Collections Manager

DORIS DUKE MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION • Honolulu, HI

24d • $80,800 - $101,000

About The Position

The Collections Manager leads and supervises a small cross-functional collections team and related contractors focused on stewarding the collection, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, standards and timelines. Responsible for the care, organization, documentation and activation of the museum’s collections, this role is the primary steward of the museum’s collection including objects, archives and associated records. The Collections Manager ensures that collections are preserved according to professional standards while also remaining accessible, usable and meaningfully integrated into exhibitions, programs, tours, research and digital initiatives.

In collaboration with curatorial, conservation, engagement and operations teams, the Collections Manager develops and maintains systems that support both long-term stewardship and dynamic public engagement. The position requires strong organizational skills, sound judgment, adaptability and comfort working across traditional collections, archives and digital environments in a distinctive setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, art history, history, archival studies, library and information science or a related field required; advanced degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
• Progressively responsible experience in museum collections management, ideally in a small or midsize institution where adaptability and hands-on work are essential.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff, fellows, contractors or interns, including setting work plans, providing feedback and supporting collaborative team environments.
• Strong understanding of professional standards for collections care, documentation and access, with the ability to apply those standards pragmatically.
• Strong organizational skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage complex workflows across multiple projects.
• Experience managing inventories, improving systems and maintaining accurate records.
• Expertise in collections management software and standard office tools, with the ability to learn and refine systems as institutional needs evolve.
• Ability to physically perform duties that require standing, walking and sitting for extended periods; traversing the 5-acre property with uneven terrain; negotiating flights of stairs; lifting and carrying as much as 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in storage environments and assist with installations as needed.
• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships related to collections, conservation or exhibitions.
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, partners, consultants and a diverse public.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and approach problem-solving with an eye toward efficiency and sustainability.
• Flexibility to work a varying schedule, including weekends, special events and emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Steward the integrity and accessibility of the museum’s collections.
• Oversee the day-to-day care, storage, handling and movement of collection items in alignment with professional museum standards.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records through thoughtful documentation and robust systems.
• Activate the collection as a living resource for learning, engagement and community connection.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate objects and archives into exhibitions, tours, programs and research initiatives.
• Support internal and external access to collections, including scholars, artists, staff and community partners.
• Advance continuous improvement in collection care and documentation.
• Lead ongoing inventory, storage optimization and data quality initiatives.
• Work closely with other members of the conservation team and in partnership with curatorial and operations teams to ensure environmental monitoring, preventive care and emergency preparedness.
• Strengthen institutional systems that support collaboration and cross-functional success.
• Facilitate communication across departments to ensure that shared timelines and goals are met for installations and conservation work.
• Support digital initiatives that expand public access and elevate the profile of the museum’s collections.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness, imagination and a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees