The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian is the oldest independent non-profit museum in New Mexico. It was founded by Mary Cabot Wheelwright (1878–1958) in collaboration with the respected Diné singer Hastiin Klah (1867–1937). The building is recognized as a historic landmark and has been open to the public since 1938. The Wheelwright is an accredited museum with a permanent gallery, contemporary exhibition spaces, and lively public programs. The Wheelwright aims to work in partnership and actively collaborates with Indigenous artists, trustees, curators, and archivists since its founding.
JOB TITLE: Collections Manager & Registrar
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 2025
Reports to: Director
Works directly with: Director and Curatorial Teams; contractors
Works indirectly with: Case Trading Post; Business Office
Supervises: Interns and Volunteers as needed
FLSA Classification: non exempt
JOB SUMMARY: This is a responsible position, whose central task is the management of collections with registrar functions. This position is part of the Collections and Curatorial staff, which includes two curators, an archivist, installation staff, and interns; it is a small team responsible for delivering the exhibition program and working collaboratively on the permanent collection of ca. 12,000 objects and their documentation. The position is primarily responsible for the care of the collection, including assessing conservation status, monitoring gallery and storage needs/conditions, undertaking inventory and rehousing work, implementing integrated pest management principles, and maintaining documentation to the proper professional standards. The postholder will lead on ensuring the overall security and well-being of the collections and will maintain documentation and inventories with curatorial and collections staff. This position oversees transportation, packing, and shipping of collections in compliance with insurance regulations and the highest standards of professional practice. The position also supports the Collections Committee, ensuring all paperwork for accessions, de-accessions, and loans are maintained.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree in Museum Studies or proven equivalent professional experience
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in collections management in a museum or gallery
context, including museum display, handling, accessioning, data retrieval, provenance research,
assessing storage requirements, condition reporting and fine art shipping,
• Background in, and experience of, working with contemporary or historic Indigenous North American
collections,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word suite including Teams and Adobe Photoshop
• Familiarity and comfort with collections management databases including Proficio/Rediscovery.
SKILLS:
The skills required are those of being able to work independently and in collaboration, exercising sound judgement and a practical approach to risk management, and familiarity with the best practices of collections management in the context of small museums or tribal/cultural institutions. It includes, but is not limited to:
• Demonstrated understanding of professional museum practices and standards, including registration methods, loans paperwork, safe object handling, conservation, packing and shipping of objects,
• Demonstrated experience of working on exhibitions and exhibition preparation including condition reporting, handling and mounting,
• Demonstrated ability to show responsiveness and consideration for the documentation of collections, their preservation and care,
• Demonstrated ability to undertake strategic assessment of collections and work within museum collection policies,
• Demonstrated understanding of security of collection and climate conditions in storage and exhibits, including daily monitoring of galleries,
• Good understanding of photography and photographic potential of collections,
• Knowledge of conservation practices and art preparation,
• Demonstrated ability to plan, problem-solve and deliver in accordance with deadlines,
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others to achieve Museum’s overall goals and
objectives,
• Strong written skills, including ability to write reports, summarize issues, and conduct professional
correspondence,
• An eye for detail and commitment to accuracy.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Maintains and monitors safety and security of collections in accordance with established professional standards, including responsibility for environmental conditions, integrated pest management, and security of collections; this includes maintaining a clean working environment and organized digital files and paper records,
• Oversight of the database: revise and evaluate registration and catalog system to maintain applicability, consistency, and operation,
• Oversight and processing of all incoming and outgoing collections for loans, donations, deaccessioned items, and exhibitions including shipping, security, insurance, and packing,
• Ensuring all legal and ethical issues regarding loans are addressed,
• Works with those inside and outside the Museum to support NAGPRA processes and compliance,
• Works in collaboration with Curatorial and Collections staff in the maintenance of the museum’s
collection database, and in the generation of all paperwork to do with pre- and post- acquisition
process, including supporting the Collections Committee,
• Works with Curatorial and Collections staff in planning and installation of exhibits, especially in
preparing collections and advising on conversation needs,
• Management and oversight of the collection database; review and evaluate registration and catalog
system to maintain applicability, consistency, and operation,
• Recommends changes in recordkeeping procedures to achieve maximum accessibility to and
efficient retrieval of collection objects,
• Schedules and facilitates research by scholars and other visitors,
• Part of the emergency planning team,
• Contributes and supports public programs and access initiatives,
• Other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Exercises supervision over assigned volunteers or interns
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to lift, carry and otherwise move up to 20 pounds on a regular basis;
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, or walk for various lengths of time throughout the day;
• Ability to utilize computer equipment to complete daily work responsibilities, and other technologies consistent with current office environment;
• Ability to use manual and light-duty power tools.
BENEFITS:
We offer a competitive benefits package.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:
The Wheelwright Museum is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. It is our policy to encourage and support equal employment opportunity for all associates and applicants without regard to age, sex, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, individual genetic information, disabled veteran or Vietnam Era Veteran Status.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:
Applicants as well as employees who are, or become, disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
The above statements reflect the general duties and responsibilities considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. This document should not be considered a fully detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The Wheelwright Museum may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.
APPLICATION:
Send CV with covering letter detailing experience addressing qualifications, skills and responsibilities and contact details for three references to director@wheelwright.org , cc info@wheelwright.org. Review of applications will begin April 14 2025.
For more information about the post, please contact dslaney@wheelwright.org.
