Description

COLLECTIONS PROJECT LEAD (1-YEAR CONTRACT) 
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA) seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented professional to oversee a year-long collections relocation and stewardship initiative. This position will manage the safe transfer of approximately 2,000–2,500 collection objects to a secure, climate-controlled off-site storage facility while ensuring the continued intellectual and physical control of the collection. The ideal candidate will bring experience in collections management, registration, or museum operations and possess exceptional organizational and communication skills. This full-time, one-year contract position will work closely with the museum’s curatorial and collections staff, leadership, and external vendors to ensure the successful execution of this critical institutional project. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Audit and update the museum’s collections database to ensure accuracy and consistency.  
• Verify object records, including dimensions, media, dates, provenance, and credit line information.  
• Coordinate inventory, condition reporting, photography, and documentation workflows.  
• Develop and maintain chain-of-custody procedures and location tracking systems.  
• Serve as the primary liaison among museum staff, leadership, fine art shippers, and off-site storage vendors.  
• Collaborate with registrars and professional art handlers to supervise packing, transport, and intake of collection objects.  
• Monitor adherence to museum standards and best practices for collections care, handling, and environmental requirements.  
• Reconcile shipment manifests and update object locations following transfer to storage.  
• Prepare project reports and communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to museum leadership.  
• Following the move, lead database normalization and digitization efforts, including scanning and linking archival documentation to object records.  
• Conduct collections research to support curatorial review and assist with policy-compliant deaccessioning initiatives.  
• Track object status changes and maintain the long-term integrity of collections data.  

About the Ogunquit Museum of American Art: Opened in 1953, OMAA was founded by the artist Henry Strater. The museum shares close historic and geographic ties to one of the earliest modern arts communities in the United States. OMAA houses a permanent collection of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, and photographs from the late 1800s to the present. The museum showcases American art by mounting modern and contemporary exhibitions and accompanying educational programming and events. OMAA sits on approximately three acres of gardens right on the water with stunning panoramic views of Maine’s iconic coves and outcroppings. 

Requirements

Qualifications / Personal Qualities

• Bachelor’s degree and 1–3 years of experience in collections management, registration, museum studies, art history, or a related field preferred.  
• Demonstrated knowledge of museum collections standards and best practices.  
• Exceptional organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.  
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.  
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.  
• Experience coordinating complex projects and working with external vendors or contractors.  
• Demonstrated discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment.  
• Flexibility to work occasional extended hours during critical phases of the project. 
• Commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace and community.  
• Passion for the arts and enthusiasm for modern and contemporary art preferred. 

Technical Skills 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).  
• Experience with collections management systems such as TMS, PastPerfect, Veevart, Articheck or similar databases preferred.  
• Familiarity with digital asset management and metadata standards.  
• Experience with object handling, inventory procedures, and condition reporting. 
• Physical ability to lift art objects (upwards of 40 pounds)   
• Knowledge of archival documentation practices and digitization workflows.  
• Ability to maintain accurate records and implement systematic data management procedures.  
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of collections stewardship.  

This one-year contract position represents a unique opportunity to play a central role in a transformative institutional initiative that will safeguard the Ogunquit Museum of American Art’s collection for future generations while supporting expanded access, scholarship, and public engagement. This job description outlines general expectations and may evolve over time. 

Work Schedule and Benefits: Position would begin September 1, 2026 and reports to the Curator. Regular and dependable attendance in person at OMAA Monday–Friday, with flexibility for occasional remote work, which will increase following the completion of the physical move of the collection planned for September through November. Travel will be needed to the new offsite storage facility located North of Boston. Benefits include health insurance, vacation time, and SIMPLE IRA. 

To Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references to [email protected]. OMAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.