Job Description
Admiral Nimitz Foundation
Founded in 1971 as a 501(c)3, the Foundation since 2005, in an agreement with the Texas Historical Commission, manages and provides financial support to the State-owned National Museum of the Pacific War to:
• Engage present and future generations about World War II in the Pacific and the continued global relevance of its lessons;
• Use the Collection of over 55,000 items to provide programs that inspire and educate;
• Enhance and maintain the quality of the National Museum of the Pacific War and its grounds;
• Provide resources to accomplish the Foundation’s vision and mission; and,
• Enhance constituency and community engagement.
About the Museum
The National Museum of the Pacific War is dedicated to honoring those who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and educating the public about the sacrifices made during this significant historical period. A Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Museum offers an immersive and educational experience through its exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Located in the beautiful town of Fredericksburg, Texas, the Museum offer six acres of indoor and outdoor features including the Admiral Nimitz Gallery, George H.W. Bush Gallery, Japanese Garden of Peace, Plaza of the Presidents, Memorial Courtyard, and the Pacific Combat Zone.
About the Collection
The NMPW has a diverse artifact collection of more than 55,000 items, including vehicles, uniforms, heraldry, weapons, artwork, photographs, journals, an oral history collection, outdoor sculptures and macro-artifacts, throughout a 6-acre campus with multiple exhibit and collections storage buildings. At any time, 2-3% of this collection is on display. The balance is housed in the Museum’s extensive storage area located on the second floor of the George H.W. Bush Gallery. Many one-of-a-kind items related to the war in the Pacific are in the collection. The Museum continues to collect artifacts with intrinsic and historic value and those having a unique provenance.
Position
Reporting to the Collections and Exhibits Director has four key areas of responsibility: (1) Maintain control over the Museum’s collection in compliance with industry standards; (2) process current and incoming collections, including management of loans and maintain accurate records thereof; (3) assist the Exhibits and Collections Director with technical and operational policies and procedures within the department; and (4) evaluate potential gifts/donations.
Responsibilities
• Maintain physical and intellectual control over the NMPW artifact collection using the American Alliance of Museum’s Core Standards for Museums.
• With the DC, establish and institutionalize technical policies/procedures governing the NMPW artifact collection management operations.
• Process current and incoming collections via the Re:discovery database software and paper records and ensure the NMPW artifact collection, including incoming and outgoing loans, maintain accurate accession and photographic records within Re:discovery.
• Interact with donors, patrons and researchers. Evaluate objects offered as gifts to the museum with the DC to make recommendations for acceptance or rejection.
• Schedule and manage Collections Committee meetings.
• Input data into Re:discovery and update old records.
• Maintain an organized filing system for any paper records and digitize all documentation.
• Under the supervision of the DC, apply preventive conservation and storage methods; identify and have at-risk items in storage professionally conserved; maintain security of the collection; routinely clean the storage areas, and conduct environmental monitoring (light, humidity and temperature) and pest management monitoring (maintain detailed documentation using pest monitoring forms).
• Establish and implement efficient processes for incoming and outgoing loans. Ensure Re:discovery records are up-to-date with the activities and documentation concerning all incoming and outgoing loans, for both permanent and temporary exhibit.
• Inventory items on exhibit across the 6-acre campus.
• Assist as needed with major gallery renovations, helping to identify/locate complimentary artifacts within the collection for exhibit.
• With Volunteer Manager, cultivate, train and supervise volunteer photographers and archival staff.
• Oversee administrative activities surrounding collections management and loan activities.
• Work with Information Technology on issues related to digital storage space and servers.
• Assist research requests.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, computer or information systems or in a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in a history museum, particularly with collections management, acquisitions, loans and digitization processes.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with relational databases, preferably Re:discovery.
• Experience conducting museum collection inventories and organizing collections database and paper file records.
• Strong knowledge of, and experience in, museum collections management and loan processes.
• Knowledge of archival and artifact preservation and conversation techniques.
• Strong attention to detail, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and relational databases; knowledge of Re:discovery Software a plus.
• Able to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Work well within a team and independently.
• Able to discern and solve problems creatively.
• Able to support projects and integrate complex concepts (i.e., see the big picture).
• Strong World War II subject matter familiarity preferred
• Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Able to lift 35 lbs. and manage equipment transport/set up independently.
This is a Full Time, salaried position in the range of $42,000 to $45,000 with health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and holidays. A 401-B retirement savings account is offered. The applicant’s lifestyle must be flexible enough to work evenings and weekends, when required.
To Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications, including a cover letter and resume detailing relevant qualifications and experience, and three references to the Collections and Exhibits Director Nicole Bagley at nbagley@nimitzfoundation.org.
Please include the “Registrar position" in the subject line of the email.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.