Director of Collections

The New York Historical Society • New York, NY

390d • $125,000 - $145,000

About The Position

The Director of Collections at The New York Historical is responsible for managing the Collections Department, overseeing the care and preservation of the museum's extensive collection, and supervising the staff involved in these processes. This role includes managing incoming and outgoing loans, overseeing traveling exhibitions, and ensuring compliance with museum policies. The Director will collaborate with various departments and lead special projects related to the museum's collections.

Requirements

• MA in museum studies, art history, history, material culture or related field preferred.
• A minimum of ten years of increasing museum management experience including work in museum registration or collection management.
• Experience creating and managing exhibition budgets.
• Experience with TMS (The Museum System) collections management database.
• Superior management, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Prior experience and demonstrated skills leading teams and managing staff.
• Experience managing vendors and consultants.
• Collaborative, team-based approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Ability and comfort level to travel outside of New York City for traveling exhibitions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage Collections Department activities and staff, including registrars, art handlers, museum database administrator, museum conservator, and departmental interns.
• Manage the care and preservation of the museum collection (70,000+ objects).
• Supervise packing, shipping, and long-term storage of collections.
• Oversee conservation by staff and contract conservators.
• Collaborate with security staff to ensure security of exhibition spaces and museum storage.
• Monitor environmental conditions at the museum and storage facilities.
• Manage all off-site object storage facilities.
• Oversee all fine arts insurance coverage.
• Ensure compliance with and updates to Museum Collections policies and procedures.
• Manage the relocation and protection of collections during construction of the new wing.
• Respond to emergency situations affecting the collections.
• Oversee all registrarial work on incoming and outgoing loans, including loan agreements, insurance, packing, shipping, installation, and deinstallation.
• Serve as registrar for special long-term loans and several temporary exhibitions per year.
• Help to develop and track exhibition budgets in consultation with the Chief Curator and other directors.
• Lead the traveling exhibition program in consultation with the registrarial team and exhibition curators.
• Chair the staff Acquisitions & Loans Committee.
• Prepare summaries for meetings of the Board Collections Committee.
• Supervise special museum Collections projects.
• Collaborate with the Development department on Collections grant applications and grant management.
• Review New York Historical Collections Policy and propose changes as needed.
• Review Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Response plan and establish procedures for collections staff.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• 403(b)
• Life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree