Collections Information and DAMS Manager

Department

Job Family

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Job Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Head Registrar for Collections and Exhibitions the Collections Information and DAMS Manager is one of eight members of the collections team and supervises the Senior Associate Registrar for Collections and Database Administration. This role oversees the museums collections database (TMSC) supports its online art collections portal (eMuseum) and leads the development and management of a Digital Asset Management system (DAMS). TMSC functions as the museums main platform to document and share the collection and interfaces with the online art collections portal (eMuseum) to enable access to essential information for museum staff as well as faculty scholars students and visitors. This is an initial three-year term position available for possible renewal.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage daily functionality and security of TMSC and eMuseum; manage user accounts security groups data standards and audits; serve as primary contact for Gallery Systems.

• Develops and implements a back-up systems including cyberattack recovery plan; manage upgrades patches data clean-up and migrations; collaborate with Computing and Information Services (CIS) on storage preservation and organization of digital assets.

• In consultation with the Head Registrar establish and enforce data entry standards procedures and policies; ensure proper access and consistency of data; create and maintain TMSC user manuals; oversee cataloguing and tagging for all objects in the Collection; provide staff training tutorials and refresher sessions.

• Design Crystal Reports SSRS SQL queries and custom data views; produces analytical reports on collection data for research and collection management projects.

• Supports eMuseum customization and troubleshooting; contributes to the museums Collections Discovery Initiative (CDI) to enhance opportunities for collection access discovery documentation and scholarship by leading large-scale data entry and clean-up projects to support the diverse needs of users and properly manage the documentation of the collection; contributes to future diversity and inclusion initiatives in data harvesting.

• Design effective interface of TMSC with other institutional databases and systems to make collections information available to external audiences across various platforms; consults with CIS and Gallery Systems regarding maintenance troubleshooting and system updates for TMSC eMuseum DAMS and related systems; assists with budgeting for system contracts upgrades and database-related projects.

• Oversees the processing of all object images to ensure efficiency and accuracy in creating and running scripts for bulk processing naming and cropping images and linking media in database; maintains image archive and access; liaises with CIS and vendors to ensure all imaging equipment is in working order.

• Collaborates across departments on planning and implementing DAMS including working closely with the Librarys digital preservation team in support of the research development and future implementation of a Digital Asset Management System for the museum; leads the effort to identify upload and characterize metadata and manage the use of digital assets in the DAMS; remains current of new trends and developments in collection database software.

Required knowledge skills and abilities

• Bachelors degree in Museum Studies Archival Studies Library Science or related field.

• Five years of experience in museum collections database management or museum registration preferably with Gallery System products.

• One year of supervisory and/or training experience.

• Advanced knowledge and experience in writing SQL SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) Crystal Reports XML and HTML.

• Knowledge of data/content standards (AAT ULAN TGN CCO LCNAF) and inclusive museum practices.

• Strong knowledge of digital archiving standards and best practices.

• Excellent project management problem solving and communication skills.

• Experience conveying technical information to technical and non-technical users.

• Highly organized detail-oriented collaborative and adaptive in a fast-faced environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to climb ladders.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds (50 pounds with assistance).

Preferred knowledge skills and abilities:

• Graduate degree in Museum Studies Archival Studies Library Science or related field

• Three years of supervisory and/or training experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of art handling best practices and art and artifact collections care in a museum environment

Compensation

The starting annual base salary range for this position is $63882- $83034.

When extending an offer Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position candidates work experience education/training key skills internal peer equity budget and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the Colleges good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.