Assistant Collections Manager

Mount Vernon•Mount Vernon, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) is a part-time or full-time, non-exempt position responsible, alongside the other Assistant Collections Managers, for caring for and preserving the Fine and Decorative Arts collection at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The role covers exhibition and storage spaces, including the Mansion, the Donald W. Reynolds Museum, and the Education Center. Work includes specialized handling of collection objects, many of which belonged to George Washington and his family; cleaning objects in exhibition spaces; and other collections management practices. The ACM maintains collection documentation through inventories and database tracking and assists the collections department with special projects, including exhibition installation and collection movement. The position reports directly to the Director of Collections Management and Exhibitions. The role is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, outbuildings, or exhibit spaces. Occasional off-site work or travel may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research. Mount Vernon is the former home of George and Martha Washington and is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union. Founded in 1853, the Association preserves, restores, and manages the estate and educates visitors and people around the world about George Washington’s life and legacy.

Requirements

Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Conservation, or a related field.
Knowledge of historical research methods, museum practices, and basic collections care.
Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management.
Good organizational and communication skills and the ability to work in coordination with multiple departments.
Excellent hand skills and attention to detail for precise tasks such as sewing and labeling; legible handwriting is required.
Ability to meet tight deadlines and work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally, and possession of a current, valid driver’s license.
Dependability, reliability, and punctuality.
Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.
Ability to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care, requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus.
Ability to stand, walk, crawl, or bend for extended periods during exhibition preparation and lift and carry objects up to 30 pounds.
Occasional ability to use ladders or lifts for exhibit installation.

Nice To Haves

Prior museum experience, especially dusting and handling fragile, valuable objects, is highly preferred.
Experience with hand tools, power tools, pallet jacks, and other equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Lane Outbuildings.
Vacuum high-traffic areas in the Mansion and rotate Mansion shutters according to schedule.
Dust historically significant artifacts, including metals, ceramics, furniture, and textiles, using conservator-approved methods.
Use HEPA-filter vacuums and other cleaning devices to deep-clean fragile objects, carefully handling and moving objects as needed.
After training, monitor environmental conditions in display and storage areas, record readings using dataloggers, track data in environmental software, and produce reports.
Respond to changes in environmental readings or conditions in coordination with staff across the Estate.
Maintain the integrated pest management program in collections and exhibition areas, including monitoring pest traps, reporting potential problems, and working with outside contractors as needed.
Work with preservation, interpretation, security, the conservator, and the Director of Collections Management and Exhibitions to monitor object safety and report damage according to departmental policies.
Serve as a member of the collections department emergency response team.
Handle and pack collection objects for moves on and off the estate and serve as an approved courier for incoming and outgoing loans and other courier trips.
Support collections staff during installation and deinstallation and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
Inventory, label, and rehouse collection objects.
Research and enter collection object information and location updates in the TMS collections management database.
Help maintain accession and loan files and prepare documentation, including incoming and outgoing object receipts.
Serve as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas.
Ensure the safety of collection objects and structural components of the Mansion interior during filming and photography.
Supervise Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work is performed near collection objects.
Carry out additional duties as assigned.