COLLECTIONS MANAGER FOR PRIVATE COLLECTION
This position is responsible for managing all aspects of care for Private Collection including acquisitions, conservation, registration and installation of artworks across five homes and one dedicated art space. The Collections Manager oversees the intake and preparation of collection works, implements the installation of works and manages all records both digital and physical. Time-based media is a significant initiative of the collection, and specialized expertise in video art, sound installations, and computer-based media is preferred.
ACQUISITIONS
- Research value and comparatives for prospective acquisitions
- Liaise with Family Office to oversee payments to vendors
- Schedule shipping and installation of works with approved commercial vendors and Estate Staff
- Acquire documentation materials for catalog records (hi-res images, caption details, provenance, press, etc.)
- Process insurance coverage, assigning artwork to schedule by property
- Work with collector, gallery and artist on development and timeline for commissioned artworks
- Time-Based Media Acquisitions
- Procure deliverables list and technical specifications prior to purchase to determine equipment needs and systems compatibility
- Initiate condition assessments with conservators to ensure that all materials necessary for exhibition and long-term preservation are included in the sale
- Execute purchase agreements with galleries/artists to outline rights and responsibilities with regards to use of files and copyright
- Transfer media files to conservators for archival storage and to AV team for implementation in the collection’s playback system
COLLECTIONS CARE
- Maintain the collections management database (Collector Systems) with special attention to location of works at properties and in storage
- Create detailed object records for all artworks in the collection
- Periodically update exhibitions and publications history for contemporary artworks
- Oversee design and build-out of home storage facilities for traditional media (paintings, photography, sculptures, works on paper); ensure proper packing and labelling of all artworks in storage
- Schedule and oversee annual cleaning of traditional media by approved conservator; document condition annually based on conservator’s report
- Liaise with collector and approved vendors to frame artworks and schedule conservation treatments as needed
- Oversee the transport of artworks to new locations, updating records and notifying insurance in coordination with Estate Staff
- Time-Based Media Collections Care
- Liaise with media conservators to ensure that all artworks are loaded to archival storage in 3 redundant locations; schedule bi-annual fixity checks
- Liaise with AV team to ensure that playback files are functioning on an ongoing basis; schedule testing prior to collector visits to property
- Catalog all hardware and software components of work once received
- Maintain systems documentation in collaboration with AV team
INSTALLATIONS AND COMMISSIONS
- Coordinate with conservators, art handlers and fine art shippers to ensure the safe packing, transport, and installation of all artworks
- Ensure the effective planning, budgeting, and implementation of annual rotation of TBM works at dedicated art space
- Schedule and oversee all contractors to ensure that installations are completed on time and on budget
- Produce and maintain installation plans and playback control instructions for Collectors
- Schedule the batch installation of new TBM acquisitions at dedicated art space with AV team; oversee quality control testing on-site once works are loaded into playback system
- Coordinate annual rotation of TBM collection at dedicated art space with Collectors, exhibition design consultant and AV team; schedule and oversee installation; liaise with artists’ studios to ensure site specificity is in accordance with artistic intent
REGISTRATION AND REPORTING
- Coordinate and manage documentation for promised gifts, bequests and donations
- Organize logistics related to loans and traveling exhibitions, including documentation, condition reports, packing, shipping, and receiving; administer loan forms and agreements and ensure adherence to established policies
- Plan and implement sale of works and/or furnishings designated for de-acquisition
- Prepare annual acquisition reports for Family Office tax filings
- Prepare annual collection reports for Estate Lawyer
- Bi-annually back-up all collection records from Collector Systems
REQUIREMENTS
- MA (Art History, Visual Arts Administration, or Media Conservation)
- 5 years experience in a museum, gallery, art institution or fine art logistics company
- Must have experience with global fine art shipping and logistics
- Must demonstrate strong project management skills
- Familiarity with Time-Based Media preferred
- Hours are Monday-Friday, 10am to 6pm, with additional hours as needed.
- Salary: $90,000
Please email your cover letter and resume in a single PDF to collectionsmanager2020@gmail.com with subject "Last Name, First Name - Collections Manager."
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