Description

The Dubuque Museum of Art seeks an experienced professional for the new position of Collections Manager during one of the most significant periods of growth and transition in the Museum's 150-year history. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a major building project while establishing a new era at DuMA of collection care and exhibition management.

This position holds combined responsibility for the planning, documentation, and execution of collections care and loans, and for the physical fabrication, installation, and handling that brings exhibitions to life. As part of the Curatorial Department, the Collections Manager leads execution and production of exhibitions within the established scope, timeline, and budget. The Collections Manager will project-manage the production of multiple loan and collection exhibitions through the complete production lifecycle, concurrently with a major collection move and reinstallation, serving as both the primary collections record-keeper and the lead installer for the Museum.

The successful candidate has demonstrable experience implementing the highest standards and best practices for managing a museum art collection, including the creation and maintenance of collections management records, processes, and procedures; collections management system administration; the movement, storage, fabrication, and installation of objects and exhibitions; courier services; and image and rights management.

Requirements

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

• Develop, implement, and uphold policies, procedures, and systems to effectively execute all collection management and exhibition production projects.
• Expand public access of the collection to meet organizational mission and strategic goals.
• Be a proactive, enthusiastic, and confident team member, and prioritize open, direct communication.
• Participate in committee and Board meetings, tours, and public programs as required.
• Complete all required conduct and harassment-prevention training, and adhere to DuMA's Employee Code of Conduct as a condition of continued employment.
• Remain current with approaches and developments in materials and techniques used in the care, preparation, fabrication, and display of the collection through continued professional networking, training, and conferences.

COLLECTIONS MANAGEMENT

• Administer and update all object and exhibition records within the Museum's Argus Collections Management System and web portal; ensure accuracy of data; provide training and support for users; oversee system upgrades.
• Develop and adhere to collection data entry standards, manage database security and user access levels, and discreetly handle confidential information.
• Inventory all collection holdings on a regular basis per the Collections Management Policy.
• Coordinate and document internal and external movement of all collection and exhibition objects; generate lists and reports.
• Maintain an archive of all records and files for all collections, artists, donors, and exhibitions.
• Process collection acquisitions and deaccessions, from offer to disposition.
• Prioritize and perform object photography, processing of images, and uploading with associated metadata to Argus.
• Assist with public inquiries relating to collections; facilitate rights and reproduction requests and web portal inquiries.
• Research and clear copyright for objects when needed for press, publicity, or printed materials.
• Supervise and administer fine art insurance coverage for the collection, incoming loans, and outgoing loans from the collection.
• Ensure standards of best practice for care, cleanliness, and access to the collections are maintained in all collection and adjacent spaces.
• Execute conservation and preservation plans directed by the DCAC; set and monitor environmental parameters for the collection in coordination with Facilities, and produce monthly environmental reports.
• Work with Facilities to maintain and update all emergency and security policies and procedures; conduct annual emergency response training as a lead member of the response team.

EXHIBITIONS AND INSTALLATION

Planning and Loans

• Oversee execution of lender and borrower agreements, and arrange packing, shipping, insurance, security, handling, and care for incoming and outgoing loans; produce and manage loan-related paperwork, maintaining digital and hard copy records. Major loan opportunities and lending relationships are negotiated by curatorial staff; the Collections Manager executes the resulting agreements, insurance, and logistics.
• Condition all incoming and outgoing loans.
• Develop installation calendars and manage installation and production budgets within the exhibition schedule and budget set by the DCAC; track expenditures and continually seek cost savings, reporting variances to the curatorial team lead.
• Participate in project evaluations and debriefs, producing installation and production reports.

Fabrication and Installation

• Serve as lead installer, ensuring successful installation of artwork spanning all mediums, sizes, and time periods, in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Plan, prioritize, schedule, and supervise the daily activities of the installation team and external vendors or contractors to meet installation and deinstallation deadlines within the exhibition schedule coordinated by the curatorial team lead.
• Design and produce working drawings and fabricate exhibition furniture, pedestals, platforms, mounts, and related display elements.
• Adjust and install exhibition and gallery lighting; arrange and install signage, text panels, and vinyl graphics.
• Ensure all object handling, mounting, environmental, and security requirements, plus special storage and conservation needs, are communicated and achieved.
• Monitor objects and conditions in display and holding areas, resolving issues with environmental conditions, lighting, cleanliness, and care of objects and object furniture.
• Pack, unpack, move, and store artwork, crates, and exhibition materials; serve as courier for domestic and international shipments as required.

