« Back to all jobs Director of Collections

  • Employer: Penn Museum, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
  • Salary: $110,000 - $140,000 per year

Open to all, the Museum is home to remarkable objects and powerful stories that emerge from its extraordinary expeditions across the world. Discover the cultures of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Mediterranean, from the very first cities of the Middle East to the kings of ancient Egypt; from prehistoric Mexico to the lives of Native American communities today. Experience the mystery of the ancient past, gain an understanding of our shared humanity, and find your own place in the arc of human history.

Job Description

The Director of Collections is responsible for overseeing repatriation programs; for collections storage maintenance, security, repairs and renovations including preventative strategies, pest management, and environmental monitoring; for strategic planning and budgeting for collections storage and management; for developing, drafting, updating, and overseeing collections policies, including the collections-related aspects of the Museum’s ethics policy; for leading the collections components of the Museum’s AAM reaccreditation process; for collections planning relating to exhibitions and new galleries; for overseeing collections-related security; and for the collections-related aspects of Museum emergency preparedness and mission continuity. The Director of Collections continuously assesses storage conditions for all collections, with the input of collections staff, and advises on prioritization and resolution of storage-related matters. The Director of Collections is responsible for fostering a collaborative environment in which all Museum departments are able to work effectively and successfully to achieve the Museum’s strategic objectives.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a member of Director’s Executive Management Team and assist with strategic planning and budgeting, particularly as pertains to collections stewardship.
  • Oversee the collections-related aspects of repatriation activities, in close collaboration with the Office of the Director.
  • Work closely with the Department of Digital Records, Archives, and Publications, with Academic Engagement, and with Exhibits and Preparations to facilitate the work of the departments as it relates to collections.
  • Direct special projects, such as overseeing large collections moves; serve as the primary point-person for key collections-related issues and projects.
  • Supervise the Museum’s Collections Staff, including Keepers (jointly with the heads of Curatorial Sections) and the staff from Conservation and the Registrar’s Office, as well as any special project managers as appropriate.
  • Work with Penn Museum Facilities and Security to monitor and address collections-related issues in operations and mission continuity.
  • Assess, monitor and advise on necessary work on collections storage areas.  Work with facilities and contractors in carrying out such work.

Apply Now