Job Title: Collections Manager
Status: Full-time, exempt
Salary: $33,280 - $41,600 DoE
Application Deadline: April 16
About Coos Art Museum
Coos Art Museum, located in the coastal town of Coos Bay, Oregon, is a dynamic cultural institution dedicated to celebrating the arts and nurturing creativity within our community. As the sole art museum along the Oregon Coast and the state's third-oldest art museum, we take pride in being a welcoming community gathering place that lowers conceptual and physical barriers to the arts and enhances the museum's relevance for local residents. Our museum hosts a rotating selection of up to 20 exhibitions each year, sourced from local and regional artists and institutions. We offer a wide range of educational programs, including classes, workshops, and outreach initiatives, along with frequent public events, designed to engage artists of all ages. With a mission to enrich lives through art, Coos Art Museum serves as a cultural resource on the Oregon Coast, igniting inspiration and fostering connections through the transformative power of visual arts. For additional information, please visit www.coosartmuseum.org.
Position Overview:
We seek a motivated and versatile Collections Manager who is excited to make a significant impact in a small, close-knit team environment. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a hands-on, multi-faceted position and is passionate about supporting the arts in a rural setting. As the Collections Manager, you will maintain the physical well-being and documentation of Coos Art Museum’s Permanent Collection. This role ensures the proper stewardship of the collection through policies, procedures, and best practices in collection management, registration, and preservation. The Collections Manager also develops exhibitions from the Permanent Collection, working collaboratively with the Executive Director and museum staff.
While we have a small team and a modest budget, we are rich in creativity, ambition, and community spirit. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to bring fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of collections and exhibition management.
Key Responsibilities:
Collections (65%)
- Review and compile institutional policies and relevant governance guidelines to develop and implement a comprehensive Collections Management Policy.
- Lead the transition to a new collections database management system and ensure accurate data migration and training for relevant staff.
- Oversee the care, conservation, and documentation of the Permanent Collection.
- Maintain and update collection records, including provenance research, condition reports, and insurance valuations.
- Manage acquisitions, deaccessions, and collection growth in alignment with Museum policies.
- Serve as chair of the Acquisitions Committee, facilitating discussions and documentation related to collection development.
- Conduct scholarly research on collection items to support interpretation, exhibitions, and publications.
- Ensure proper storage, conservation, and risk management for collection objects.
- Assist with fundraising efforts by leading special collection tours and collaborating on grant applications.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for artist and donor inquiries regarding collection pieces.
- Work closely with sales staff to ensure accurate reporting of transactions, availability, and artist information.
- Monitor artwork rotation and coordinate with artists on loan agreements and returns.
- Assist with artwork intake, cataloging, and outgoing/incoming condition checks.
Exhibitions (25%)
- Plan and curate exhibitions drawn from the Permanent Collection, ensuring alignment with the museum’s mission.
- Research collection works to develop interpretive materials, wall texts, and didactics.
- Collaborate with museum staff on exhibition layouts and installation.
- Track exhibition schedules and work with the Executive Director to align with institutional goals.
- Ensure exhibition preparation, such as framing, conservation, and photography of collection artworks.
Note on Temporary Duties:
In addition to the primary responsibilities listed, this role will temporarily assume certain duties of Rental Sales Gallery Manager while that employee is on medical leave. These temporary tasks include tracking and inventory of the Rental Sales Collection, timely renewal of relevant paperwork, curation of Rental Sales displays, and other relevant administrative tasks.
The Collections Manager will receive support and training on these temporary duties. Upon the employee’s return or a change in staffing needs, the position will shift to focus fully on collections management, policy development, and related duties. This coverage will not replace core Collections priorities.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, arts administration, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in a similar role within a museum or cultural institution.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a small team and manage multiple responsibilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Passion for the arts and a commitment to community engagement.
- Willingness to live and work in a rural coastal community.
We are aware that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career trajectory, such as having skills and abilities gained outside a classroom context, or an equivalent skill set. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
Benefits:
While Coos Art Museum does not currently offer a group health insurance plan, we may provide a monthly healthcare reimbursement stipend to support employees in securing their own health coverage. Additional benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
To Apply:
To apply, please visit coosartmuseum.org/collections-manager to submit your application and materials by April 16, 2025.
For questions or more information about the position, contact Lydia Heins at lheins@coosartmuseum.org.
Hiring Statement
Coos Art Museum is committed to creating an inclusive environment where a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are welcomed and valued. As a community museum, we recognize that art is enriched by the many ways people experience the world, and we seek team members who share our passion for engaging diverse audiences through lifelong learning. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome all qualified applicants.
