Job Listing: Collections Data Specialist

Hampton University Museum - Hampton, VA

Closes - open until filled

Title - Collections Data Specialist

Job Type - This position is a 3 year, full-time, grant funded position.

Apply - Please submit a cover letter, resume and two letters of recommendation to:  

Vanessa D. Thaxton-Ward, Ph. D., Director, Hampton University Museum, vanessa.thaxton-ward@hamptonu.edu.

Summary - 

The Hampton University Museum seeks a Collections Data Specialist to join a team dedicated to providing full digital access to the African Collection of over 3100 works.

The Collections Data Specialist will be responsible for retrospective cataloging of the Hampton University Museums African and Modern African collection in the cataloging system, PAST PERFECT utilizing best practices in the cataloging of works of art.  Reporting to the Director, and working closely with the Registrar, Curator of Collections the Collections Specialist will focus on transcribing a critical mass of information about the Museum’s African collections from source documents such as curatorial files, accession records, and Data bases.

Responsibilities - 

• Perform data “clean-up” as needed.
• Assist in the implementation of data standards and data entry guidelines.
• Coordinate with PastPerfect to facilitate the Data Conversion from the Mellon Foundation Modern African Art project Sheets to Past Perfect
• Organize, compile, and digitize (as needed) source documents relating to individual works of art in the collection.
• Enter compiled data in collections information management system (PAST PERFECT) adhering to established standards and guidelines.
• Confer regularly with Museum team to ensure accuracy of information and the use of appropriate authority tools
• Coordinate with Curatorial Team to work with Student Interns
• Attend weekly team meetings
• Willingness to perform all duties as assigned

Qualifications -

• Bachelor’s degree in art, art history, museum studies, information sciences, or related discipline
• Ability to work independently and efficiently to produce consistent, high quality results over long-term project.
• A high degree of organization, self-motivation, and great attention to detail is critical
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Interest in museums, art history, visual culture
• Proficiency using multiple operating systems (Windows,) and basic software including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photo Shop and PAST PERFECT.
• The ability to lift 25 pounds
• Flexibility and the ability to communicate effectively with all team members