Summary:
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art seeks an experienced collections manager for a three-year, grant funded position. The Collections Specialist will be a shared position between the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (MBMA) and the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM), and will focus on the cataloguing, preservation, rehousing, and exhibition of the Hooks Brothers Photography Studio Collection. Founded in 1907, the Hooks Brothers Photography Studio became the second oldest continuously operating Black-owned business in Memphis until its closure in 1979. The studio produced formal portraits of nearly every important African American person to come through Memphis – from Blues legends like W.C. Handy and B.B. King to early civil rights leaders like Booker T. Washington. Additionally, the Hooks Bros. produced family portraits, graduation photos, and took their cameras out into the city to document daily life and major events in Memphis’ history. The resulting archive of over 5,000 prints and negatives will be a shared acquisition between MBMA and NCRM.
The Collections Specialist will be situated within the Collections & Exhibitions team at the MBMA, and will report to the MBMA’s Director of Collections, Exhibitions, & Publications. The successful candidate will be an exemplary collaborator, possess good knowledge of photographic methods and materials, and have a proven record of work underpinned by a sincere interest in creating a more equitable museum.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the cataloging, digitization, rehousing, and transport of the Hooks Brothers archive (the “Collection”) ensuring the preservation and accessibility of the collection.
- Implement best practices in handling, storage, and conservation of photographic materials to prevent damage or deterioration.
- Implement the digitization of photographic materials, including scanning, image editing, and metadata creation.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive records of the Collection, including condition reports. Ensure accuracy and consistency in cataloging, adhering to industry standards and museum policies in entering catalogue information into the TMS database.
- Work closely with a shared Assistant Curator of Photography position dedicated to the Hooks Brothers Photography Studio project to facilitate Hooks Brothers Photography Studio exhibitions at MBMA and NCRM.
- Collaborate with the MBMA and NCRM Exhibitions team to prepare photographic materials for display, including framing, mounting, and installation.
- Facilitate loans of the Collection amongst the co-organizing parties by coordinating logistics, documentation, and conservation as required.
Requirements:
- MA in Art History, History, Museum Studies or related field, with a special emphasis in photography preferred.
- Demonstrable knowledge of and involvement in the field of photography and related media, including historical and contemporary material. Knowledge of legal and ethical considerations (such as copyright and rights of publicity) a plus.
- Previous experience in collection management, registration, or archival work, preferably in a museum or cultural institution.
- Proficiency in cataloging software and databases (TMS preferred), with a strong attention to detail, TMS preferred.
- Familiarity with conservation practices and digital preservation methods for photographic materials.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively within and beyond the institution.
- Excellent planning, scheduling, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines.
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
- The ability to work collaboratively across departments.
- A commitment to ensure that diversity, equity, access, and inclusion are primary considerations across all work.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Recent studies show that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply by emailing a letter and a resume to Jennifer.Draffen@brooksmuseum.org with “Collections Specialist” in the subject line. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups in the museum field are especially encouraged to apply.
Salary: $45,000
Benefits: (i) A cafeteria plan that includes optional health, dental, vision, additional life insurance and supplemental policies, and a flexible spending account. The museum contributes toward the employee portion of premiums related to your choice of benefit options.
(ii) A 403(b)-retirement plan. The museum matches up to 4% of your salary annually. (iii) Employment category, combined with years of service to the museum, determines the amount of time off (OPTO) that each employee receives in addition to regular paid holidays.
Organization:
Founded in 1916 and located in historic Overton Park, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee and a cultural anchor for the tri-State area that includes Arkansas and Mississippi. The museum holds over 10,000 works spanning 5,000 years of global human history with strengths in European, American, African diaspora, and global contemporary art, and with a particular strength in photography. The MBMA enriches the lives of our diverse community through the museum's expanding collection, dynamic exhibitions, and enriching programs that reflect the art of world cultures from antiquity to the present.
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or marital or veteran status. We actively encourage minority candidates to apply for open positions.