Job Description

Summary: The Saint Louis Art Museum is hiring a Collections Manager to safeguard and manage its collection of nearly 40,000 objects. This role demands someone who excels at coordinating complex logistical projects and has proven experience handling a wide range of art objects. As a critical partner in the Collections and Exhibitions Division, the position reports to the Director of Registration and will collaborate across departments to advance the Museum’s strategic vision and fulfill its daily mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Manage all collection storage spaces on- and off-campus, including identifying environmental risks and monitoring conditions. Facilitate curatorial access to storage and art study room appointments for the public and scholars. Support object movement related to collection photography.
Implement or reassess Collection Survey recommendations: help prioritize, budget, implement housing projects, and realize improvements to current storage areas. Establish standards and procedures for the care, numbering, housing, and storage of all accessioned and unaccessioned objects, as well as works on long-term loan. Update systems for intake, hazardous materials, internal movement, storage access, and integrated pest management. Coordinate crating and packing of outgoing loans and acquisitions.
Head the Collections Audit Team and work with Finance to conduct an annual audit of object locations, numbering, recordkeeping, and cataloging. Ensure that accurate records are consistently maintained of all movement into and out of the Museum—as well as from one internal location to another—regularly evaluate workflows, and establish checkpoints with Security and IT administrators.
Guide the scheduling, regular rotation, and preparation of objects shown in the permanent collection galleries and in the new medium-sized exhibition space.
Coordinate logistics related to the dispersal and transfer of deaccessioned objects and property.
Partner with Operations, Security, Events, Learning and Engagement, and Visitor Services to safeguard the collection during gallery maintenance, facilities repairs, daily operations, and special events. Lead revisions of the Emergency Response Plan and establish regular staff training sessions. Responsible for updating annually the AAM General Facilities Report.
Collaborate with Conservation and Art Preparation & Installation staff on packing, shipping, assessing, moving, handling, and examining the condition of items in the collection.
Act as an ambassador for Collection Management within the Museum, its Collectors Circle Programs, and beyond.
Supervise Collection Fellow and interns by assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and providing guidance, in order to ensure departmental objectives are achieved and Fellow/interns enjoy a valuable learning experience.
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree, with major coursework in collection management, museum studies, art history, archaeology, history, studio art, or conservation.
At least 3 years of experience working in a museum, with increasing responsibility, in positions related to collections management, registration, art handling, or conservation. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Trained and skilled object handler, with working knowledge of best practices, materials, and preservation techniques.
In-depth use of The Museum System (TMS) or a comparable Collection Management System.
Proven experience positively leading teams and multifaceted projects.
Additional Details:
Pay Range: $76,784 – $95,980/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, Full-Time

Benefits, Perks & Culture

The Saint Louis Art Museum offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverages with various plan designs to choose. HSA and FSA benefits are also offered with applicable plans. Medical premium reductions are available through participation in the Museum’s award-winning wellness program that features fun staff events such as “bike to work” days, paddleboat days in Forest Park, 5K runs, and onsite yoga in the beautiful, spacious galleries. PTO, Sick, Bereavement Leave and paid Holidays apply. Museum-paid LTD, STD, Life and AD&D insurance is included as well as access to a robust Employee Assistance Program. Unlimited EAP 24/7 counseling services and a plethora of resources available on the topics of financial wellbeing, parenting, stress management and more are available. Saint Louis Art Museum full-time employees are also part of the City of Saint Louis’ Employee Retirement System pension. Additionally, the Museum offers supplemental retirement 403b, and Roth options as well as supplemental Life, AD&D, and Critical Illness coverage. Additional benefits include pet insurance, LegalShield & ID Shield, educational assistance, discounts to local ticketed events, an included Museum membership with discounts to our lovely Museum shop and restaurants, free event tickets, and staff event opportunities to experience exhibitions privately, including art installation educational sessions with Museum curatorial staff. The Museum employs unique individuals with a wide variety of talents, skills and abilities. There is a great sense of pride in being able to serve the public through the various job functions available within the Museum as a well-known Saint Louis destination to experience great works of art.

The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

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