Collections Coordinator

Southern Utah University•Cedar City, UT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), located on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, showcases artwork from regional artists known for their landscapes, as well as emerging and distinguished artists nationally and internationally. SUMA's collection is particularly strong in prints, featuring artists like Marc Chagall and Käthe Kollwitz. The museum building itself, designed by Brooks + Scarpa, is inspired by the region's slot canyons and has been recognized for its design. The Collections Coordinator & Preparator, working under the Director of Curatorial Affairs and as a Team Lead, is responsible for collections and loan management, including the collections database, condition reporting, and storage. This part-time role will manage the Campus Collection, assist with education/class visit selections, and support permanent collection projects through database organization, artwork research, rehousing, grant writing, and managing support staff. The position will also assist the Exhibitions Manager & Designer with exhibition preparation, including incoming/outgoing loans, framing, and supervising gallery rotations. The Collections Coordinator & Preparator is expected to maintain a high standard of professionalism and collaborate effectively with the Senior Leadership Team, Team Leads, student employees, and others.

Requirements

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in an art or museum-related field
Two years of experience in a museum, gallery, or archive setting.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to communicate effectively in speaking to both individuals and groups
Proven organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to work across departments and with colleagues, artists, and other museum professionals
Experience and comfort using tools and framing equipment
Detail oriented

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred.
An interest in collections care/management is preferred.
Experience with collections and database management in comparable institutions such as museums, galleries, other cultural institutions or other similar type institutions is preferred.

Responsibilities

Administering collections management procedures
Overseeing the management and implementation of the Campus Loan Program
Overseeing the integrated pest management plan
Overseeing collections inventory
Overseeing the accessioning process of new acquisitions and gifts
Overseeing deaccessioning procedures
Develop and implement collections storage processes and procedures with the Director of Curatorial Affairs
Coordinate and oversee rehousing plan for objects
Act as Lead Registrar, having responsibility of database/data entry organization, information and image quality control
Participate in Collections Committee designation meetings
Coordinate with SUU Facilities and IT for collections-related matters.
Work as liaison, in addition to the Exhibitions Manager & Designer, with SUU Facilities and IT for work orders in open collections and the art vault.
Act as Lead Registrar to aid the Director of Curatorial Affairs with reviewing loan agreements, consulting with Exhibitions Manager & Designer on any stipulations or restrictions.
Compile loan agreements paperwork and organization in database.
Oversee proper procedures as they relate to unpacking and condition reporting artwork before display, as well as condition reporting and repacking after de-installation, and preparing artwork for transport.
With the Exhibitions Manager & Designer, co-lead gallery rotations, supervising student staff, coordinating installation tasks, helping with quality control, and assisting with special install needs/projects.
Collaborate with Exhibitions Manager & Designer with preparation of objects for display as needed.
Assist with regional artwork transportation as needed, with the possibility of longer trips with overnight stays.
Oversee any framing and deframing of artworks from permanent collection.
Assist Exhibitions Manager & Designer with other framing projects as needed.
Supervise a team of one or more additional team members, with opportunities to support interns in conjunction with the Director of Curatorial Affairs.
Participate as a Team Lead, attending all relevant meetings.
Responsible for the team’s purchase card and submitting documentation in a timely manner to the Business Manager.
Assist Director of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions Manager & Designer with managing team budget.
Work with the Director of Curatorial Affairs for onboarding and training including object handling, setting performance standards, and providing timely, constructive feedback in addition to regular performance reviews.
Organize and maintain the team’s Google Drive and necessary documents.
Maintain certification with SUU Motor Pool for the SUMA Van.