Collections Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skirball Cultural Center Overview

Since opening in 1996, the Skirball Cultural Center has been a place of meeting guided by the Jewish tradition of welcoming the stranger and inspired by the American democratic ideals of freedom and equality. The Skirball has defined itself by a deep commitment to pluralism, inclusivity, and cross-cultural exchange. We welcome the public to participate in cultural experiences that celebrate discovery and hope, foster human connections across generations and communities, and build a more just society.

The Skirball has experienced significant growth and transformation during the last two decades, including multiple expansions of its campus and programs, broadening its impact, and establishing itself as the largest Jewish cultural institution in the nation with more than 600,000 visitors annually, 400 employees, and a $22 million operating budget. This is a pivotal moment for the Skirball, which has new leaders who are charting a path for the future of the organization.

Culture and Compensation

The Skirball is an incredible place to work with a dedicated and diverse team. Skirball employees have an average tenure of more than seven years at the Skirball. We are committed to a work environment that is rooted in our mission and our core values. If you would like to join a group where all people are valued, this is the place.

The Skirball Cultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equity. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, criminal history in accordance with the law, or any other legally protected characteristics. Everyone is encouraged to apply for available employment to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our visitors and surrounding community. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities and historically oppressed groups to apply.

A competitive compensation package, including a comprehensive benefits package, will be offered, commensurate with experience. The Skirball Cultural Center is committed to the safety of its employees, visitors, and vendors.

Collections Technician, Museum Department

The Skirball Cultural Center seeks an enthusiastic team player to serve as a Collections Technician on the Collection Digitization Initiative. This position is full-time for a limited-term ending June 30, 2027 with an option to renew. Reporting directly to and working alongside the Project Registrar, the Collections Technician will be responsible for working with the team to complete a full inventory of the 30,000 objects in the Museum's Collection, to include verifying / updating tombstone and location information, assessing condition, assessing current housing condition, and repacking / re-housing as needed. The Collections Technician will work with the current CDI team (composed of the Project Registrar, Collections Technician, and the Database Technician and Collections Researcher) to digitize (scan and photograph) all objects, record accurate object information in the database, and maintain overall cleanliness of Collection Storage.

Starting pay: $24.50 per hour

Essential Duties

Work alongside Project Registrar and other project staff to inventory the Skirball Museum's collections.

Verify the following information against inventory lists derived from Argus: object tombstone information, physical description, measurements, current location, and condition.

Update physical object tags with accession number, permanent location, and object tombstone information.

Support Project Registrar in photographing and scanning all collections objects as well as assisting in all other inventory duties.

Assist the Project Registrar with ordering necessary supplies for inventory, digitization, and re-housing.

Maintains the overall cleanliness of Collections Storage during the inventory process.

Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes

Bachelor's degree, with coursework in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Anthropology or closely related field preferred.

Experience working in a museum or fine art setting, preferably working with an artifact or archival collection.

Demonstrated skills in collections management and artifact handling are required.

Collections object photography and/or scanning experience is required.

Experience with professional camera and digitization equipment is desired.

Familiarity with collections management systems.

Jewish cultural knowledge desirable but not required.

Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal skills.

Experience with Office 365 applications.