Collections Manager, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

As the University’s largest and most varied academic unit, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) is comprised of artists, learners, performers, scholars, scientists, and teachers across 21+ departments, programs, schools, and centers and acts as a central hub where many of the University's disciplines intersect. Nearly all 6,000 undergraduates at the University take liberal arts courses with us, and about one-third of these students declare a first major in a CAHSS program. Most of our departments, programs and schools offer master's or doctoral programs. CAHSS scholars, artists, instructors, staff, and students collaborate in a shared quest for knowledge about the human condition and the development of skills to improve our local and global communities. The diverse scope of CAHSS allows our students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed at nearly any career in today’s global society. 

The University of Denver's School of Art & Art History (SAAH) has offered instruction in Art and Art History since 1880 and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. SAAH offers undergraduate courses in Studio Art and undergraduate and graduate courses in Art History, and contributes to the Common Curriculum courses for the larger University. SAAH currently has 13 full time faculty members, approximately ten adjuncts, and serves an average of one hundred twenty undergraduate majors annually, in addition to approximately 18-20 graduate MA students in Art History. http://www.du.edu/ahss/art/

Position Summary

The University of Denver is seeking a Collections Manager to steward the University Art Collections. The successful applicant for this full-time, benefitted position will manage the off-campus Hampden Art Study Center, train collections staff and student assistants, and administer the collections database. The Collections Manager will oversee the long-term preservation of objects in our care, ensuring they remain in good condition and available to students, faculty, and the community now and in the future.

With more than 8,000 objects representing a wide range of periods, cultures, and mediums, the University Art Collections are a tremendous resource for the University of Denver. Objects from the collections activate spaces, offer opportunities for teaching and learning, and provide engagement for the community on campus and beyond. The art collections are maintained at the Hampden Art Study Center, a professionally managed, off-campus facility open by appointment to students, faculty, scholars, and the wider community.

Essential Functions

• Work with the Curator of Collections to create, implement, and uphold policies and procedures related to collections management (acceptance, care, deaccession, and ethics, among others)
• Work with staff to manage collections projects such as intake processing, surveys, moves, rehousing, conservation/preservation priorities, inventory, etc.
• Oversee collections database and maintain object files.
• Oversee the Hampden Art Study Center facility, including environmental conditions and pest control. Purchase supplies and maintain budget.
• Train and supervise collections staff and graduate assistants.
• Support exhibitions on campus through transportation, condition reporting, and un/packing of art.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of museum collection standards and conservation practices.
• Strong ability to make decisions, be self-directed and work independently, and show motivation.
• High level of proficiency with collections management databases and data strategies.
• Strong storage organization skills and experience with rehousing/survey/inventory projects.
• Effective communication and cooperation with other staff.
• Ability to direct collections management tasks and provide training and supervision for staff.
• Strong computer skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Library Science (or related fields) and at least one year of practical museum experience OR 5+ years of experience in collections management.
• Experience working with a range of collection types including artifacts, photographs, and archival materials
• Experience with collections management databases, metadata standards, and cataloging standards common to museums and archives
• Valid Driver’s License required, with a clean driving record, and the ability to drive a university vehicle to off-campus locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Library Science (or related fields) with a minimum of 1 year of practical museum experie