"Alerted.org

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

The Historical Resources team is currently seeking a Chief Collections Manager. This position is responsible for oversight of The Henry Ford's historical collections, ensuring the proper movement, storage, security, and overall well-being of the collection. This role involves maintaining professional standards for storage, logistics, and environmental controls affecting the collection's preservation. The Chief Collections Manager leads the Collections Management team and collaborates with various stakeholders on preservation projects. This individual reports to the Director of Collections Operations and plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity and accessibility of the collection for future generations.

Essential Responsibilities

Collections Management

+ Manage all aspects of collections storage, including the development and application of policies and procedures related to the movement, housing, inventory control, access, and security of collections

+ Develop and implement strategies for the care, storage, and preservation of The Henry Ford's historical collections, ensuring their proper movement, storage, security, and overall well-being

+ Maintain professional standards for storage, logistics, and environmental controls affecting the collection's preservation

+ Collaborate with the Chief Conservator to maintain the condition of the collection and ensure compliance with legal requirements, ethical guidelines, and best practices for collections management

+ Oversee and guide all areas of collections logistics, including internal and external collaborators

+ Serve as The Henry Ford's representative when managing off-site storage areas, building relationships with landlords, agents, contractors, and governmental agencies

+ Work collaboratively with registrars to ensure that collection data is recorded, tracked, and reported in compliance with institutional policies, maintaining data storage integrity across systems

Leadership & Team Management

+ Lead the Collections Management team by organizing workflow, managing resources, and fostering a collaborative and efficient environment

+ Manage the collections department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources

+ Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and guide team performance and achievement of goals

+ Lead and participate in cross-functional teams, addressing problems, opportunities, and issues in a collaborative manner that contribute to an effective team environment

Strategic Planning & Engagement

+ Direct the development and execution of annual and long-term departmental plans, ensuring they align with long-term institutional goals

+ Assist in determining budgetary requirements for the team and overall collections operations

+ Identify institutional needs for collections storage resources and work with the Director of Collections Operations to incorporate these needs into the overall strategic plan

+ Develop funding proposals and grant applications for collection-related projects and resource needs as needed

+ Collaborate with curatorial, exhibition, education, and other departments to ensure the collection is effectively utilized in programming, exhibitions, and educational efforts

Your Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in History, Museum Studies, or a related field required

+ 5 or more years of experience in museum, library and/or archives collections management responsibilities preferred

+ 3+ years of prior administrative experience in a collection-based cultural institution

+ Broad knowledge of collections management-related technical issues, including artifact storage and handling, materials handling, building environment control and monitoring, and integrated pest management

+ General knowledge of computer applications and automated collections management systems required

+ Occasional evening and weekend hours for special events or exhibitions

+ May require remote work and travel

+ Valid motor vehicle license that may include chauffer's license to transport objects

Special Skills

+ Familiarity with legal and ethical standards in collections management, including deaccessioning and acquisition procedures

+ Experience in research, grant writing, and fundraising to support collections-related projects

+ Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, and consensus-building skills

+ Ability to work cross-functionally, independently, and as a member of a team

+ Experience with budgeting, resource allocation, and project management

+ Spatial visualization and creative problem-solving for organizing museum collections efficiently

+ Experience operating material handling equipment, including trailers, forklifts, pallet lifters, and other manual equipment

+ Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

+ Strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

+ Proficient in using technology to perform essential job functions

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

Physical: Typical warehouse setting and includes an indoor/outdoor museum spaces; frequent sit, stand, walk; Physical tasks such as pushing or lifting lift up to 40lbs; requires frequent foot, eye, and hand coordination

Mental: Ability to comprehend and interpret complex materials from a broad range of historical periods and media; strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills; capacity for focused analysis and decision-making; ability to work under pressure and maintain mental clarity while managing multiple tasks or conflicting priorities; ability to adapt to changing conditions and resolve challenges logically

Environment: Primarily in an office or museum setting, with occasional visits to storage and exhibition spaces and occasional work outdoors, in all weather conditions, with exposure to dirt, dust, and possible mold

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people's diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.