Job Listing: Collections Manager
Stratford Hall – Statford, VA
Closes - Open until closed
Position Title – Collections Manager
Salary - : $38,000 to $45,000
Job Type - Full Time
Apply: please send a cover letter, c.v., and the names of three professional references to Dr. Kelley Fanto Deetz, Vice President of Collections and Public Engagement, kdeetz@stratfordhall.org
Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2023
Stratford Hall is accepting applications for a full-time Collections Manager. The candidate will join an enthusiastic staff team as we move through the new strategic planning process, and prepare for the 250 year anniversary of 1776.
This is a full-time position, reporting to the Vice President of Collections and Public Engagement and responsible for the overall management, care, conservation and display of Stratford’s decorative and fine arts, historic vehicle, paleontology and archaeological collections. This includes the appropriate display of objects in the Great House and additional exhibits as needed or desired.
The Collections Manager will be responsible for the following duties:
-
Research history of Stratford Hall’s objects as needed to support Stratford Hall's mission and programming.
-
Work closely with the staff to support and/develop both in-person and virtual content.
-
Support site-wide interdepartmental research as needed.
-
Work with Development to support fundraising efforts (ie. grant writing, public speaking, special tours, research).
-
Aid in the development and execution of furnishing plans for the Great House and other historic buildings to reflect the historical period of the Lee family and their broader on-site community.
-
Work with colleagues in historical research and interpretation to accurately depict the lives of the Lees, the enslaved, and servants through showcasing appropriate material culture in designated places throughout the Great House and outbuildings, training front-line staff in interpreting and presenting the same, and developing educational programs.
-
Co-supervise interns as needed, in partnership with colleagues in historical research, interpretation, education and preservation.
-
Supervise the care and conservation of Stratford’s collections and any items on loan.
-
Maintain the collections database and update and maintain the fine arts inventory. Coordinate appraisals and annual insurance reviews.
-
Manage acquisitions, by purchase or loan, of objects needed to execute furnishing and programming plans, in concert with the Vice President of Collections and Public Engagement.
-
Coordinate with appropriate experts regarding the care and interpretation of the paleontology artifacts.
-
Represent Stratford Hall at professional conferences and public venues.
-
Work with the Vice President of Collections and Public Engagement on developing and nurturing institutional partnerships with peer museums, universities, and community organizations to support Stratford Hall’s mission.
-
Work special events, across departments, as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
-BA in a humanities field
-Minimum 2-3 years collections management experience
Preferred Qualifications
-MA in a humanities field
-5 years experience in museum collections management
-Experience with research, writing, and publications
-Background in decorative arts/material culture
-Community outreach experience
-Grant writing experience
-Interest and experience with publicly accessible scholarship
-Ability to work across departments/disciplines
-Experience with digital humanities