WORKSHOP AND BUILDING COORDINATION

• Manage art staging and workshop spaces to ensure standards of best practice for care, cleanliness, and movement of the collections are maintained; work with Facilities to identify and prioritize space improvements.
• Maintain inventory of art packing, installation, and supplies, including AV, pedestals, and general installation and storage supplies.
• Coordinate installation-related building needs (access, egress, ADA compliance, and event/rental scheduling conflicts) directly with Facilities.

2028 CAMPUS MOVE PREPARATION

• Lead the planning and execution of the full collection move to the new campus.
• Conduct targeted collection inventory checks for priority storage areas ahead of the move.
• Organize and standardize digital and physical object files in preparation for relocation.
• Identify packing, storage, and conservation priorities for works requiring special handling during the move.
• Develop a preliminary collections move framework in collaboration with the DCAC, including sequencing, packing standards, and storage/location planning for the new campus.
• Set object and location records in Argus, and generate location barcodes, in preparation for the return to the new campus.

SUPERVISORY

• Directly supervise the installation team, interns, and volunteers assisting with collections and exhibition projects.
• Establish and lead a formal internship and volunteer training program in coordination with the education team.
• Set schedules, priorities, and performance expectations through documented, accessible planning processes.
• Lead staff and team training on art handling, installation safety, and security procedures.
• Raise any interpersonal or workplace concerns promptly to the DCAC; this is a standing expectation of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, art, or equivalent degree/experience.
• 3+ years of experience in museum or gallery registration, collections care, and/or exhibition preparation.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrable experience in art handling (transportation, unpacking, condition reporting, hanging) and in installation techniques (rigging, tethering systems, anchor types, security hardware).
• Documented success in logistics coordination and in meeting deadlines within a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current museum standards and best practices in collection care, exhibitions, and installation, and enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; Google apps; online meeting and file-sharing programs.
• Experience with, or the ability to quickly learn and enthusiasm for utilizing, specialized project management software systems such as Argus, Adobe Suite, and Asana.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools, and comfort operating ladders, lifts, and shop equipment.
• A demonstrated track record of direct, respectful collaboration and supervision across roles and seniority levels.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The work environment and job specifications listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without accommodations, to successfully perform this job.

• Perform work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
• Frequently move around the facility and access or use computers, office equipment, telephone, hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
• Regular bending, kneeling, standing, walking, and climbing; frequent work at heights using ladders, lifts, and scaffolding.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move heavy objects, crates, and installation equipment beyond typical office demands, using proper equipment and technique.
• Regular work under time-sensitive conditions, with interruptions and changing priorities.
• Willingness to work weekends and evenings, and adjust hours as needed; this is an exempt, salaried position.
• Available to lead response to off-hours alarms and time-sensitive requests as a member of the emergency response team.
• Ability to travel and drive personal or rented vehicles as needed for exhibitions, loans, meetings, and conferences.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THESE QUALITIES

In addition to our institutional workplace standards, DuMA's Curatorial Department operates on three foundational expectations, and every member of the team, at every level, is accountable to them:

     Honesty. Give and receive direct feedback, communicate problems early, and take ownership of mistakes.

     Kindness. Treat colleagues, volunteers, interns, vendors, and the public with respect, regardless of role, seniority, or working relationship.

     Results Driven. Follow through on commitments and hold the quality and care of the collection to the highest standard.

We're looking for a Collections Manager who brings all three to the role, along with hands-on technical expertise across collections care and exhibition production.

OUR HIRING PROCESS

DuMA's hiring process is designed to assess both technical qualifications and how candidates work with others. It includes a resume review, phone screen, first-round interview, a second-round panel interview, and reference checks, including peer references, prior to offer.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with experience, with a starting salary beginning at $51,000 annually, accompanied by a competitive benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, employer-matched IRA, and generous flextime.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Submit a cover letter, CV/résumé, and three professional references to hr@dbqart.org. References will be contacted only with prior consent. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

All offers of employment are conditioned upon a background check and 90-day probationary employment period.

About the Dubuque Museum of Art

DuMA is Iowa’s first cultural institution and is undertaking the most ambitious capital expansion in its 152-year history. The 2028 campus, designed by Schulhof Rashidi Architects, will connect Washington Park, gardens, STEAM education, performance and screening spaces, childcare, and museum galleries into a dynamic cultural hub. The Collections Manager will help realize a safe, operational, and efficient new campus that works for staff, objects, and audiences alike from day one. 

Our vision is that our community will be a thriving cultural hub where people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives together achieve a deep understanding of the past, an empathetic view of the present, and an inspired outlook for the future. Our mission is to create engaging art experiences that excite, inspire, and connect our community.

DuMA is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or other basis protected by law.