Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Head of Collections Management
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90001
Head Of Collections Management
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes in the power of illustrated stories to connect us. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the museum will explore narrative art's potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world. Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles's Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum's 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. The Head of Collections Management is responsible for the long-term preservation, organization, and accessibility of the Museum's collection both on-site and at off-site storage locations. Reporting to the Director, Museum Services, this position provides direct oversight of all Collections Management staff, programs, and budgets in Los Angeles. This position frequently communicates across departments to understand all overarching institutional priorities that will impact the Collections Management Department. The Head of Collections Management will play a key role in establishing and implementing collection policies and practices, including ones pertaining to the safe handling and storage of objects, archival rehousing best practices, preventative conservation, environmental monitoring, emergency preparedness, and pest management in multiple storage locations. This position will also be required to build and maintain a strong network of project-based conservators, to assess and provide treatment for a wide variety of museum objects. This role is based in Los Angeles, CA with occasional travel within California. It is important for this role to establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships across the museum, particularly within the Curatorial & Collections Portfolio, including the departments of Lucas Archives, Curatorial, Exhibitions & Planning, Library, Registration & Collections Information, and Art Prep and Installation (Art Handlers). Responsibilities
Collection Care and Process Building Ensures the safe handling and security of the collection by overseeing and managing the team responsible for movement, storage, and care of art objects Oversees the drafting and implementation of collections management policies and procedures In coordination with the Director, Museum Services, oversees the museum's collection storage layout, including mapping locations and overseeing equipment needs Oversees the facilities of Los Angeles-based storage locations, including working with vendors on proper environmental conditions, cleaning schedule, integrated pest management and security Oversees conservation initiatives performed by collections management team; works with external conservators to train team on light cleaning of objects and keeps abreast of current conservation practices in collections care Oversees environmental monitoring of the art collection areas, including temperature and relative humidity, light exposure, and large-scale pest management program in multiple storage locations Manages the collections maintenance program and team, surveying the collection to properly note conditions and intervene when necessary, including rehousing and contracting with local conservators on assigned projects Working cross departmentally, carries out the Museum's emergency preparedness plan and training for all collection sites and museum campus including acting as the lead Museum Services representative Oversees training to collections management department staff in archival rehousing, handling, object labeling, and artifact salvage Works closely with Museum registrars to standardize and streamline how object information is captured in The Museum System (TMS). Performs physical audits in storage, updates object records in the database, and trains collections staff on the importance of maintaining accurate data Consults on shipping arrangements for collection objects, including oversight of the team responsible for packing and crating Promotes compliance with federal, state, and local laws relating to art collections management Consults on installation schedules, risk management and security for in-gallery exhibitions and installations Consult and support collections management teams in off-site locations to ensure museum processes and protocols are consistently implemented In partnership with the Director, Museum Services, creates and maintains active viewing program for researchers and partners at Museum and Los Angeles locations Working closely with Museum registrars and curators, adds notable information about the objects in the collection into the Museum's collection database as it relates to object creation and maker, material technique, onscreen use, related objects, significance, provenance, condition concerns, and conservation treatment Active participant to building out collection object files with related installation, conservation or relevant materials Manages the Lucas Museum photography workflows, including overseeing the team who contracts imaging specialists and on location photoshoots Works with Lucas Museum colleagues on imaging needs and projects to ensure timely delivery Manages any digitization projects of the museum collection Project Manages Collection initiatives as assigned by Director, Museum Services and Deputy Director, Curatorial and Collections Working closely with the Director, Museum Services and the larger Collections and Curatorial portfolio, project manages the move of the Lucas Museum Collection to museum storage and any subsequent required collection movement Working closely with the Museum Services and Exhibitions and Planning Divisions, manages Collections Management deadlines for inaugural and future exhibitions and installations Team and Budget Management In collaboration with the Director, Museum Services, oversees the Collections Management and Imaging department budgets, including the creation and oversight of the annual operating budget and ongoing project budgets Manages a team of collections staff in multiple locations responsible for the care of the museum's collection and storage facilities Recruits and manages a diverse and qualified collections management team to support the development and execution of the collection management strategy Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values inclusivity, positivity, learning and a commitment to quality Mentors and develops a staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis Establishes and monitors staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct and annual performance appraisals Oversee collections team with IT and facility needs in off-site storage spaces, including monitoring work and safety compliance Works closely with Chief Preparator to properly staff gallery installations and train teams for ongoing art installation needs Special projects and other duties as designated by Deputy Director or Director, Museum Services or designee Core Competencies
Analytical Rigor Courageous Communication Collaborative Excellence Adaptive Resilience Inclusive Interaction Building Trust & Relationship Management Accountable Ownership Strategic Alignment & Execution Qualifications
