Collections Manager

Job Overview A Curatorial Specialist – Collections Manager – based in Boone, NC. The role is foundational to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University, supporting the center’s mission to create engaging exhibition, education, outreach, and collection programs. Primary Purpose The Collections Manager is responsible for the development, management, intellectual integrity, and care of the center’s Permanent Collection. The position ensures the collection remains accessible to researchers and the public, and that objects are stored in appropriate conditions, handled properly, and preserved for the future. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from a four‑year college or university with a major related to the assignment area and one year of relevant experience. Degree obtained from an accredited institution. Essential Duties and Responsibilities SUPERVISION : Works under the guidance of and reports to the Senior Curator. Works with Senior Curator and Director to develop a comprehensive collections policy for the Permanent Collection. Manages the Intra‑Campus Loan Program. Oversees development, maintenance, security, and upgrades of the collection’s database. Assigns accession numbers, compiles digital and paper accession records, classifies, and physically numbers the museum objects. Performs data entry and filing of donor recognition letters, gift forms, donor cards, catalog records, and other documentation. Ensures accuracy, security, and intellectual integrity of collection records. Conducts regular inventories of the collections and reconciles with object records. Conducts periodic assessments of the Annual Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition and other campus sculptures. Manages supplies, insurance, and preventive conservation of the collections in collaboration with the Curator. Evaluates current practices and develops new methods in collections management to meet evolving audience needs and technology. Manages de‑accession documentation and disposal according to policy. Performs simple cleaning of art objects and consults a conservator for advanced conservation. Researches, develops, and manages funding proposals for collections care. Prepares artworks for exhibitions, programs, and other museum needs. Provides limited access to collections for loans, research, and artifact inquiries. Handles condition reports, packing, shipping, and insurance for loans. Co‑ordinates environmental control, pest management, security, and risk management. Develops annual acquisition reports, oversees intellectual property, and assists with exhibit installation and special events. Participates in staff meetings and planning retreats as required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Create and maintain manual and computerized information management systems for the collection. Create, compile, and maintain legal documents and histories of use for collection objects. Monitor legal and ethical standards for care and transactions of artworks. Oversee internal and external object movement, including packing and shipping. Support access to the collection for research and education. Excellent knowledge of preservation practices. Experience with Proficio or similar collections management software. Knowledge of copyright law, fair use, and licensing for visual arts. Knowledge of museum standards for shipping artworks. Familiarity with best practices in basic preservation, insurance, and legal issues. General knowledge of contemporary museum principles and practices. Important understanding of collections preservation, documentation, classification, and database systems. Working knowledge of environmental control, pest management, security, and risk management. Working knowledge of intellectual property and rights handling. Proficient in office management practices. Ability to conduct condition reports for loaned artworks. Excellent attention to detail. Preferred Qualifications Two to four years of museum registration and/or collections management experience. Master’s degree preferred in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Art History, Library Science, or related discipline. Position Details Type of Position: Permanent Full‑Time Staff/Non‑Faculty: Staff/Non‑Faculty Work Schedule: 8:30 – 5:00, Monday‑Friday with evening and weekend hours, as needed during installations and special events. Work Hours: 40 per week, 12 months per year. Physical Demands: Ability to move around campus and professionally handle works of art, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. Employment Terms Salary Range: $40,766 – $52,390 Salary Grade Equivalency: GN07 #J-18808-Ljbffr