Job Listing: Collections Manager & Archivist (Wilton House Museum)

 COLLECTIONS MANAGER & ARCHIVIST

Position Title: Collections Manager & Archivist
Position Status: Full-time; Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director

Position Overview:

The Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, management, and documentation of the collection for the Wilton House Museum and the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia (NSCDA-VA). This essential role will be responsible for maintaining the preservation, organization, and accessibility of artifacts, artworks, historical objects, and archival materials in accordance with museum best practices and institutional policies.

The Collections Manager & Archivist will make the Wilton House Museum/NSCDA-VA’s collections accessible to the public through expanding online catalog database, virtual tours, collection pop-ups and collection-focused tours, and through rotating exhibitions on special topics in the second-floor galleries.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Collection Management:
• Oversee the daily management and environmental control systems that maintain safe conditions for the museum’s collections, including the 1753 historic house.
• Prioritize proper handling, storage, and preservation of all collections by working closely with museum colleagues, volunteers, and interns.
• Develop and implement procedures for cataloging, accessioning, deaccessioning, and inventory management.
• Maintain up-to-date records for all objects in the collection, including photography, object location tracking, condition reports, provenance, and exhibition history.
2. Preservation and Conservation:
• Monitor appropriate environmental conditions for the preservation of collections and monitor pest control in all spaces associated with collections.
• Maintains cleanliness of interiors and collections on an established schedule to ensure the preservation of all historic resources and collection assets.
• Coordinate with conservators for the proper treatment and display of objects.
• Conduct condition assessments and implement preventive conservation measures.
• Develop, implement, and train staff and volunteers on the emergency and disaster plan procedures. Maintains emergency supplies for the historic house museum to respond to any condition or environmental issues.
• Establish a strong relationship with our local fire department and security contractors to ensure the safety of the collections.
• Maintains the Wilton House Museum Facilities Report for potential exhibition loans.
3. Archival Management
• Maintain, supplement, catalog archival collection
• Digitize physical records.
• Facilitate the use of archives to promote museum programming and events.
• Make archival collection accessible to researchers by appointment.
4. Documentation and Cataloging:
• Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of all items in the collection using PastPerfect museum collection software.
• Conducts periodic inventory of the collections throughout the historic site and storage to ensure location accuracy.
• Prepare and maintain detailed records, including acquisition files, condition reports, and exhibition histories.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of the museum’s digital catalog and online collection database.
5. Exhibitions and Loans:
• Collaborate with staff to plan and implement exhibitions, including the selection, preparation, and labeling of objects.
• Manage the logistics of incoming and outgoing loans, including condition reports, packing, shipping, and transportation arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards for collections management.
6. Research and Reporting:
• Conduct research related to the collection, including provenance, historical significance, and contextual information.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to collections management and preservation.
• Assist in grant writing and fundraising efforts related to caring for or exhibiting the collection.
7. Staff and Volunteer Supervision:
• Supervise and train collections interns and volunteers, ensuring adherence to best practices and institutional policies.
8. Public Engagement:
• Provide information and assistance to museum visitors, researchers, and scholars regarding the collection.
• Excited to share the collection through objects-focused public programs, tours, and educational activities related to the collection.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or master's degree in Museum Studies, American Material Culture, Art History, History, Decorative Arts, or a related field.
• Knowledge of museum standards, practices, and ethics related to collections care and management.
• Knowledge of archival practices.
• Familiarity with museum management software and digital cataloging systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to the preservation and care of historic resources.
• Support strong relationships with members of the Wilton House Museum Board and The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Virginia (NSCDA-VA) Board of Managers.
• Serve as a representative of the organization and articulate Wilton and NSCDA-VA’s mission and goals for a wide range of audiences.
• Passion for Wilton’s mission, decorative arts, and historic preservation is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable with handling delicate and potentially fragile items.
• Ability to work in varied environmental conditions, including storage areas.

About Wilton House Museum/NSCDA-VA:

The mission of Wilton House Museum is to increase public understanding of life in Virginia since the 18^th century, the paradox of hardship amidst elegance, and how the past continues to shape life in America today. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and headquarters for the National Society of the Colonial Dames of American in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Wilton was originally built by William Randolph III in 1753 and moved to its present location on the James River by the Virginia Society Dames in 1934. Today, the site includes Wilton House, a visitors’ center and gift shop, and an event space. For more information, please visit, www.wiltonhousemuseum.org.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary range is $47,000 to $60,000/year with compensation commensurate with experience. We currently do not offer health insurance but will offer a health reimbursement plan and 401K options later this year. In addition to numerous professional development opportunities, we offer 25 days paid time off.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Amanda Keller, Executive Director, at akeller@wiltonhm.org. This position will remain open until it is filled.

Wilton House Museum/NSCDA-VA is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.