Collections Specialist at Eames Institute

About the Eames Institute

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world. 

With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

About the Role

The Collections Specialist plays a key role in the stewardship, preservation, and accessibility of the Institute’s diverse design collection, which includes furniture, toys, works on paper, appliances, photographs, textiles, and other mixed-media objects. Working closely with the Senior Registrar & Collections Manager and the broader Collections team, this position supports day-to-day collections care, preventive conservation, documentation, and inventory control. The successful candidate will help ensure that collections management practices meet professional museum standards while contributing to the Institute’s mission of education, access, and creative inquiry.

Key Responsibilities

Collections Management

• Working knowledge of the principles of museum object care, documentation, and classification
• Conduct regular inventories and audits of object locations; update records accurately in the collections management system (MuseumPlus).
• Assist with cataloging and documentation, including object descriptions, condition notes, and location tracking in the CMS.
• Rehouse objects using appropriate archival materials and storage solutions.
• Collaborate with the Photographer during collection photography, ensuring safe handling, transport, and coordination of objects to and from the onsite studio.
• Clean and maintain collection objects in accordance with established best practices.
• Assist with processing incoming/outgoing loans, including packing, condition reporting, shipping.
• Collaborate with collections staff in assigning and arranging for the proper storage of objects.
• Assist in processing new/existing accessions, including cataloging, labeling, storage.

Preventive Conservation

• Conduct detailed condition assessments and ongoing monitoring of environmental conditions using data loggers; analyze and interpret temperature and relative humidity data to support preservation strategies.
• Maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to protect the collection from pests and environmental threats.
• Working knowledge of museum security and risk management practices.

Organization and Team Culture

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments, including Creative & Communications, to help develop compelling narratives that advocate for the care and preservation of the collection.
• Stay current with evolving collections management and preventive conservation practices by attending workshops, seminars, and professional conferences.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture grounded in shared responsibility for collections care and institutional mission.

Required education, skills, abilities, competencies

• Master’s degree in collections management, museum studies, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5+ years of professional experience in museum collections management and object handling.
• Strong knowledge of museum standards for object care, documentation, handling, and classification.
• Demonstrated experience working with a collections management system, including cataloging and location control.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and build effective working relationships.
• Creative, solution-oriented problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and care.

Essential Functions 

• The schedule for this role is 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday and requires the individual to be onsite five days a week.
• Frequent walking, standing, and moving throughout galleries, exhibition spaces, and storage areas.
• Ability to handle, move, and position fragile and valuable artifacts with care; may involve lifting items up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional climbing of ladders or use of lifts to access or install exhibits.
• Regular use of hands and fingers for detailed work, including artifact examination, documentation, and handling delicate materials.
• Extended periods of computer work for research, collections management, and administrative duties.
• Visual acuity required for close inspection of artifacts and reading fine print on labels or documents.
• May require occasional travel for exhibition planning, conferences, or collection acquisition.

What We Offer 

• Salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000
• The Eames Institute offers a competitive benefits package, including…
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Commuting benefits
• Wellness stipend (annual) 
• Professional development stipend (annual) 
• $500 match for charitable giving, for every year of service up to five years
• Unlimited paid time off policy in addition to fourteen paid holidays

Benefits are subject to change at the employer’s discretion.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. The Eames Institute may change the job duties, including the location and schedule, at its discretion. 

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level.