Job Opportunity
Collections Access Manager
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum invites applications for the new full-time position of Collections Access Manager. This is a new position designed to expand Vesterheim’s ability to share collection content with the public through specialized tours, photographs, website content, and research requests. This position will also be responsible for providing artifact photography to the Publications Department.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have training and experience in proper
handling of museum collections in all media and will demonstrate knowledge
of
collection management practices. S/he will show experience in digital
object photography,
for the purposes of both documentation and publication. S/he will
have good written and oral communication skills with both members of the
public and
with co-workers. This position requires the ability to supervise volunteers
and student interns, as well as the ability to work well in staff
teams.
Attention to detail is essential. Familiarity with PastPerfect and
PhotoShop software preferred.
Responsibilities include:
• Collections access
• Encourage and facilitate access to the museum collections. Assist
folk-art classes, independent researchers, artists, and other groups
with tours
and direct artifact research in collection storage areas. Where
on-site use
of the museum collections is not possible, assist folk-art teachers,
long-distance researchers, and other individuals with access to
collections information.
Manage all correspondence and invoicing for image reproduction fees.
Collect and organize information and images for web-based “virtual
galleries” that will represent the depth and breadth of the museum
collections
to
general
visitors as well as potential researchers.
• Collections documentation
• Incorporate digital photography and inventory into all of the major
collections-related projects within the institutional Strategic
Plan. Ensure that all artifact
records are kept updated with new images and accurate locations.
• Inter-departmental photography
• Provide publication-quality photography and artifact information
to Publications Department as needed for website content, publications,
marketing materials,
etc. Provide still (object) photography for annual projects, including
entries in the National Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian
Tradition,
museum
store merchandise for catalog and website marketing, magazine illustrations
for Vesterheim magazine, and items donated for the Biennial Vesterheim
Benefit Auction.
To Apply:
By September 15, send cover letter, resume, and references to the
attention of:
Tova Brandt, Curator
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
PO Box 379
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Founded in 1877, Vesterheim is the oldest and most comprehensive museum in the United States dedicated to a single immigrant group. This national treasure includes a main complex of 16 historic buildings in downtown Decorah, and an immigrant farmstead and prairie church just outside the city. The museum cares for over 24,000 artifacts, among which are some of the most outstanding examples of decorative and folk art to be seen in this country. Vesterheim uses the story of Norwegian Americans to explore aspects of identity and culture common to everyon