Collections Coordinator

Position Summary

Southern Utah Museum of Art, on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, features the artwork of regional artists known for their landscapes such as Maynard Dixon, Edith Hamlin, and Jimmie F. Jones, as well as emerging and distinguished artists from around the country and the world. Within SUMA's holdings is an especially robust collection of prints that includes well-known artists such as Marc Chagall, James McNeill Whistler, Kawase Hasui, Thomas Hart Benton, and Käthe Kollwitz, among others. Named the best-designed museum in Utah by Architectural Digest, SUMA's building, designed by Brooks + Scarpa and inspired by the region's famed slot canyons, is an artwork in and of itself. Under the direction of the Director of Curatorial Affairs, and as a Team Lead, the Collections Coordinator & Preparator is responsible for adhering to best practices as they relate to collections and loan management.

Essential Functions

• Collections
  • Administering collections management procedures
  • Overseeing the management and implementation of the Campus Loan Program
  • Overseeing the integrated pest management plan
  • Overseeing collections inventory
  • Overseeing the accessioning process of new acquisitions and gifts
  • Overseeing deaccessioning procedures
  • Develop and implement collections storage processes and procedures with the Director of Curatorial Affairs
  • Career as Lead Registrar, having responsibility of database/data entry organization, information and image quality control
  • Coordinate and oversee rehousing plan for objects
  • Coordinate with SUU Facilities and IT for collections-related matters.
  • Work as liaison, in addition to the Exhibitions Manager & Designer, with SUU Facilities and IT for work orders in open collections and the art vault.
• Exhibitions
  • Career as Lead Registrar to aid the Director of Curatorial Affairs with reviewing loan agreements, consulting with Exhibitions Manager & Designer on any stipulations or restrictions.
  • Compile loan agreements paperwork and organization in database.
  • Oversee proper procedures as they relate to unpacking and condition reporting artwork before display, as well as condition reporting and repacking after de-installation, and preparing artwork for transport.
  • With the Exhibitions Manager & Designer, co-lead gallery rotations, supervising student staff, coordinating installation tasks, helping with quality control, and assisting with special install needs/projects.
  • Collaborate with Exhibitions Manag r & Designer with preparation of objects for display as needed.
  • Aid in regional artwork transportation as needed, with the possibility of longer trips with overnight stays.
  • Oversee any framing and deframing of artworks from permanent collection.
  • Assist Exhibitions Manager & Designer with other framing projects as needed.
• Administration
  • Supervise a team of one or more additional team members, with opportunities to support interns in conjunction with the Director of Curatorial Affairs.
  • Participate as a Team Lead, attending all relevant meetings.
  • Responsible for the team's purchase card and submitting documentation in a timely manner to the Business Manager.
  • Assist Director of Curatorial Affairs and Exhibitions Manager & Designer with managing team budget.
  • Work with the Director of Curatorial Affairs for onboarding and training including object handling, setting performance standards, and providing timely, constructive feedback in addition to regular performance reviews.
  • Organize and maintain the team's Google Drive and necessary documents.
  • Maintain certification with SUU Motor Pool for the SUMA Van.

Education & Experience

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum of Bachelor's degree in an art or museum-related field, plus two years of experience in a museum, gallery, or archive setting.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and the ability to communicate effectively in speaking to both individuals and groups is required.
  • Proven organizational and interpersonal skills including the ability to work across departments and with colleagues, artists, and other museum professionals.
  • Experience and comfort using tools and framing equipment.
  • Detail oriented.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree is preferred.
  • An interest in collections care/management is preferred.
  • Experience with collections and database management in comparable institutions such as museums, galleries, other cultural institutions or other similar type institutions is preferred.

Supplemental Information

This is position is contingent on funding.