Collections Manager

We seek a motivated and versatile Collections Manager who is excited to make a significant impact in a small, close-knit team environment. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a hands-on, multi-faceted position and is passionate about supporting the arts in a rural setting. As the Collections Manager, you will maintain the physical well-being and documentation of Coos Art Museum’s Permanent Collection.

This role ensures the proper stewardship of the collection through policies, procedures, and best practices in collection management, registration, and preservation. The Collections Manager also develops exhibitions from the Permanent Collection, working collaboratively with the Executive Director and museum staff.

While we have a small team and a modest budget, we are rich in creativity, ambition, and community spirit. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to bring fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of collections and exhibition management.

• Collections Management: Develop and implement the Museum’s Collections Management Policy. Oversee the care, conservation, storage, and documentation of the Permanent Collection, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, provenance research, condition reporting, and insurance valuations.
• Database Transition and Oversight: Lead the transition to a new collections database management system, ensuring accurate data migration, staff training, and ongoing maintenance.
• Acquisitions and Collection Development: Manage acquisitions, deaccessions, and collection growth in alignment with Museum policies.
• Research and Interpretation: Conduct scholarly research on collection items to support interpretation, exhibitions, publications, and other programming.
• Artist and Donor Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for artist and donor inquiries regarding collection pieces.
• Fundraising and Grant Support: Assist with fundraising efforts by leading special collection tours, collaborating on grant applications, and supporting development initiatives related to the collection.
• Exhibition Development: Plan and curate exhibitions drawn from the Permanent Collection, ensuring alignment with the museum’s mission and strategic goals. Collaborate with museum staff on installation and exhibition schedules.
• Exhibition Preparation: Oversee exhibition preparation tasks, including framing, conservation, and photography of collection artworks, ensuring proper care and presentation.
• Experience working with museum collections or in a related field
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proficiency with collections management systems or databases
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment
• Commitment to in-person, full-time work in Coos Bay, Oregon
• Full-time, exempt
• Salary Range: $33,280 – $41,600 DoE
• Benefits: While Coos Art Museum does not currently offer a group health insurance plan, we may provide a monthly healthcare reimbursement stipend to support employees in securing their own health coverage. Additional benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Interested applicants should complete the application form below. Job applications accepted until April 16, reviewed upon receipt.

Application Requirements:
Resume (PDF preferred)
Thoughtful responses to the short-answer questions
Optional cover letter
Availability to work in-person in Coos Bay, OR

Coos Art Museum, located in the coastal town of Coos Bay, Oregon, is a dynamic cultural institution dedicated to celebrating the arts and nurturing creativity within our community. As the sole art museum along the Oregon Coast and the state’s third-oldest art museum, we take pride in being a welcoming community gathering place that lowers conceptual and physical barriers to the arts and enhances the museum’s relevance for local residents.

Our museum hosts a rotating selection of up to 20 exhibitions each year, sourced from local and regional artists and institutions. We offer a wide range of educational programs, including classes, workshops, and outreach initiatives, along with frequent public events, designed to engage artists of all ages. With a mission to enrich lives through art, Coos Art Museum serves as a cultural resource on the Oregon Coast, igniting inspiration and fostering connections through the transformative power of visual arts.

For additional information, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .