Job Title: Collections Manager
Affiliate: Kauffman Museum
Reports to: Director of Kauffman Museum
Classification: Full to part-time [1.0 –0.75 FTE], hourly, non-exempt, benefits eligible
Compensation: $17-21/hour
Date: March 30, 2025

Job Summary:
The Collections Manager oversees the management of the museum collections and advances the museum’s mission by developing relationships with artifact donors and supporting the curatorial and education initiatives of the institution.

Essential Functions:
Collections
• Cataloging of collections including assessment of and investigation about potential artifact donations, accessioning, cataloging (both hard copy and PastPerfect), photography, condition reports, storage and inventory
• Respond to donor inquiries; meet with potential donors; and maintain donor relations, files and contact information; and issue deed of gift paperwork
• In consultation with the museum director and the Collections Committee, recommend artifacts for deaccession following the museum’s Collections Policy
• Lead museum Native American Graves and Repatriation (NAGPRA) compliance efforts
• Monitor physical environment and work with other museum staff to provide best possible conditions for display and storage of artifacts
• Care for artifacts on exhibit and in storage, including arrangements for professional conservation when needed
• Other collections related duties

Exhibitions and Outreach
• Provide support to curatorial teams developing exhibitions, compile artifact information for exhibit checklists and catalogs, process incoming and outgoing loan request, acquire copyright permission for image reproduction, work with other staff on installation and deinstallation of artifacts in exhibits, care for artifacts in special exhibitions
• Facilitate installation of small exhibits on the Bethel College campus, in the community and at Kauffman Museum
• Provide input for visitors, donors and groups interested in specific artifacts or topics

Operations and Other
• Attend museum staff meetings
• Provide back-up staffing for museum as needed
• Participate in special events when appropriate and necessary
• Satisfy the duties of a Mandated Reporter relating to Title IX and the Bethel College Equal Opportunity, Harassment, & Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedures
• Comply with Bethel College and Kauffman Museum policies and procedures

Supervisory Responsibility:
Collections volunteers, student employees and interns assigned to collections-related projects (e.g: database entry, object care), represent staff on board Collections Committee

Education & Experience:
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, required
• Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Library Science, History, Anthropology or related field, preferred
• Proven experience in cataloging or collections management

Skills Required:
• Technical competence with both Macs and PCs
• Experience with essential computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets and email/social media
• Experience with PastPerfect or other collections software preferred
• Knowledge of professional museum standards
• Familiarity with Mennonite cultural history and current Mennonite constituencies
• Ability to work independently and with a collaborative creative team
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Flexible approach to time management and workload

Certifications & Licensure:
• None

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential functions include:
• Minimal lifting (up to 30 lbs. or one 6-foot table) and reaching
• Operation of a computer and other office machinery for extended periods of time
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one part of the museum to another
• Ascending and descending stairs
• Ability to perform tasks both sitting and standing for extended periods of time
• Ability to function well in a standard office setting
• Medium/indoor work environment
• Bending, stretching, and crouching movements used in moving items, cleaning, and operating a vacuum cleaner

Work Environment/Environmental Condition:
All the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the supervisor or department head. Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.
__________________________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Kauffman Museum Director Date
I acknowledge that I have read this job description, understand the expectations of this position, and can perform the essential functions of this position with or without  accommodation.
__________________________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Employee Date

Bethel College does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, pregnancy, political affiliation, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status (including disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, and Armed Forces Service Medal veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. The College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be
directed to the Director of Human Resources & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator). For a complete copy of the policy or for more information, please contact the Director of Human Resources & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator) or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Website: https://www.bethelks.edu/about/consumer-information/nondiscrimination-statement