The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

The manager, collections coordinates all registration aspects of permanent collection management, including accessions, de-accessions, inventory, collection displays and limited-loan exhibitions, insurance, and incoming and outgoing loans. Working closely with the director, collections, the manager, collections drives the strategy of the department and care of the collection. The manager, collections collaborates alongside the departments of curatorial, conservation and science, strategy and analytics, legal, facilities, and protection services to implement museum best practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Collection management and logistics

• Acts as primary contact for assigned curatorial departments in all registrar matters regarding acquisitions, de-accessions, collection status, collection displays, insurance, long term loans, and outgoing loan activity.

• Coordinates logistics regarding collection acquisitions, de-accessions, collection displays, long term loans, and outgoing loans. Proposes improvements to existing practices to achieve best care of collection and efficiency on logistics issues.

Procedures and collections analytics

• Implements guidelines on permanent collection related policies and procedures monitoring adherence to collection care and governance.

• Drives collections-based projects and proposes solutions to achieve complete data accuracy, particularly with long term loans and inventory, cycle counts and collection audits.

• Creates and implements CITI database reports and statistics to achieve accuracy on collection data, complexity reduction and support of departmental goals.

• Works and archives collection documents in digital platforms ensuring the sharing of information and the safekeeping of collection records.

• Establishes and nurtures strong working relationships with museum staff, colleagues from other institutions, consultants and vendors.

• Proven knowledge of museum collection care policies and procedures, fine arts insurance and database management. Familiarity with time-based-media objects preferred.
• Comfort with data-driven decision making to implement changes and growth.
• Exceptional organizational skills, good judgment and professional initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills to implement workflows in a complex environment and represent AIC in all interactions with external parties.
• Ability to learn and self-train in new digital platforms.
• Sufficient color perception and physical coordination to perform TSA related duties.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31