A. strongly preferred) in museum studies, art history, American history, or related field
- 3-5 years experience working in a historic site or museum
- Knowledge of, and experience with, current practices and innovations in museum collections management
- Demonstrated excellence in program development, implementation, and management
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills essential, including public speaking
- Knowledge of American art preferred
- Demonstrated experience with technology and educational content uses
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office systems including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with PastPerfect collections management software highly desired
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with museum staff, visitors, and representatives of other museums
- Dedicated team player with strong leadership skills and entrepreneurial, creative attitude
How to Apply
To apply, type or paste your cover letter in the body of a message and email your resume as a Word, PDF or Text attachment to the address above.
