Assistant Project Manager en Chicago History Museum

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Assistant Project Manager – Collection Storage Renovation Project

DEPARTMENT: Collections

FLSA STATUS:  Exempt – Professional 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Project Manager will assist with ensuring the safe and accurate relocation of the Museum’s offsite storage collections in conjunction with renovations of the storage facility, as well as the assessment and resolution of any outstanding custodial issues affecting the collections. Working alongside the project team, the Assistant Project Manager will conduct assessments; catalog, inventory, and rehouse collection materials; perform additional preservation tasks; and carry out other responsibilities associated with a large-scale collections move. Using archival best practices and independent professional judgement, they will review, research, and assess the condition of materials and ensure proper identification, housing, and handling of materials. Additionally, the Assistant Project Manager will research and assess the custodial status and history of collection materials and work with Collections and Curatorial staff to develop acquisition, disposal, and deaccession proposals to resolve their status. They will also collaborate with Collections and Research Center staff to update inventories and catalog records following object relocation. As needed or as time permits, the Assistant Project Manager will process collections. 

This position is entirely on-site and does not include the possibility of remote work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• In coordination with the Senior Collection Manager and Senior Archivist, manage daily priorities of the Collection Storage Renovation Project team (including Archives Assistants) and oversee the safe, secure movement of museum collections within the facility during renovations.
• Assess the custodial history and status of manuscript, architectural, and object collection materials.
• Develop acquisition, disposal, and/or deaccession proposals in consultation with Collections and Curatorial staff. 
• Assess the physical condition of collection items and perform rehousing, relabeling, stabilization, and other preservation measures to ensure their safety during relocation and storage.
• Apply strong organizational skills and knowledge of relevant tools and standards to create and maintain collection inventories, including shelf locations and extent of materials, before, during and after object relocation.
• Apply knowledge of the tools, technologies, and best practices for cataloging and inventorying to assist Archives staff, Collections Managers, and Cataloging and Metadata Librarian in reviewing and updating catalog records.
• Help maintain organization, security, and cleanliness of collections storage facilities.
• Work with shippers, contractors, and appropriate CHM staff to safely pack and relocate collections within storage.
• Foster a collaborative team environment and open communication across Collections and related departments.

OTHER DUTIES:  

• As time permits, process archival collections to facilitate research and programmatic use. Duties may include weeding unwanted materials, organizing and re-housing collections, preparing descriptive and administrative metadata for catalog records, and drafting finding aids.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REPORTS TO: Senior Collection Manager

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: The Assistant Project Manager works as part of a team that includes the Director of Collections, Senior Archivist, Senior Registrar, Collection Managers, Conservators, Photographer/Imaging Specialists, and Rights and Reproductions staff.  They also work closely with the Department of Properties to maintain secure, safe and clean storage environments.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in museum studies, library and information science, archival studies, or a related field, with training in collections care and management.
• Minimum two years professional experience working with relevant collection materials in a museum, library, or archive setting.
• Experience participating in or coordinating large-scale collections moves, rehousing, or storage renovation projects preferred.
• Experience handling a variety of collection types including paper-based materials, decorative and industrial arts objects and architectural collections strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising or coordinating the work of project staff, interns, or volunteers preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and legacy museum registration methods.
• Working knowledge of museum and archival standards and best practices related to cataloging, inventory control, collections handling, and preventive conservation, including housing standards and techniques.
• Familiarity with collection management systems and relational databases (e.g., Airtable, TMS, or similar) and comfort using Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of Chicago history.
• Ability to develop and follow workflows to meet production, management, quality control, and procedural requirements in an efficient and effective manner.
• Strong research skills.
• Ability to apply independent judgement to creatively solve technical, administrative, and procedural problems in a timely manner.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in an active construction environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work collaboratively across Collections, Curatorial Affairs, and Properties staff and deal diplomatically and effectively with all constituencies.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., ascend and descend ladders and lifts, and work in storage environments that may require standing, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to work in a collections storage environment that may include environmental variations (e.g., temperature fluctuations, odors, or ongoing maintenance activities).
• A valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum.