Collections Specialist, Photographs [End-Dated]

The Metropolitan Museum of ArtThe Met Fifth Avenue, NY
Onsite

About The Position

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is seeking a Collections Specialist for its Department of Photographs. This role will focus on the unpacking and processing of The Walther Collection, a significant recent acquisition. The specialist will work collaboratively with the Associate Collections Manager and the Walther Collection Curator to manage object location records, assist with processing and rehousing, schedule photography, maintain object files, and catalog works. This is a temporary position with a duration of one year, starting upon hire.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in art history or related field required, emphasis on history of photography preferred.
  • One to three years of collections care experience required, preferably in a museum or cultural institution.
  • Demonstrated ability as a competent, detail-oriented, proactive professional with the ability to work well under deadlines, problem solve independently, and work within a team.
  • Strong knowledge of photographic practice and/or history.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage time and multitask.
  • Ability to create and maintain precise records.
  • Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
  • Ability to lift boxes up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

  • Master's degree in collections management, museum studies, art history, or related field preferred.
  • Fluency with TMS or other collections management systems strongly preferred.
  • Fluency with project management systems, such as Workday and JIRA, strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Organize and assist with the unpacking, moving, and rehousing of The Walther Collection, coordinating with technicians, photo conservation, and the curator.
  • Oversee the daily schedule for staff at UOVO.
  • Create object locations and maintain/update location records as Walther Collection works are unpacked.
  • Coordinate conservation checks and object/catalogue photography.
  • Create and maintain records in The Museum System (TMS).
  • Compile and maintain collections documentation associated with the project, both digitally and in physical files.
  • Assist with cataloguing of The Walther Collection.
  • Respond to Walther Collection inquiries.
  • Work with the collections and conservation teams to order supplies and materials.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
  • Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (pre-tax income for eligible health care expenses)
  • Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)
  • Free financial-planning services
  • Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs
  • 25% discount for staff in Museum shops
  • A subsidized staff cafeteria
  • Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions
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