Education & Collections Manager

Education & Collections Manager

Job Description
The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts (WMQFA), located just east of historic downtown Cedarburg, Wisconsin, is dedicated to educating the public about the artistic, cultural, historic, and social importance of quilts and fibers arts. WMQFA is looking for a dynamic, self-starter who thrives in a small team to fill the crucial role of Education & Collections Manager. They create and oversee the museum’s rich and varied educational programming and are responsible for the day-to-day activities and ongoing preservation of the museum’s collections, using collections and exhibitions to educate visitors. Responsibilities include providing high quality, fun, educational opportunities for all ages, assisting with exhibition installations, as well as accessioning, maintaining collections data systems, conservation care, archives and records management, and emergency response and recovery,

Qualifications
The Education & Collections Manager must have experience writing, presenting, and evaluating education programs. The Manager must have strong interpersonal skills, be creative, and comfortable working with people of all ages and backgrounds. They must be an effective facilitator, have excellent oral and written communication skills, have a positive and professional attitude, and be flexible. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently are necessary. Candidates should have demonstrated attention to detail; strong understanding of standard museum registration practices and proper documentation for acquisitions, collections objects, loans, and other administrative functions; thorough knowledge of appropriate care, handling, and storage for a wide variety of artifacts, particularly textile and textile related artifacts, and/or a willingness to learn. Experience working with textiles is preferred. A working knowledge of PastPerfect Museum Software and Microsoft Office are necessary. The person must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and climb ladders. An appreciation for fiber arts and history are absolute musts. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in Museum Studies or related field or commensurate experience working with museum based collections. Bachelor’s degree required.

Essential Functions 

• Identify, recruit, schedule, and market all aspects of classes and workshops, including artist contracts and needs, registration, facility reservation and set-up, confirmation, and review.
• Work with Senior Curator & Education Committee to foster and build artist-teacher relationships and identify possible artist partners, teachers, and/or education opportunities, including those tied to exhibitions.
• Work with Senior Curator to ensure appropriate tracking and condition-reporting of borrowed and collection items before, during, and after exhibitions. Assist with exhibition installations.
• Develop and implement school, scout, and youth programs. Prepare, schedule, and at-times lead field trips and educational lessons, including program evaluation, as needed. Build relationships with school teachers.
• Research and develop collections-based educational programming.
• Ensure appropriate cataloguing for all collection objects in accordance with established museum practices.
• Work with the Board’s Collections Director on the ongoing processing of cataloguing of collection objects, including purchase of supplies for collections care and data entry using the PastPerfect database.
• Process outgoing loans as necessary. Oversee all logistics for the shipment of collection objects.
• Monitor storage and gallery climate conditions on site to ensure appropriate temperature and humidity levels are being maintained. Ensure safety of collections during exhibition or education programming.
• Assist with museum social media, website, and virtual programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Full-time, exempt position. Hours are flexible and largely driven by programs, with some work from home available. Frequent evenings and weekends are required. Includes individual health insurance and other benefits. Pay range: $33,000-$38,000/year. The Education & Collections Manager reports to the Executive Director. Resumes will be reviewed as they arrive.

To apply, send cover letter, resume, and three references to:
Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts
Attn: Melissa Wraalstad
P.O. Box 562
Cedarburg, WI 53012
Director@wiquiltmuseum.com