FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Collections Manager & Registrar

REPORTS TO: Sr. Curator

FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

 

Position Summary

The Collections Manager is responsible for the comprehensive stewardship of the museum’s permanent collection, including registration, cataloguing, documentation, movement of, storage, security, and conservation management. This role oversees the acquisition, care, preservation, digitization, exhibition, and loan of collection objects, ensuring all materials are handled, stored, and documented according to the highest professional and ethical standards.

The Collections Manager oversees the installation of objects in exhibitions, contributes to interpretive content such as wall text, labels, and catalogue entries, and participates in public programming. The role also supervises interns, contractors, and volunteers as needed, fostering best practices in collections care and engagement.

Through the development and implementation of policies and procedures, the Collections Manager ensures the proper documentation, protection, inventory, and accessibility of the collection. This position plays a key role in expanding and interpreting the collection, making it accessible to both internal and external audiences while upholding standards set by the American Alliance of Museums.

 

Collections Stewardship & Management

  • Lead the day-to-day stewardship, care, and documentation of the museum’s permanent collection, ensuring adherence to professional and ethical standards established by the American Alliance of Museums.

  • Create, maintain, and update detailed physical and digital object records using collections management systems (PastPerfect), including accession records, condition reports, location tracking, and inventories.

  • Manage all registration processes, including acquisitions, accessioning, cataloging, deaccessioning, and final disposition of objects.

  • Oversee incoming and outgoing loans, including agreements, condition reporting, insurance documentation, transportation logistics, and reproduction rights.

  • Coordinate photography and digitization efforts, including taking and editing digital images of collection objects.

  • Conduct research on collecting objects, including unidentified or found-in-collection items.

 

Collections Care, Storage & Conservation

  • Manage collections storage to ensure safe, secure, and organized storage in accordance with best preservation practices.

  • Monitor and maintain environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, lighting) and implement security protocols for collections storage and exhibition spaces.

  • Identify conservation needs, perform preventive conservation, and coordinate work with contract conservators.

  • Oversee disaster preparedness and emergency response planning related to collections.

  • Train staff, interns, and volunteers on proper handling, care, and preservation techniques.

 

Exhibitions & Object Management

  • Collaborate with curatorial staff on object research, selection, preparation, installation, and deinstallation for permanent and temporary exhibitions.

  • Coordinate the safe packing, transport, and movement of objects between storage, galleries, and external venues.

  • Conduct and document incoming and outgoing exhibition condition reports.

  • Monitor and maintain objects on display, including routine cleaning and environmental checks.

  • Maintain exhibition records, including loan documentation, image licenses, and reproduction permissions.

  • Assist in the preparation of interpretive materials, including labels, wall text, and catalog content.

 

Access, Research & Public Engagement

  • Facilitate access to collections for staff, researchers, and guest curators while ensuring object safety and proper handling.

  • Respond to research inquiries and coordinate on-site research visits.

  • Participate in public programming, tours, and presentations related to the museum’s collections.

 

Collaboration & Institutional Support

  • Work collaboratively with curatorial, exhibitions, education, and development teams on cross-departmental initiatives, including exhibitions, grants, and programs.

  • Partner with facilities and operations staff to ensure appropriate environmental and security conditions across all collection areas.

  • Assist in cultivating relationships with donors and collectors.

  • Collaborate with marketing on collections-based content such as articles, blogs, and interpretive materials.

 

Administration & Leadership

  • Develop, implement, and maintain collections policies, procedures, and the collections handbook, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

  • Create collections-related budgets and reports to manage expenses.

  • Prepare quarterly materials for the Board of Directors Collections Committee meetings and attends quarterly meetings.

  • Supervise and train interns, contractors, and volunteers. Assist with the management of the Frazier Kentucky History Museum volunteer program including all curatorial and collections volunteers and interns.

  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the institution.

 

Requirements

  • Master’s degree is preferred, specifically in Museum Studies or related fields, though a bachelor’s degree may be accepted with significant experience.

  • 3–5 years of museum-related experience is required, with hands-on experience in cataloging, object handling, and inventory management.

  • Strong proficiency in database management, knowledge of preventative conservation, and familiarity with legal/ethical issues regarding acquisitions and loans.

  • Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including staff, donors, researchers, volunteers, and interns.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Ability to handle changing priorities, work under pressure, and solve complex problems collaboratively.

  • Maintaining a positive attitude, high ethical standards, and accountability.

  • Comfort with interacting with the public, researchers, and media regarding collection inquiries.

  • Ability to mediate competing priorities for resources or space.

  • The role often requires standing for extended periods, climbing ladders, and lifting objects up to 40-50 lbs.

Send all resumes to dbeckner@fraziermuseum.org