Collections Manager for the David P. Wheatland Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

13-Sep-2024

Collections Manager for the David P. Wheatland Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

66863BR

Job Summary

The Collection of Historic Scientific Instruments (CHSI) at Harvard University seeks a Collections Manager/Registrar to lead all collections management planning efforts, care, conservation, and stewardship of the collection and to manage all registration duties for the Collection.  Applicants may have a range of backgrounds in museum collections, but their scholarship and professional experience must include deep engagement with enabling care of and access to material culture in a cultural heritage or educational setting. We are seeking an individual with strong communication and project management skills who has the capacity to build and steward public research and educational collections. This individual will help further develop the current institutional goals of advancing use of CHSI as a field-leading teaching collection by balancing radical access and use of the collection with appropriate preservation and care. Our Collections Manager will be responsible for independently identifying, planning, and executing large, complex collections management and exhibition projects, such as a months-long collections move to new facility in Southborough, consolidating collections storage within the Science Center, supporting loans for annually-changing exhibits, and guiding the collection through a comprehensive collections refinement process. With a team of colleagues, the Collections Manager ensures the preservation and stewardship of diverse materials including scientific instruments, works on paper, photographs, archives, library, and their catalogue.

Position Description

Collections Management

• Responsible for the long-range planning efforts and day-to-day activities relative to the care and stewardship of CHSI’s collections. The Collections Manager independently identifies, plans, and executes large, complex collections management projects, such as an upcoming collections move to a new facility in Southborough.
• Manages all aspects of deaccessioning and accessioning of objects in the collection, facilitating review with faculty and professional stakeholders.
• Responsible for the management of CHSI digital collections and for overseeing all digitizing procedures and projects.
• Responsible for internal & external object movement, including packing, shipping and relocation.
• Specifies and writes all policies and procedures governing the care, handling, and use of collections. Is responsible for monitoring access to, handling, and use of collections to ensure compliance.
• Manages all the logistics for conservation, rigging, packing, crating, shipping, insurance & other required projects
• Independently develops special collections project plans and budget tracking for standard collections activities and other collections projects.
• Will work to coordinate with EH&S the review of hazardous materials in the collection. Liaises with Operations Manager to ensure documentation of hazards and the development of SOPs for access and use sufficient for safe conduct.

Registrarial

• Manages the collection database, enabling the management of the collection and access to information through our online access point, Waywiser.
• Creates, compiles, and maintains legal documents, histories of use and physical histories of permanent collection objects. Advises Curator on provenance of the collection and facilitates appropriate access by researchers to this information.
• Provides exact collections data and reporting to Executive and Faculty Directors to affect audits of the Collection.
• Coordinates all aspects of the loan process for exhibitions, including drafting and reviewing loan agreements, reviewing and completing condition reports, and specifying and overseeing the movement of objects in and out of our facilities. Incumbent is responsible for accountability of collections on exhibit.
• Organizes and leads the rationalization of collections, including deaccession and transfer of materials as appropriate.
• Responsible for development and implementation of the Collections Management Policy.

Administration and Management

• Administers new collections hires; manages the training, coordination, and daily activities of a small team of student, temporary, and LHT positions in addition to a part time curatorial assistant.
• Coordinates all collections and information access, including for scholarly, curatorial, exhibition, teaching, and conservation purposes.

Basic Qualifications

We invite applications from candidates who possess a Bachelor’s degree and can demonstrate 5 years’ experience managing the care and documentation of cultural heritage collections (museums, libraries, archives, etc.).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are interested in applicants who have previous management experience handling complicated logistical collections projects. Preferred candidates will be able to demonstrate an ability to collaborate successfully with a variety of stakeholders, manage vendors, and draft vendor agreements, using strong written and verbal communication skills. The selected applicant will have demonstrated the ability to imagine, organize, and execute complex projects with internal and external stakeholders. Applicants should demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, discretion, honesty, and ethical conduct.

Physical Requirements

Work is primarily at a desk, though incumbent regularly moves museum collections, installing, transporting, and historic material culture throughout and between work facilities. This can include: lifting items up to 25lbs, pushing and pulling cart with items, pushing and pulling crates, opening and closing crates and exhibition cases, etc.

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.
 

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments –

Harvard University has been acquiring scientific instruments since 1672. CHSI was established in 1948 by David P. Wheatland to preserve these objects as resources for teaching and research in the history of science and technology.

CHSI is one of the three largest university collections of its kind in the world. Stewarded by Harvard’s Department of the History of Science since 1987, the collection is an integral resource for student and faculty engagement in the Greater Boston Area. As a founding member institution of the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, CHSI is an essential partner in achieving HMSC’s mission to foster curiosity and a spirit of discovery and enhance understanding of and appreciation for science.

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.

Job Function

Museum

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

390057 Museum Manager

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Salary Grade

057

Department

Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

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.

EEO 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.

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