Ten (10) years of verifiable art museum collections management experience with progressively responsible management duties, required Seven (7) years of supervisory experience, required Skilled in the sensitive handling of works of art, including the packing, crating, and transportation of objects An understanding of the 10 agents of deterioration and how to mitigate their effects on artworks Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and automated collections and registration systems, such as The Museum System (TMS) and NetX, preferred Knowledge of AirTable, preferred Familiarity with basic conservation concepts, procedures, and terms Expertise in best practices in collections management including the proper handling, care, preservation, installation, and storage of art Experience drafting, formalizing and implementing policies and procedures with a diverse group of stakeholders Flexible and collaborative interpersonal nature, required $106,000 - $119,000 a year The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes in the power of illustrated stories to connect us. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the museum will explore narrative art's potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world. Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles's Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum's 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. The Head of Collections Management is responsible for the long-term preservation, organization, and accessibility of the Museum's collection both on-site and at off-site storage locations. Reporting to the Director, Museum Services, this position provides direct oversight of all Collections Management staff, programs, and budgets in Los Angeles. This position frequently communicates across departments to understand all overarching institutional priorities that will impact the Collections Management Department. The Head of Collections Management will play a key role in establishing and implementing collection policies and practices, including ones pertaining to the safe handling and storage of objects, archival rehousing best practices, preventative conservation, environmental monitoring, emergency preparedness, and pest management in multiple storage locations. This position will also be required to build and maintain a strong network of project-based conservators, to assess and provide treatment for a wide variety of museum objects. This role is based in Los Angeles, CA with occasional travel within California. It is important for this role to establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships across the museum, particularly within the Curatorial & Collections Portfolio, including the departments of Lucas Archives, Curatorial, Exhibitions & Planning, Library, Registration & Collections Information, and Art Prep and Installation (Art Handlers). Responsibilities
Collection Care and Process Building Ensures the safe handling and security of the collection by overseeing and managing the team responsible for movement, storage, and care of art objects Oversees the drafting and implementation of collections management policies and procedures In coordination with the Director, Museum Services, oversees the museum's collection storage layout, including mapping locations and overseeing equipment needs Oversees the facilities of Los Angeles-based storage locations, including working with vendors on proper environmental conditions, cleaning schedule, integrated pest management and security Oversees conservation initiatives performed by collections management team; works with external conservators to train team on light cleaning of objects and keeps abreast of current conservation practices in collections care Oversees environmental monitoring of the art collection areas, including temperature and relative humidity, light exposure, and large-scale pest management program in multiple storage locations Manages the collections maintenance program and team, surveying the collection to properly note conditions and intervene when necessary, including rehousing and contracting with local conservators on assigned projects Working cross departmentally, carries out the Museum's emergency preparedness plan and training for all collection sites and museum campus including acting as the lead Museum Services representative Oversees training to collections management department staff in archival rehousing, handling, object labeling, and artifact salvage Works closely with Museum registrars to standardize and streamline how object information is captured in The Museum System (TMS). Performs physical audits in storage, updates object records in the database, and trains collections staff on the importance of maintaining accurate data Consults on shipping arrangements for collection objects, including oversight of the team responsible for packing and crating Promotes compliance with federal, state, and local laws relating to art collections management Consults on installation schedules, risk management and security for in-gallery exhibitions and installations Consult and support collections management teams in off-site locations to ensure museum processes and protocols are consistently implemented In partnership with the Director, Museum Services, creates and maintains active viewing program for researchers and partners at Museum and Los Angeles locations Working closely with Museum registrars and curators, adds notable information about the objects in the collection into the Museum's collection database as it relates to object creation and maker, material technique, onscreen use, related objects, significance, provenance, condition concerns, and conservation treatment Active participant to building out collection object files with related installation, conservation or relevant materials Manages the Lucas Museum photography workflows, including overseeing the team who contracts imaging specialists and on location photoshoots Works with Lucas Museum colleagues on imaging needs and projects to ensure timely delivery Manages any digitization projects of the museum collection Project Manages Collection initiatives as assigned by Director, Museum Services and Deputy Director, Curatorial and Collections Working closely with the Director, Museum Services and the larger Collections and Curatorial portfolio, project manages the move of the Lucas Museum Collection to museum storage and any subsequent required collection movement Working closely with the Museum Services and Exhibitions and Planning Divisions, manages Collections Management deadlines for inaugural and future exhibitions and installations Team and Budget Management In collaboration with the Director, Museum Services, oversees the Collections Management and Imaging department budgets, including the creation and oversight of the annual operating budget and ongoing project budgets Manages a team of collections staff in multiple locations responsible for the care of the museum's collection and storage facilities Recruits and manages a diverse and qualified collections management team to support the development and execution of the collection management strategy Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values inclusivity, positivity, learning and a commitment to quality Mentors and develops a staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis Establishes and monitors staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct and annual performance appraisals Oversee collections team with IT and facility needs in off-site storage spaces, including monitoring work and safety compliance Works closely with Chief Preparator to properly staff gallery installations and train teams for ongoing art installation needs Special projects and other duties as designated by Deputy Director or Director, Museum Services or designee Core Competencies
Analytical Rigor Courageous Communication Collaborative Excellence Adaptive Resilience Inclusive Interaction Building Trust & Relationship Management Accountable Ownership Strategic Alignment & Execution Qualifications
Ten (10) years of verifiable art museum collections management experience with progressively responsible management duties, required Seven (7) years of supervisory experience, required Skilled in the sensitive handling of works of art, including the packing, crating, and transportation of objects An understanding of the 10 agents of deterioration and how to mitigate their effects on artworks Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and automated collections and registration systems, such as The Museum System (TMS) and NetX, preferred Knowledge of AirTable, preferred Familiarity with basic conservation concepts, procedures, and terms Expertise in best practices in collections management including the proper handling, care, preservation, installation, and storage of art Experience drafting, formalizing and implementing policies and procedures with a diverse group of stakeholders Flexible and collaborative interpersonal nature, required $106,000 - $119,000 a year The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state