Collections Assistant

Norman Rockwell Museum at Stockbridge•Stockbridge, MA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM) is seeking a Collections Assistant for a three-year Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant-funded position. This role is part of the NRM’s “Preserving the American Visual Story" project, which focuses on a specific subset of the museum's collection, including works of art, published ephemera, photographic materials, and supporting documents like sketch pads, diaries, and correspondence. The museum is committed to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, aiming to build a team that represents a variety of identities and experiences.

Requirements

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to understand and use highly technical computer equipment and systems, in particular a variety of databases.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel and Word.
Familiarity with position-specific programs such as Silverfish, Adobe Suite of Programs.
Basic CAD skills.
Ability to solve complicated and practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.
Excellent decision-making skills, judgment and adaptability.
Customer service orientation and ability to be a team player.
Valid driver’s license.
B.A. in art history, museum studies, library science, or equivalent.
Minimum of three years’ experience in a collections role in a museum setting.
Familiarity with collections management, inventory, cataloging, object handling, and digitization.
Knowledge of collection management databases.
Knowledge of photo-editing software.

Nice To Haves

Masters in some aspect of collections management, museum studies, library sciences, or other humanities field.

Responsibilities

Inventory, catalog, research, condition report, rehouse, label, and create contextual materials for objects within the project scope.
Ensure each work is properly identified, described, and institutionally recorded for digitization.
Flag objects needing additional research into provenance, cultural/contextual research, rehousing, or conservation.
Create and update computerized records in the EMu collections management system and the online public portal, IMu, as well as update physical acquisition files.
Oversee object handling according to museum best practices and standards.
Ensure the safe digitization of selected materials.
Conduct regular permanent collection inventories and maintain records of object movement for grant activities.
Assist with creating social media content to support and share grant-related activities.
Assist the Curatorial team in utilizing newly cataloged and digitized materials for exhibitions and educational programs.
Follow and update the EMu cataloging style guide for project sustainability.
Work with seasonal curatorial interns on cataloging and research projects.
Consult with scholar advisors, the Chief Curator, and the Chief of Curatorial Affairs for accurate contextual descriptions.