Museum Collection Management Section Head

Job Purpose

Collection Lifecycle Management

• Oversee all aspects of collection management, including acquisition processing, registration, cataloguing, documentation, storage, movement, and deaccessioning.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records for all artworks in compliance with institutional policies and international standards.
• Manage loans (incoming and outgoing), including documentation, condition reporting, and coordination with borrowing/lending institutions.

Storage & Logistics

• Oversee the management and optimization of collection storage facilities, ensuring safety, accessibility, and efficiency.
• Plan and coordinate all artwork logistics, including transportation, shipping, customs, and courier arrangements.
• Implement best practices in packing, crating, and movement control.

Collection Systems & Documentation

• Maintain and enhance the museum’s collection management system (CMS), ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and security.
• Develop and enforce documentation standards, procedures, and workflows.
• Generate reports to support research, exhibitions, audits, and strategic decision-making.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards governing collections management.
• Oversee collection insurance processes, valuations, and risk assessments.
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness and disaster recovery plans for collections.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of registrars, collection managers, and technicians.
• Allocate resources effectively and ensure team alignment with departmental objectives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with curatorial, exhibitions, conservation, and operations teams to support exhibitions and programs.
• Liaise with external partners, including lenders, insurers, shippers, and conservation specialists.
• Support research initiatives by facilitating access to collection information and materials.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Conservation, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in collection management, registration, or conservation within a museum or cultural institution.
• Proven experience managing collection systems and overseeing complex logistics and loans.
• Strong knowledge of international museum standards and best practices (e.g., documentation, conservation, handling).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
• Knowledge of conservation principles and collection care standards.
• Proficiency in collection management systems and databases.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Performance Indicators (Kpis)

• Accuracy and completeness of collection records.
• Compliance with conservation and environmental standards.
• Efficiency and safety of artwork handling, storage, and logistics.
• Successful delivery of loans and exhibition-related collection activities.
• System performance and quality of reporting outputs.
• Team performance and professional development.