The Anchorage Museum is a place of ideas and transformation-committed to people, place, planet, and potential. Through our collections, we steward cultural heritage, artistic expression, and community knowledge that connect Alaska to the world.
As Collections Manager, you will play a central role in the care, organization, and ethical stewardship of the Museum's permanent collection and artworks. This role ensures that objects are preserved, documented, stored, and accessed according to professional museum standards-while honoring cultural context, community relationships, and responsible stewardship practices.
This position is ideal for someone who is detail‑driven, systems‑minded, and collaborative, and who values both the technical and relational dimensions of collections work.
What You'll Do
Collections Stewardship & Care
- Manage day‑to‑day collections activities, including accessioning, cataloging, condition reporting, photography, and general preservation
- Ensure proper handling, storage, mounting, and movement of artworks and cultural heritage items
- Maintain and improve physical storage spaces, including building storage mounts as needed
- Conduct regular inventories and ensure environmental and security protocols are followed
Systems, Records & Documentation
- Maintain and update the Museum's collections management system (TMS preferred)
- Ensure accurate, complete, and accessible physical and digital records
- Research and reconcile found‑in‑collections items
- Prepare collections reports for Museum departments, researchers, and partners
Exhibitions, Access & Loans
- Install and deinstall exhibitions according to museum standards and best practices
- Facilitate access to the collection for staff, researchers, artists, and community members
- Assist with packing and preparation of loaned items and artworks as needed
- Process image reproduction requests and maintain image usage agreements
Engagement & Collaboration
- Promote the use of collections in education, exhibitions, research, and programs
- Engage with communities connected to the permanent collection to support ethical and culturally appropriate stewardship
- Train and supervise contractors, interns, and volunteers as needed
- Respond to internal and public inquiries related to the collection
- Support tours, presentations, and behind‑the‑scenes engagement when appropriate
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a Collections Manager who combines strong technical expertise with thoughtful collaboration and cultural awareness. You're likely a strong fit if you bring:
- Professional experience in museum collections management, registration, or a closely related area
- Working knowledge of accepted museum practices, including accessioning, preservation, archival materials, packing, storage, and inventory control
- High proficiency with collections management systems (TMS strongly preferred)
- Experience managing records, image rights, copyright considerations, and reproduction requests
- Working knowledge of Photoshop and Lightroom for collections photography
- Strong organizational and project‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities accurately and efficiently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to work collaboratively with curators, registrars, artists, researchers, and community members
- Sound judgment, attention to detail, and discretion in handling sensitive materials and information
- Physical ability to safely handle and move artworks and cultural heritage items using appropriate equipment and procedures
We recognize that people arrive at this work through many paths. If you are passionate about collections stewardship and believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply-even if your experience doesn't match every qualification listed.
Why Join Us?
As Collections Manager, your work will directly support preservation, access, and interpretation of meaningful collections that serve diverse communities. You will collaborate across departments, contribute to exhibitions and programs, and help ensure the Museum's collections remain cared for, respected, and accessible for generations to come.
If you're motivated by stewardship, collaboration, and mission‑driven impact, we'd love to hear from you.