Museum Collections Manager

Merand Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Museum Collections Manager to oversee the care and management of art collections. This role involves digitization, research, and logistics for exhibitions, ensuring artworks are preserved and safely handled. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree in Museum Studies and several years of experience in collection management and conservation. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will contribute to the preservation of valuable artworks and enhance public access to cultural heritage. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the museum sector.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Museum Studies or related field required.
• 3-5 years’ experience in museum collection management.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily activities related to care and movement of collections.
• Coordinate logistics for art movements and manage loans.
• Ensure artworks are safely stored and maintain security protocols.

Skills

MS Office

Logos Flow software

English proficiency

Afrikaans proficiency

Problem-solving skills

Project management skills

Administration experience

Digital photography and video editing

Knowledge of copyright law

Education

Graduate degree in Museum Studies

Job description

As the Museum Collections Manager you will care for and handle the museums collections including digitisation, research, evaluations, insurance and conservation. Manage logistics of art movement for exhibitions and the necessary contracts. Assist external parties with collection related queries.

Qualifications :

• A graduate degree in Museum Studies or a related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in museum collection management and preventative conservation.

Skills and experience :

• Computer literacy with proven competence in MS Office. Knowledge of Logos Flow software is recommended.
• Excellent command of both English and Afrikaans. Being acquainted with a third language is recommended.
• Good planning and decision-making abilities. Ability to work effectively and in a timely manner on a wide variety of projects concurrently, particularly on the logistics of art movement.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills, with an ability to be receptive to changing priorities and to manage multiple work processes and projects simultaneously.
• Maintain a high level of detail and accuracy in management and completion of tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively and in an independent capacity, with a solutions-oriented focus.
• Experience of up to 4 years in administration and art will be required.
• Familiarity with museums will count in favour of applicants.
• Experience taking and editing digital photographs and videos.
• Familiarity with copyright law.

Principal Accountabilities :

• Manages daily activities related to care and movement of the collections, maintaining the database and collections archival material, researching the collections items, and coordinating photography and digitisation.
• Manages condition reporting, and cataloguing of collections objects.
• Manages incoming and outgoing loans, including generating and managing lending agreements, condition reports, correspondence, transportation and insurance documentation, arranging logistics for art movements, and confirming loan credit lines, reproduction and copyright.
• Assist the Senior Curator with the insurance (internal & external) and valuations of works of art and antiques.
• Compile and file insurance claims in the event of loss or damage of work.
• Works with the curators to liaise with lenders and secure loaned artworks.
• Organise exhibition related transport, which includes updating shipping lists, obtaining estimates of costs, and monitoring customs documentation, liaising with packers and shippers.
• Manages collections storage spaces and oversees access and the professional and secure storage and handling of artworks.
• Manage the storage, care, cleanliness and movement of exhibition furniture, fittings and equipment.
• Ensures that the artworks are safely stored in accordance with best preservation practices, undertakes environmental monitoring, maintains security protocols, and performs light housekeeping duties in collections storage.
• Facilitates staff, guest curator and researchers’ access to collections, while upholding professional standards and maintaining collections safety.
• Works closely with curators, facilities staff, and outside personnel in coordinating, scheduling, and packing artworks, monitoring for safe and responsible movement.
• Works with the facilities team to ensure proper environmental and security conditions for collections storage, exhibition galleries, and satellite sites, and oversees disaster planning and emergency preparedness as related to collections.
• Identifies conservation needs within the collections, performs preventative conservation work as appropriate, and manages related external service providers.
• Trains staff on collections care, handling, and preventative conservation as needed.
• Assist the curatorial team with inspections and audits of the collections both internal and external.
• Works collaboratively with the curatorial team, other staff and guest curators, in preparation for exhibitions and related projects including selection, mounting, framing and installation
• Performs routine monitoring, movement, and cleaning of collections objects on display (including satellite sites / offices / storage).
• Physically able to lift semi-heavy objects, work at heights and operate light machinery and tools as required.

Key Success Factors :

• Precise tracking and management of documentation regarding the movement of the collection and loaned works.
• Optimal control over the safeguarding of valuable artworks is crucial.
• Providing accurate information regarding the movement of artworks.
• The jobholder must effectively manage requests from the curatorial team.
• Effective handling of enquiries from the public regarding research and access.
• Keeping art collection records up to date - regarding the valuations of artworks for insurance purposes.
• The jobholder be able to manage the exhibitions schedule as well as insurance, transport, lending requests and agreements for incoming and outgoing temporary exhibitions.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted