Collections Management Database Administrator

Southeastern Registrars Association; Newport News, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mariners' Museum and Park is seeking a Collections Management Database Administrator for a 1-year grant funded project to replace the current CMS and improve access to outputs.

The role collaborates with TMMP and DHR staff to research standards, implement metadata schemas, train teams, and manage data migration, with a salary of $65,000 and full benefits.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in data sciences, museum studies, or related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in museum data structures, standards, and CMS.
• Knowledge of taxonomy and metadata in cultural heritage settings.
• Familiarity with vocabularies and linked data tools such as AAT, ULAN, and TGN.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with TMMP and DHR staff to select a new CMS.
• Research best practices and implement metadata schemas.
• Establish detailed workflows and training materials for accessibility and data quality.
• Train staff on the new workflow and oversee data migration.
• Promote collections management and registration in outreach activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Time management

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Strategic thinking

Proactive problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Advanced degree in data sciences or museum studies

Tools

Museum CMS

AAT

ULAN

TGN

Job description

Description

The Collections Management Database Administrator is a 1-year grant funded position who assists with implementing a National Endowment for the Humanities: Rediscovering Our Revolutionary Tradition project. The Mariners' Museum and Park (TMMP) and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) both have archeological collections of objects related to the Battle of Yorktown, and these two institutions have formed a consortium to improve the stewardship of these collections and their associated records. This position will research and collaboratively set standards for all aspects of a new Collections Management System (CMS) software to replace the current software, thereby making all outputs of the project accessible.

The Mariners' Museum and Park offers an excellent benefits package to include paid sick leave and vacation, generous health insurance contributions, and a 403b retirement match. This is a full-time, salary-exempt position with an annual salary of $65,000.

Candidates must include a cover letter in order to be considered. No phone calls, please – only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted.

Duties:

• Reports directly to TMMP’s Director of Collections Management, and closely collaborates with DHR’s Collections Manager, the project Associate Collections Manager, the project Archaeological Conservator, TMMP’s Director of Digital Transformation, TMMP’s Technical Solutions Engineer, and other team members from both TMMP and DHR.
• Collaboratively chooses a new CMS software to replace existing software.
• Researches best practices and standards and implements a metadata schema and controlled vocabularies protocols within the new CMS.
• Establishes a detailed workflow and training materials that optimize the new CMS to achieve high levels of accessibility and quality of data and assets.
• Trains other staff on implementing the aforementioned workflow.
• Participates in the planning and execution of collection data clean up and migration.
• Promotes the importance of collections management and registration in an outreach capacity whenever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

The person who will succeed in this role will be able to:

• Exercise good judgment,
• Pay close attention to detail and demonstrate a high level of accuracy,
• Take the initiative when appropriate,
• Be a strategic thinker and proactive problem solver with strong communication and interpersonal skills,
• Be well-organized, have excellent time management skills, and can multitask,
• Thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment, and
• Internalize the culture of respect, empathy, and servant leadership that is central to the TMMP team.

Education and Experience:

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

• Education (preferred): advanced degree in data sciences, museum studies, or related field
• Experience (5-8 years of the following):
  • Knowledge of data structures and standards for museum collections management and registration.
  • Demonstrated administrative experience with a museum CMS.
  • Demonstrated experience with taxonomy and metadata in a cultural heritage setting. Knowledge of published vocabularies, standards, and linked data tools such as AAT, ULAN, TGN, and Chenall’s Nomenclature.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass a background and motor vehicle record check prior to employment.
• Applicants must currently possess the capability to work in the United States