The Collections Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Peabody Museum's Collections Management team, overseeing storage, collection movement and organization, cataloging and inventory, and rehousing for the Museum's archaeological and ethnographic collections. The position supervises Collections Assistants, manages the Museum's Integrated Pest Management, and coordinates facility-related activities with the Building Management department. Reports to the Associate Director of Collections Care and Access.
Position Description
Trains and supervises the department's Collections Assistants, overseeing workflow and managing staff schedules. Supervises work and processes, assigns ongoing tasks and short-term projects, and has primary responsibility for evaluating performance for assigned staff. Works with the Associate Director for Collections Care and Access on hiring staff as needed.
Manages collections cataloging, processing, and inventory; ensures successful completion of complex projects; establishes procedures for collection storage, rehousing, and object movement.
Responsible for management of and access to objects storage rooms, both on- and off-site.
Oversees proper storage and rehousing of archaeological and ethnographic collections in accordance with professional standards and best practices.
Manages safe movement of collections throughout the museum.
Manages proper inventory control over permanent collections.
Directly responsible for ensuring all collections storage rooms are secured and activities in storage (e.g., repatriation consultation, class visits) are conducted safely and securely.
Identifies needs for new equipment and supplies.
Ensures appropriate risk management for collections storage spaces including security, fire safety, environmental health and safety.
Supervises IPM programs in coordination with the Associate Conservator to establish priorities, goals, and training.
Working with the Associate Director for Collections Care and Access, assists with the review and enforcement of collections management policies and procedures.
Ensures collections management department goals are met while providing needed support to other departments on collections-related projects, managing conflicting needs as they arise.
Works with non-Peabody Museum departments including:
Facilities management for building management and security as it relates to and impacts collections storage and exhibition spaces.
Harvard Museums of Science and Culture staff on object movement, exhibition installation supervision, and rigging of large objects into and out of exhibition spaces.
Performs other duties as required.
Basic Qualifications
B.A. in anthropology, art history, or related field required;
5+ years' experience in collections management in a museum setting.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
M.A. in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field preferred.
Understanding of and commitment to the ethical stewardship of museum collections in partnership with stakeholder communities.
Experience in supervising permanent staff in a variety of collections management functions.
Demonstrated knowledge of museum ethics, standards, and best practices.
Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management protocols.
Knowledge of environmental hazards posed by museum collections and safe methods of working with such materials.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; multitask, manage complex projects, and meet competing deadlines; strong attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to establish priorities and achieve goals.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
Additional Information
We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
About Us
About the Peabody Museum
The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 388057 Museum Professional
Job Function: Museum
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Dean
Salary Grade: 057
Department: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
