Collections Manager, South County History Center, Kingston, RI
Posted October 9, 2018
TITLE: COLLECTIONS MANAGER
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
TERM: Part-time, 14 hours per week
The South County History Center is seeking an enthusiastic and professional Collections Manager to join our team as we embark on the next phase of our strategic plan. The Center’s primary activities are stewarding and providing access to local research collections, developing exhibits and programs, and offering hands-on learning opportunities to interns interested in joining our field.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Collections Manager works closely with staff and volunteers to manage and care for the Center’s archival, library, and artifact collections. Working toward the goal of gaining full intellectual control and increasing public access, the Collections Manager will support on-going inventory efforts and the continued improvement and implementation of collections-related policies and procedures. The management of the Center’s PastPerfect collections database, including ensuring data integrity and security, is a critical function of this role.
The Collections Manager regularly engages with Center members and visitors to provide research assistance and guidance in a professional and timely manner. Additionally, the Collections Manager works collaboratively with staff, interns, and volunteers to process new collections, create exhibits, and conduct research necessary for program development. The Collections Manager also serves on the Center’s Collections Committee. All Center staff members assist in the management of day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Old Washington County Jail.
This is a part-time, 14 hour per week position. The Collections Manager’s regular hours will be Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some evening and Saturday hours may be required for special events. The pay rate for this position is $14-16 per hour. Center staff members work primarily within our historic headquarters, which has many staircases and unfortunately is not handicapped-accessible.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, SKILLS REQUIRED
This position requires a candidate with a passion for historical collections and research, as well as the ability to engage others in local history. The successful candidate will have experience (paid or volunteer) in an archive, library, or museum. Coursework or degree in Library Science and knowledge of archival management theory and best practices, related to both analog and digital collections, is required. Experience cataloguing collections is required; experience with photographic collections and knowledge of metadata management is preferred.
Most importantly, the successful candidate will possess a “can-do” attitude, strong problem-solving skills, collaborative working style, and excellent time management. This position also requires the ability to both multi-task and prioritize projects, supported by strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Also critical to success in this role are strong computer skills (including working with databases), the ability to manage others, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service.
TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to learn more about the Center by visiting our website, SouthCountyHistoryCenter.org, and are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to [email protected].