The Director of the Pearce Collections | Corsicana, TX

Director of the Pearce Collections Museum

Corsicana, TX, United States

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE: 

The Director of the Pearce Collections Museum manages the Pearce Collections Museum, the Navarro College Archives, and the Special Collections including the Pearce Civil War and Western Art Collections, as well as provides leadership, motivation and direction to the staff, volunteers, and supporters of the organization.  The Director serves as the archives and museum’s primary representative to all constituencies and performs duties as the museum curator.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Supervises the appraisal and transfer of archival collections and works of art to the appropriate unit of the Navarro College Archives or the Pearce Collections Museum.
• Works with benefactors and donors on acquisitions for the Pearce Collections.
• Works with the Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Executive Director of the Navarro College Foundation on long-range planning for the continued care and development of the Pearce Civil War and Western Art Collections. 
• Supervises reference services relating to the archives and the museum and participates in bibliographic instruction when necessary.
• Directs and reviews processing of archival materials including the arrangement, description, and preservation of materials according to accepted professional standards; reviews the creation of finding aids and catalog descriptions using the MARC and EAD formats.
• Directs and reviews all aspects of the museum registration process for the Pearce Western Art Collection including acquisitions, accessioning, cataloging, loans, packing, shipping, inventory, and insurance and storage.
• Directs and reviews the care and academic interpretation of the Pearce Collections and the Navarro College Archives.
• Plans and develops strategies for the long-range preservation of and access to all collections belonging to the museum and the archives; plans and develops projects for digitizing and providing electronic access to collections through the Pearce Collections and Navarro College Archives web sites.
• Promotes the Pearce Collections Museum by developing exhibitions and/or programs, which enhance opportunities to exhibit and promote the Pearce Civil War and Western Art Collections. 

• Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the archives and museum’s goals and objectives; recruits, employs, trains, supervises, and evaluates unit staff including but not limited to volunteer coordinator, volunteers, part-time student assistants, and graduate student interns.
• Establishes and implements long- and short-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates program effectiveness; effects changes required for improvement.  Includes policies and procedures for accessioning, appraisal, processing, preservation of and access to Special Collections and College Archives, as well exhibits and educational programming for the museum.
• Represents and promotes the archives and museum locally and nationally by speaking at area schools, civic clubs, community groups, and other venues including professional organizations like the American Association of Museums and the Society of American Archivists.
• Plans and develops strategies for generating resources and/or revenue for operating funds and special exhibitions; may prepare contract and/or grant proposals.
• Develops and manages annual budgets.
• Serves on College committees and attends meetings of Foundation Board or Navarro College Board of Trustees as requested.
• Plans and reviews development and communication of information to keep public informed on various public relations, educational, and exhibition activities sponsored by the Pearce Collections Museum.
• Ensures the care and preservation of the art collections at the Pearce Museum.
• Registration and accession of all objects including gifts, loans, bequests, acquisitions, and purchases.
• Maintains donor files, deeds of gift, inventory, insurance, and appropriate appraisal records.
• Conducts exhibition research, interpretation, development and installation.
• Assists with the development and coordination of policies and procedures for accessioning, appraisal, processing, preservation of, and access to the Pearce Western Art Collection.
• Assists with the development and implementation of long and short-term goals as they relate to the care and preservation of the Western Art Collection.
• Creates and/or updates PastPerfect collection records.
• Works with Archivist to document and care for the 3-dimensional artifacts in the history collection.
• Works with contract conservators to ensure that works of art receive appropriate treatment as needed/available.
• Plans, develops, and implements art education programming and public art programs.
• Works with the marketing department to develop advertisements, publications, branding graphics, and other marketing forms to promote the museum to the public.
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences, including the college community (faculty, students, and staff), researchers, school-age children, benefactors and the general public.
• Specialized knowledge in at least one area of the museum’s collections (Western Art and/or American History).
• Knowledge of the techniques of selection, evaluation, preservation, restoration, and exhibition of objects, manuscripts, and works of art.
• Ability to manage ongoing fiscal responsibilities.
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of museum operation and of current and prospective legislation affecting museums.
• Ability to implement the policies established by the museum’s governing body and encourages the active participation of the governing body, the museum staff, and the public in realizing the objectives and goals of the museum.
• A student and visitor-centered and service-oriented philosophy.
• Knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Past Perfect, and other general use software packages; knowledge of MARC, and EAD.
• Ability to lift and move materials found within the collections.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution with concentration in Archival Studies, OR
• Master’s degree in Archival or Museum Studies, OR
• Master’s degree in public history, OR
• Master’s degree in history with concentration in Civil War history.
• Archival and/or museum experience.

Preferred

• Certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists
• Subject degree in U.S. History with knowledge/interest in Civil War studies and/or academic coursework in Art History.
• Experience with historical research.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Variances from regular working hours may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
• Busy working environment with numerous interruptions

SALARY:  Commensurate with Education and Experience.  (This is a 12-month position to be paid over 12 months)

Please use link below to apply:

Director of the Pearce Collections Museum - Navarro Careers