Collections Manager | Austin, TX

Texas Association of Museums; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Association of Museums seeks a Collections Manager to oversee the care and conservation of Landmarks’ public art collection. This role involves managing interns, coordinating projects, and interacting with external stakeholders.

Candidates should have a minimum of three years’ experience in collection management and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Key responsibilities include budget management, project coordination, and maintaining stakeholder relationships.

The salary range is $60K-$70K annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience with collection management.
• Previous supervisory experience is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite including Excel and Sharepoint.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the care and conservation of the public art collection.
• Assist with long-range planning and budgeting.
• Manage two Pre-Program Interns including recruiting and training.

Skills

Collection management

Public art collections

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Microsoft Office Suite

Multi-tasking

Job description

Title: Collections Manager, Landmarks, The Public Art Program of The University of Texas at Austin

Appointment: 40 hrs/week

Salary: $60K-$70K annually, depending on experience

Reporting to Landmarks’ Deputy Director, the Collections Manager is responsible for the care and conservation of Landmarks’ public art collection, comprised of nearly fifty works of modern and contemporary art in a range of media. Working with contracted conservators and preparators, the position oversees both routine maintenance and any special conservation or restoration required for the collection. The position also manages the Landmarks Preservation Guild (a volunteer cohort), and two pre-program conservation interns. This position manages the Landmarks Video program, in coordination with Landmarks technology manage.

Key Responsibilities

Collection management and conservation (80%)

• Assist the Director and Deputy Director with long‑range planning and budgeting for the care, maintenance, and conservation of the collection
• Monitor works, identify needs and coordinate treatments in collaboration with contracted conservators, artists, lenders, Landmarks’ technology manager, and campus service providers
• Maintain ongoing relationship with the Metropolitan Museum of Art regarding works on long‑term loan to Landmarks, including routine communication, site visit coordination, and loan renewals
• Maintain relationships and routine communications with campus delegates who monitor works in the collection
• Maintain relationships and routine communications with external stakeholders
• Oversee all conservation efforts as needed
• Maintain the 20‑year routine maintenance budget projection
• Assist in the development of new projects by working with conservators to determine feasibility of materials and to project long‑term care needs
• Manage maintenance of new media art, in consultation with tech‑specific vendors and Landmarks’ technology manager
• Maintain database of treatments and condition reports; maintain records and documentation for each work in the collection and digital archive
• Manage two Pre‑Program Interns including recruiting, training, programming and performance tracking
• Manage Landmarks Preservation Guild (volunteer program) including recruiting, training, programming and performance tracking
• Plan and execute emergency response for works as needed (ie: graffiti, vandalism, weather events, etc.)
• Track and manage loan agreements and communication with lenders
• Budget development and reporting for all projects
• Track and forward invoices for payment
• Reconcile accounts and budgets at the end of a project
• Coordinate with Landmarks Deputy Director and Business Coordinator to ensure only approved payments are charged to the proper project accounts

Committee coordination (5%)

• Coordinate with the Landmarks Advisory Committee (LAC)
  • Plan and attend regular meetings
  • Take notes and submit meeting minutes in a timely manner after every meeting
  • Maintain the roster for LAC
  • Work closely with the Director’s EA to schedule meetings

Other (5%)

• Attend Landmark VIP events and tours as requested

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience with collection management, preferably working with public art collections and/or object conservation
• Previous supervisory experience
• Previous experience working external stakeholders and contracted workers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite including Excel and Sharepoint
• Ability to multi‑task and manage deadlines
• Enthusiasm to learn new things

Preferred Qualifications

• Four years + experience with collection management, preferably working with public art collections and/or object conservation
• Familiarity with UT protocols and project management processes