Collections Manager

Position:

Collections Manager Status:

Full-time/Hourly To Apply:

Applications must include both a resume and a cover letter. Please package documents as a single file and upload under "Apply with a Resume" on Shaker Village's employment portal. Please contact rsoules@shakervillageky.org with any questions. Applications will only be reviewed if they are complete and include all requested materials. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience. Home to the Shaker community of Pleasant Hill from 1805 until 1923, SVPH manages the country's largest private collection of original nineteenth-century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events. The Collections Department The Collections Department supports the mission of Shaker Village by thoughtfully preserving the site's history to inspire and inform guests today, and throughout future generations. The Department is responsible for managing and safeguarding Shaker Village's permanent collection of 4,800+ three-dimensional artifacts, 3,000+ photographs, 350+ rare books, and 500+ archival materials, as well as an extensive institutional archive documenting SVPH 60+ years as a museum. The Department's Research Library contains a wide assortment of resources, including a large, non-archival reference collection, microfilm of Shaker archival materials from other sites, and a library of 2,000+ volumes on Kentucky, Shaker, and religious history. Additionally, the Department manages SVPH's online collections database (https://shakervillageky.pastperfectonline.com/), hosts onsite scholars and provides remote research assistance, and interfaces with the Program Department and other SVPH staff to provide up-to-date, accurate historical information about the Shakers and Pleasant Hill as needed. The Collections Department is also an active partner in planning, installing, and maintaining all SVPH exhibitions, as well as developing tours, programs, and other public offerings. Collections Manager Job Summary The Collections Manager will provide thoughtful care and stewardship of SVPH's collections, along with the dissemination of historical information through programs, exhibits, and written content. Responsibilities encompass all aspects of the Collections Department's operations. A key responsibility will include managing research projects and library access - supervising visiting scholars' and SVPH research fellows' access to the collections, answering remote research inquiries, assisting other SVPH departments with research needs and fact-checking historical information, and conducting research for new exhibits and programs. The Collections Manager will also supervise other departmental projects and activities, such as collections management (cataloging new accessions or found-in-collection materials, photographing and scanning items, rehousing and updating items' location, and providing preventive conservation care), exhibit design and development (label writing, artifact selection, and exhibit installation), and the reorganization of SVPH's institutional archives (sorting staff records, developing finding aids, and organizing twentieth-century photographs). This position may also be asked to assist with other duties delegated by the Collections & Education Director, such as occasionally leading tours and programs. Responsibilities and Duties Respond to scholarly requests from external researchers and organizations in a timely manner, including responsible access to the archival collection through scheduled research appointments, genealogical research, scans of historical material and photos, and use requests for any publicly exhibited or published material, keeping the Collections & Education Director informed as needed. Consult with the Collections & Education Director on donation inquiries and handle relevant correspondence and communications. Serve as the Collections Department liaison to other SVPH departments, particularly the Program Department. Use knowledge of the collection and archives to assist and support internal research by other members of the SVPH staff for the development of public programs, written communications, workshops, exhibitions, and general interpretation. Perform preventive conservation care of collections on exhibit and in storage, with an emphasis on light cleaning, environmental monitoring, supervision, and general. Serve as Collections Department liaison to staff who assist with maintenance of SVPH exhibits and public historic spaces. Create and update records in SVPH's PastPerfect database, with a particular emphasis on adding photographs, scans, and other additional information that can be shared with the public via PastPerfect Online. Work as an active partner in developing and installing SVPH exhibits, including small temporary exhibits, projects involving outside artists/guest curators, and permanent exhibitions that further SVPH's Master Interpretive Plan. Take an active role in collections storage reorganization. This includes moving artifacts within collections storage spaces; moving and assembling shelving; packing artifacts in boxes or rehousing on shelves; building custom storage boxes or mounts; updating artifact locations; and handling all collections according to museum best practices. Oversee intern and volunteer projects involving the Collections Department. Assist with departmental projects as directed by the Collections & Education Director. Skills and Qualifications Excellent oral and written communication skills with ability to professionally and effectively communicate with supervisor, other SVPH staff, and SVPH guests. Demonstrated ability to write engagingly in a variety of styles, from a scholarly, academic tone to a lighter voice suitable for blog posts, exhibit labels, and other public-orientated materials. Ability to work collaboratively within the Collections Department and with other SVPH departments as needed. Willingness and ability to learn the history of the Shakers, Pleasant Hill, and other related content about the site's natural and cultural resources. Ability to complete projects and reports in an accurate and timely manner. Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow through on commitments; self-motivated, taking initiative and comfortable working independently. Shows flexibility and creativity in support of all Shaker Village activities. Knowledge and understanding of ethical collections management principles and practices. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in public history, museum studies, or other relevant field required; Master's degree preferred. 2-4 years relevant experience in the museum field, or related experience that would be applicable to this position. Proficient in Microsoft Office products; good general computer skills.

Optional/preferred:

Experience with collections management software (PastPerfect preferred).

Optional/preferred:

Experience working with museum collections/curatorial management.

Optional/preferred:

Experience with exhibit development. Physical Requirements Ability to maintain visual attention for considerable lengths of time. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. Ability to sit and stand for considerable lengths of time. Must be able to ascend and descend stairs on a frequent basis. Ability to operate computers and general office equipment. Must be able to write by hand in pencil/pen legibly and neatly. Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. and lift and/or move heavier loads as needed. Regular access to a personal vehicle and valid drivers license. Working Environment and Conditions This position involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments, during all seasons and types of weather conditions. This position requires in-person work at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This position will normally work Monday-Friday, but may include non-traditional hours at times, including occasional evenings and weekends. The Collections Manager will be expected to work 6-8 weekends annually to assist with SVPH Signature Events. This position is subject to a background check and drug testing.