Job Information
Harvard University Manager, House Collection in Cambridge, Massachusetts
64353BRAuto req ID:64353BRJob Code:388057 Museum Professional Department Office Location:USA - DC - Washington Business Title:Manager, House CollectionSub-Unit:Dumbarton Oaks Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :057Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Art History, Material Culture, Public History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, or related field. Five years of relevant experience in a museum setting with demonstrated experience in research and collections care. Expertise with relational databases especially collections managements systems such as EmbARK or TMS.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Ability to work collegially in a team environment
Excellent written and verbal communication
Conservation training and object handling experience
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Experience being efficient at multitasking and prioritizing tasks with a high level of autonomy
Flexibility, discretion, and tact
Department:MuseumPre-Employment Screening:Criminal, Education, IdentityJob Function:Museum Position Description:
Conducts research on the identification, description, provenance, bibliography, conservation, exhibition history, and valuation of the collection objects for inclusion in the collections management database and paper files.
Preservation and maintenance of the historic architecture and interiors at Dumbarton Oaks including the Main House, Pre-Columbian Galleries, Music Room, Byzantine Galleries, Byzantine Courtyard, and others.
Coordinates preventative and interventional conservation on House Collection objects including ongoing care for the historic architectural elements and furnishing in the Music Room.
Oversees the Music Room as a permanent public exhibition venue.
Monitors environmental conditions and liaises with Facilities and Security; measures gallery light levels as needed; implements an Integrated Pest Management System.
Administers the collection management system (EmbARK) including establishing and maintaining data. standards, creating choice lists and keywords, and training staff and others on its use. Updates and maintains the online collections portal (Web Kiosk)
Develops original temporary exhibitions of the House Collection objects for the Special Exhibition and Bliss Galleries, proposing concepts to the Chief Curator and working with the Exhibitions Manager for execution.
Assists the Chief Curator in the development of the annual Museum budget. Monitors routine budget performance and expenditures.
Addresses queries from other departments, scholars, and the public; facilitates internal, scholarly, and public access to the collections; leads gallery tours.
Manages temporary interns, Tyler Fellows, and post-graduate fellows on projects related to the House Collection objects.
Serves on architectural and renovation planning committees and advises as needed on interior design in the Main House and other buildings on campus. Acts as liaison between the Museum and the Facilities department.
Participates in relevant publications, both hardcopy and digital, of House Collection objects, and serves in the docent training program by offering illustrated lectures on the House Collection and the history of the Blisses and Dumbarton Oaks. The House Collection manager periodically offers tours of the institution to fellows, interns, Wintersession students, and VIP visitors.
Other duties as assigned.
School/Unit:Faculty of Arts and Sciences EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Physical Requirements:
Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds.
Job Summary:
The Manager, House Collection, has curatorial oversight of the more than 1400 objects in the House Collection. These objects, which were primarily the furnishings of the estate at the time of its donation to Harvard in 1940, include paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, furniture, ceramics, photographs, and garden ornaments from a range of cultures and time periods. The Manager is also responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the historic architecture and interiors at Dumbarton Oaks.
Reporting to Chief Curator, the Manager, House Collection, is a critical member of a collaborative curatorial team and of the Curatorial Committee. This person participates in the care, documentation, research, presentation, publication, and access to the world-class holdings of the House Collection.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:On-Site Work Format Details:This position is based primarily on-campus, in Washington, DC. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.