Collections Manager of Vertebrates

Published: September 14, 2022    Collections Manager, Jobs

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Considered among the top 10 institutions of its kind in North America, the Museum offers an incredible visitor experience, attracting roughly 275,000 visitors a year. There are more than 140 public education programs and over 80,000 students served annually.  CMNH employs about 127 people.

Building on its strong foundation of excellence in education and research, the Museum is poised to transform itself. CMNH will invite and engage a broader audience in the exploration of science and the natural world by revolutionizing the way it presents natural history. The Museum has currently launched a capital campaign to support a dramatic renovation and expansion of its facilities and exhibits. This ambitious plan will position the Museum to play a leading role in regional and national efforts to improve science education and increase scientific literacy.

The CMNH is seeking a dynamic, creative and energetic individual who is passionate about the Museum and its mission; exhibits strong project management and organizational skills; is looking for new challenges; and enjoys working in an enthusiastic and fast paced environment.

CMNH invites applications for the position of Collections Manager of Vertebrates. The Museum is searching for a highly-motivated individual to work within the Museum’s biological collections including ichthyology (fishes), herpetology (amphibians and reptiles), mammalogy (mammals), and ornithology (birds).

Job Summary:  

The Collections Manager will oversee the maintenance and development of these collection areas and work in collaboration with the curatorial staff to advance mutual interests pertaining to the collection and the research requirements for that collection. The Collections Manager will work in collaboration with other collections management staff to develop collaborative efforts to secure and advance the institutional collections through methodological development and external funding. The Collections Manager will contribute to the fiscal year operations budget for the collection area by working with the Director of Collections through the annual budgeting process. The collections manager will oversee collections assistant staff and work with volunteers to complete strategic priorities for collections within the collection area. 

Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Responsible for the management and proper curation of existing research and archival specimens retained within the assigned collection.
  • Responsible for working closely with curatorial team to ensure research access, new accessions, and prioritizing collection advancement that enhances research capabilities.
  • Responsible for the management of the systematic arrangement and proper storage of specimens.
  • Responsible for tracking the collection growth and activity. 
  • Responsible for the identification of new material and producing labels.
  • Responsible for computer database development of new and existing material and entering the data into the database.
  • Responsible for the management of loan program and filing loan paperwork with the Registrar.
  • Responsible for collection monitoring to ensure safety and security of objects.
  • Responsible for ordering supplies and equipment in support of collection operations.
  • Responsible to oversee collections assistant staff members and volunteer activities as they pertain to collection activities.
  • Responsible for offering collection services to museum members, the general public, and businesses based on current collection and division policies. 
  • Seeks additional training or professional development opportunities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Director of Collections or management, as required.
  • Performs all duties according to established museum operating, safety, and environmental and quality policies. 
  • Adheres to the CMNH Manual of Research and Collections Policies.
  • Contribute to the fiscal year operations budget for the collection area by working with the Director of Collections through the annual budgeting process.
  • Responsible for coordination and management of standard lab processes such as protocol regarding lab access, supplies, space allocation, resource scheduling, and student training.
  • Responsible for the acquisition of new material and treatment of that material through curator research, collections acquisitions, and general sampling efforts.
  • Responsible for holding student training sessions for summer interns as well as undergraduate and graduate students participating in curator research projects.
  • Responsible for offering content expertise for Museum programs, marketing, and exhibit development.
  • Coordinate with Education staff to provide access and educational opportunities that aim to utilize the laboratory and collections during normal and summer programming.
  • Responsible for seeking external funding opportunities in support of collections development or pursuing strategic goals for collections improvement as outlined by Director of Collections and collections management staff.

Education/Experience:

  • Master’s degree (M.S.) or higher degree in relevant field to the collection area of appointment; with 2-5 years of experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of collections management methods and current best practices.
  • The ability to plan, direct, and report on collections activities.
  • Ability to research scientific information, ideas and methods.
  • Excellent organizational and attention to detail skills.
  • The ability to deal effectively with public and private agencies and individuals in matters relating to collections objects at the Museum.
  • Strong computer operating system and database management experience. Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products to include Word, Excel, Power Point.  
  • Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally.
  • Ability to work successfully with Museum members, employees and the general public.
  • Strong problem solving and listening skills.
  • Ability to manage staff assistants and volunteers.
  • Ability to function in a fast pace environment with time constraints, and within established deadlines.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of field and laboratory research activities and collections management practices including publications on original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Ability to speak effectively with groups or donors, communicating the museum’s mission as well as why collections are necessary. Demonstrated ability to serve Museum visitors in a friendly and professional manner. Ability to communicate a passion for science to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to work with an interdisciplinary, professional team.
  • Ability to function and act independently.

Details and to apply https://workforcenow.adp.com/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=49c26a0f-b438-4d50-910e-e2fca33d6a29&jobId=449387&lang=en_US&source=EN