Job Title:  Collections Manager

Reports to:  Executive Director

Salary:  $40,000

Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) is a non-profit organization located in Deadwood, South Dakota.  The organization oversees the operations of the Adams Museum, the Days of ’76 Museum, the Historic Adams House, the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center, and The Brothel Deadwood. 

Summary of position:  The full-time position is responsible for maintaining DHI’s collections and document records.  Work with staff, interns, volunteers, and outside colleagues to ensure the museum collections are properly documented, stored, and displayed.  Assist in establishing and achieving goals to improve the care, preservation, and access to museum collections.  Supervise archivist position. 

Collections responsibilities:

·         Manage proper collections documentation, including accessioning and deaccessioning, cataloging, inventories, and other records.  

·         Maintain the PastPerfect and other collections management databases. 

·         Ensure proper care and preservation of the collections by:

o   managing collections storage areas;

o   record environmental conditions data and create an analysis;

o   create exhibit maintenance and cleaning programs for the Adams Museum, Days of ’76 Museum, Historic Adams House, and the HARCC.

·         Contribute to exhibition artifact selection, installation, and de-installation. 

·         Oversee all aspects of incoming and outgoing loans.   

·         Organize, make arrangements for, and lead collections committee meetings.  Conduct research on potential donation items and present findings at the meetings. 

·         Identify objects requiring conservation and research best practices to complete the conservation.

·         Scan, reproduce, and print historic photographs and documents.

·         Respond to requests for information via e-mail, telephone, and in person.

·         Write articles for the DHI newsletter, assist with producing publications, and develop educational programs. 

·         Create volunteer projects, provide appropriate training, and monitor the work. 

·         Assist with organization projects for emergency preparedness and building security. 

·         Assist Days of ’76 Parade committee members with the movement and cleaning of animal-powered vehicles participating in the annual parade and rodeo.  Direct museum staff in the movement and cleaning of animal-powered vehicles participating in the annual parade and celebration. 

·         Serve as liaison with appropriate city employees regarding the care and maintenance of DHI properties and collections. 

·         Serve as a lead staff person in creating and managing the Collections Management Policy and Disaster Plan.   

·         Be an active member of the Safety Committee. 

Supervise archivist position: 

·         Ensure archival management best practices and industry standards are adhered to. 

·         Assist the archivist with establishing priorities for the care and management of archival materials, providing public access to the records, conducting research, and purchasing necessary supplies. 

·         Ensure archivist monthly reports are completed on time and conduct annual performance evaluation.

·         Monitor archivist workload, interaction with the public, and accuracy of research requests. 

Secondary responsibilities:

·         Answer telephone and direct calls to proper individuals.

·         Assist with special programs sponsored by DHI.

·         Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:  Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in museum studies, history, or a related field and three years of experience in a museum setting.  Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.  Familiarity and experience with PastPerfect 5, Excel, Photoshop, and Word are necessary.  Effective and efficient time management skills are critical.  Candidates must be able to work independently and collaboratively.