Collections Access Coordinator

Job Description
Department:
Registration and Collections
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:Colby College Museum of Art
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

OVERVIEW
The collections access coordinator facilitates collection access through digital and physical means to make museum holdings accessible to a broad range of audiences, through continued maintenance and development of the museum’s collection database as well as through the coordination of curricular and scholarly use of artworks by Colby faculty, students, and other scholars and researchers. Reporting to the manager of collections, this position works closely with the museum’s registrars, senior preparator, and academic engagement team.

THE MUSEUM AND ITS MISSION
The Colby College Museum of Art is a collecting and teaching museum dedicated to the preservation, display, and interpretation of the visual arts. We embrace within our collections works of art from diverse cultures and historical periods, with a focus on American art, and commitment to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. We manage these resources for the benefit of the Colby College community, the region, and the nation and aspire to display works that embody the highest standards of achievement.

A COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Working to advance equity and inclusion in the field of American art—and, by doing so, in the wider world—is core to our mission. We feel the urgency of national and campus conversations on inequality and are keenly aware of the unique responsibility that we have as an academic art museum—as a place where we can listen, ask questions, and challenge assumptions—to engage in this dialogue, and to act. We affirm the Colby Museum’s commitment to multidisciplinary teaching and learning and our potential for deep engagement with students will be leveraged in this effort toward fighting racialized violence, injustice, and inequality; and we encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our college, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Digital Access and Collections Coordination (75%):

• Collaborate with registrar for collections on acquisitions intake and cataloging
• Manage digitization of collections, including data input into Embark database, basic photography of objects, image linking and post-production work
• Help manage collection object files and create files for new acquisitions
• Enhance collection access through the museum’s website; monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot Embark Web Kiosk user experience, in consultation with registrar for collections and digital projects developer
• Facilitate photography and video shoots in galleries
• Coordinate digital scans of 2-D photographs and works on paper
• Rehouse and reorganize new media artwork in storage
• Create and update rack inventory card systems
• Collaborate with registrar for collections to maintain documentation of the Lunder Collection, including archive materials, appraisals, deeds, lists, and promised gifts
• Research undocumented artworks in storage and present to curatorial for formal accession consideration
• Coordinate with Mirken fellow as needed to facilitate incoming rights and reproduction requests, invoices, and payments
• Coordinate, monitor, and prepare reports on student, faculty, and researcher access to collection object records
• Provide access to collection works and records to visiting scholars and researchers
• Collaborate as needed on other aspects of collections and exhibition maintenance, including but not limited to: condition reports, archival organization and data tracking, supervising incoming and outgoing shipments, overseeing packing, generating receipts

Academic Access Coordination for the Landay Teaching Gallery (25%):

• With Linde Family Foundation coordinator of academic access, prepare checklists and track changes for class visits
• Coordinate between collections and preparator staff in evaluating, pulling from storage, and rehousing works requested for class visits
• Facilitate class visits by accompanying faculty and students and handling objects as necessary

General

• Participate in professional development training programs to build networks and strengthen skills and knowledge
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; coursework in art/art history, humanities, cultural studies, or museum studies preferred
• Minimum 1-2 years of relevant professional work experience
• Knowledge of art museum database software (TMS or Embark preferred)
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, faculty, and other campus and community partners
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including strong relationship skills and ability to work with people at all levels
• Strong, self-motivated work ethic, flexibility, and proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to consistently meet deadlines and follow-through on tasks
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and Google applications; comfort with or ability to learn basic Adobe Creative Suite tools (Photoshop, InDesign)
• Ability to lift 40 pounds, climb ladders, and stand for long periods of time
• Appreciation for the value of a liberal arts education and commitment to fostering an equitable educational and work environment supportive of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and life paths

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to the manager of collections and registration and is a member of the museum’s collections team. They also work closely with the academic engagement team to facilitate curricular engagement with the museum’s collection.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Occasional lifting is required. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Some night and weekend work required based on museum events.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Collections Access Coordinator - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855