Assistant Collections Manager of Cultural Anthropology

2-year, Full-time appointment

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered among the top 10 institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 80,000 students served annually. The Museum employs approximately 160 people.

Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. CMNH will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has currently launched a comprehensive campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.

SUMMARY

The Museum is searching for a highly-motivated individual to work within the Museum’s Department of Cultural Anthropology as a project-based assistant collections manager to prepare the collection for upcoming Museum renovations and expansion. The Museum supports a large collection of more than 14,000 items of material culture from historic and contemporary societies around the world including North, Central, and South Americas, Africa, and Asia. The successful candidate will work to conserve these collections, secure at risk artifacts, and develop a curation strategy that will enhance access, records management, and digitization efforts currently underway at the Museum. The successful candidate will also serve as liaison to Native American tribal groups in regard to NAGPRA compliance. The Assistant Collections Manager will report directly to the Museum’s Director of Research and Collections.

The position is a two year, full-time appointment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have a Master’s degree in cultural anthropology or related field and experience with the curation, cataloging, and conservation of cultural materials, preferably in a museum setting. Experience with NAGPRA implementation and compliance preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the management and proper curation of existing research and archival artifacts retained within the department, including evaluation and identification of artifacts for deaccessioning.
Responsible for the management of the systematic arrangement and proper storage of artifacts.
Responsible for computer database development of new and existing material and entering the data into the database.
Responsible for ordering supplies and equipment in support of collection operations.
Responsible for ensuring the Museum is up to date with all NAGPRA compliance
Responsible for updating all loan records
Responsible for rehousing and reorganizing artifacts to create room for objects to be removed from exhibit.
Responsible for arranging for conservation work on artifacts as needed
Performs all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies.
Responsible to oversee collections assistant staff members and volunteer activities as they pertain to collection activities.
Responsible for offering departmental services to museum members, the general public, and businesses based on current departmental and division policies.
Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Research and Collections or management as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Candidates must have a Master’s degree in cultural anthropology or related field and experience with the curation, cataloging, and conservation of cultural materials, preferably in a museum setting. Experience with NAGPRA implementation and compliance required.
Knowledge of collections management methods and current best practices.
The ability to plan, direct, and report on collections activities.
Ability to research scientific information, ideas and methods.
Excellent organizational and attention to detail skills.
The ability to deal effectively with public and private agencies and individuals in matters relating to collections objects at the Museum.
Strong computer operating system and database management experience. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, Power Point.
Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.
Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public.
Strong problem solving and listening skills.
Ability to manage staff assistants and volunteers.
Ability to function in a fast pace environment with time constraints, and within established deadlines.

TO APPLY
Create an account and apply at workforcenow.adp.com. No phone calls, please.