Sumter County Museum

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:  Collections Manager

The Collections Manager will oversee the management and day to day care of the Sumter County Museum’s extensive and varied collection of approximately 200,000 artifacts.  This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for all interactions relating to the Museum’s object collection.  The Collections Manager will proactively guide the maintenance, stewardship, and continuous improvement of the Sumter County Museum’s collection, in accordance with established collections plans and policies.

Essential Duties

•  Coordinate all tasks related to acquisitions and deaccessioning, including maintaining legal documentation and records.
• Serves as chief liaison for the collection with internal and external stakeholders.  Meets with donors and prospective donors both on-site and off-site. 
• Oversees the security and stability of the collection including housing and environmental conditions.  This includes monitoring all storage spaces as well as routine checks of exhibits spaces in all Sumter County Museum facilities. 
• Collaborates with internal colleagues to support exhibitions and public programs.  Oversees preparation of collection objects prior to their going on exhibition or used in programs.  Ensures paper trail for all movement of collection objects.
• Manages use of the collections database management system.   
• Develop and implement ways to connect local community to museum’s collections beyond exhibits.  
• Assist researchers with requests.  Be knowledgeable on Sumter County history, museum collections, and facilities. Monitor researchers.
• Supervises and provides professional development opportunities for interns and volunteers.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of new collection storage spaces. 
• May be asked to provide behind the scenes tours or facility tours on occasion.
• May be asked to prepare and deliver presentations to local organizations on museum collection.
• May occasionally work weekends and evenings for museum events. 
• Answer phone and direct inquiries to appropriate staff when needed.
• Perform related duties as required when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position. 

Skills, Knowledge, and Ability

• Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Public History, History, or related field preferred. BA in History, Museum Studies, or related field required.   
• At least 2 years’ experience within a museum setting, preferably within collections spaces. 
• Experience with museum databases; preferably PastPerfect.
• Experience with photographing and digitizing collections a plus.
• Knowledge of museum collections best practices.
• Knowledge of historical research techniques and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently and as part of team.
• Attention to detail; Consistency in procedures and quality of effort in all areas of work.
• Professional demeanor when meeting with potential donors and museum stakeholders.
• Ability to see the big picture in regard to all museum functions.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds as well as to climb stairs and a ladder. 

Hours:  FT, 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday

Starting Salary: $38,000

Benefits: Sumter County Museum full-time employees receive:

• SC State Health Plans including medical, dental and vision coverage and Retirement Plans administered by PEBA (Public Employee Benefit Authority).
• Two-weeks paid vacation, years 0-9.  Three-weeks paid vacation, years 10+.
• Paid time off for sick and personal days
• Paid holidays

TO APPLY: Submit resume and cover letter to Annie Rivers at arivers@sumtercountymuseum.org

About Sumter County Museum: Sumter County Museum is a nonprofit located in Sumter, SC about an hour east of Columbia.  Our mission is to explore historical experiences through programs and exhibits that allow all of us to inform and shape our future.  Sumter County Museum consists of the Williams Brice House (1916), Heritage Education Center, Carolina Backcountry Homestead, and the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center.

It is an exciting time for the Sumter County Museum as we are in the process of developing plans for a new facility that will include improved collections storage space.  This position will work with the Executive Director to plan the transition and oversee the move to the Research and Collections Wing of the new building.  The new facility will also include gallery space for military and local history exhibits.