Collections Specialist

Description

FLSA Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum has an opening for a full-time exempt Collections Specialist in the Museum Services Department.

Company Overview: Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum documents and interprets the history of country music—a musical genre and culture central to the identity of the city, the state, and the nation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum proudly combines subject expertise, ambitious research, and preservation of an unparalleled collection with expressions of creativity in music, art, and history. The museum collects artifacts that illustrate the evolving history and traditions of country music and provides diverse learning opportunities through educational programs, publications, and exhibitions. The core exhibit follows the story of country music from its folk beginnings through its evolution as a commercial art form. Rotating exhibits examine a broad range of topics, from country classics to contemporary and emerging artists in American Currents. The museum owns Hatch Show Print, a letterpress print shop opened in 1879, and it operates Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley and many others recorded.

What We Offer for Full-Time Staff: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Options
• Competitive Pay
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Paid Holidays (13) and Floating Holidays (2)
• 401(K) with Up to 3% Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program (Free Counseling and Legal Services)
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness  
• FREE 24/7 Downtown Parking and Transit Benefits
• Continuing Professional Offerings
• Complimentary Museum Admission (For Yourself, Family, and Friends)
• ·Reciprocal Partnerships with Local Venues (The Nashville Zoo, Dollywood Theme & Water Parks, National Museum of African American Music, tours at The Opry and The Ryman Auditorium, and more) 
• Up to 25% Discount in Retail Stores and Onsite Restaurant Venues
• Opportunities to Attend Exhibit Openings, Concerts and Special Events
• Employee Engagement Activities and Opportunities
• FSA and Dependent Care Options 
• Dog Friendly Work Environment
• Volunteering and Community Engagement Opportunities

Position Overview: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is recruiting a Collections Specialist to assist the Museum Services Registrar team with the processing and cataloging of donations and loans, the development, care, and maintenance of existent collections, and other collections support activities as defined below. The position will report to the Associate Director of Collections Access and is full-time, on-site, and requires a minimum of two years of experience in the processing of collections.

Specific Duties Include:

• Processing and cataloging, handling and storage of artifacts and artifact collections in accordance with professional standards and current archival procedures
• Assisting in the receipt of artifacts/collections from Donors, and/or the receipt/return of loaned materials, using established shipment standards and procedures
• Working closely with the Curatorial Director and Registrar team to ensure the development, care, inventory, and maintenance of existent collections
• Maintaining quality control of the collections management system
• Performing collections care activities to include, among other things, the inspection and upkeep of archival spaces and exhibit cases, and the monitoring of temperature, humidity, and light levels
• Assistance with the Installation and deinstallation of exhibits, the return of artifacts to archival locations, and the updating of collections management software
• Assist in preparing objects for display in gallery exhibitions and artifact photo-shoots

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Either a Master’s degree in Museum Studies, a related subject from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Two years of professional experience processing collections in an archive, museum, or library—preferably with specific experience in the handling of objects
• Familiarity with museum cataloging standards
• Familiarity with collections management software, preferably PastPerfect
• Familiarity with the history of country music and key figures within the genre
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working in museum or library collections setting, especially handling physical objects 
• Demonstrated experience with identifying and describing a large variety of artifacts with specific attention paid to condition issues
• Working knowledge of country music and its ever-evolving history
• Working knowledge of digital photography

Key Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Ability to work collaboratively
• Detail-oriented
• Knowledge of archival content, structure, and processing standards
• Ability to properly handle objects and archival materials, especially those that are fragile and rare
• Experience with managing the shipment of artifacts
• Strong time-management skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Working knowledge of a museum collections management software
• Respect for country music as an art form 

Note to Applicants:

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We respect the varied attributes, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person unique. The museum promotes an environment of respect, communication, and understanding, while actively providing opportunities for all employees of all backgrounds the skills, experience, and information necessary to succeed. The museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or characteristics, age, membership in an employee organization, military or veteran status, or other non-merit factor. The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and visitors. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and employment verification, including federally mandated E-verify processes, as required for position.

Due to the high volume of applications received for this position, hiring managers will only contact candidates they are interested in scheduling for an interview. Please refrain from calling to inquire about the status of your application. 

Please upload a resume and cover letter when applying for the position.

Applications are only accepted online on our career page: https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/careers