Department: Block Museum
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

The Curatorial Coordinator for Collections Information and Digital Interpretation works closely with the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, and in partnership with the Associate Curator of Collections, to represent the Curatorial Department on digital projects related to collections information, interpretation, and access.

The Coordinator works in close collaboration with staff in Curatorial and in Collections and Exhibitions Departments on projects related to The Museum System/TMS collection database and The Block Museum of Art's public-facing online collection website. The Coordinator undertakes research on works in the collections, approves records for online publication, updates collections records, and takes a leading role in the Curatorial Department's efforts to align collections information and database projects with The Museum's DEAI goals. They coordinate TMS trainings for Curatorial staff and students and provide first-level support for TMS use. Additionally, they collaborate with Collections and Exhibitions staff to build controlled vocabularies and hierarchies for works within TMS; research and articulate The Museum's cataloguing standards; maintain cataloguing guidelines; and work with staff to archive exhibitions material.

The Coordinator plays a primary role in conversations and collaborations with campus and professional colleagues on ethical cataloguing and digital accessibility practices and helps to prioritize and integrate this into The Block's collections work. They meet regularly with museum colleagues to coordinate work; maintain contact with campus peers; and benchmark with professional peers to keep abreast of best practices. They increase digital literacy among staff and empower others to contribute to the database. They affect change in online collection content through projects such as adding alt texts to reproductions of artworks and developing a system for inclusive keywords. The Coordinator also works with Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs and Associate Curator of Collections to determine effective methods by which to gauge progress toward The Block's collecting goals.

The Coordinator helps ensure that the database effectively supports teaching and learning, and prioritizes student contributions to cataloguing and collections research. They supervise 1-2 student workers on TMS-related projects and mentor undergraduate research assistants in partnership with the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs when possible. On a limited basis, the Coordinator supports teaching with the collection by developing thematic object packages related to curricular and extracurricular activities; leading select object-based learning sessions with classes and groups; and offering object-based talks (online and in person). They work with Communications and Curatorial staff on select digital projects related to the collection as necessary.

Specific Responsibilities:

Content Development and Management

• Collaborate on the public facing collections website with Communications and Collections and Exhibitions.
• Lead digital accessibility efforts for collections database.
• Create and add interpretive content about collection objects to public-facing database.
• Work with Communications and Curatorial staff on select digital projects related to the collection as necessary.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Coordinate and track progress on DEAI initiatives related to The Block's collection database.
• Meet regularly with colleagues to coordinate ethical cataloguing and accessibility work; maintain contact with campus peers; and benchmark with professional peers to kept abreast of best practices.
• Increase digital literacy among staff and empower others to contribute to the database.
• Work with Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs and Associate Curator of Collections to determine effective methods by which to gauge progress toward The Block's collecting goals.
• Serve as co-lead of The Block's Digital Strategy Committee and a Northwestern Digital Accessibility Liaison.

Documents & Databases

• Review, proof, edit, and standardize object records in the museum's collection database using existing data, hardcopy object files, and academic research when needed.
• Collaborate on workflows for updating object and artist records related to the collection.
• Research and articulate cataloguing standards and maintain guidelines.
• Prepares & compiles correspondence, reports, etc.
• Facilitate cross-departmental working group to develop inclusive keyword taxonomy and assist with development of metadata for TMS that optimizes for searching and accessibility.

Administration & Staff Support

• Coordinate TMS trainings for Curatorial staff and students and provide first-level support for TMS use.
• Troubleshoot problems with TMS and eMuseum based on Curatorial staff feedback; escalate problems to vendor when necessary.
• Collaborate with Collections and Exhibitions staff and other museum staff to archive exhibition materials.
• Onboard Curatorial staff and student workers to digital tools.

Supervision

• Supervise and coordinate work for 1-2 student workers and, when possible, a research assistant on digital projects related to the collection database.

Teaching

• Develop thematic object packages related to curricular and extracurricular activities.
• On a limited basis, lead select object-based learning sessions with classes and groups.
• Offer object-based talks (online and in-person).
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Master's degree or PhD in art history or a related field of study and experience
• 5 years of administrative support or other relevant experience required.
• Prior experience with collections database software.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, writing, proofreading, and analytical skills, with superior attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks within complex projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required.
• Demonstrated good organizational skills and an aptitude for analytical and detailed work.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a complex environment.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• At least 3-5 years of experience cataloguing works of art and building museum collection database entries.
• Extensive prior experience working with TMS.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Gallery Systems TMS collection management database software.
• Experience initiating change and process improvement projects.

The target hiring range for this position will be between $49,850 and $57,500 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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