COLLECTIONS MANAGER

Location: Wisconsin Maritime Museum: 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220
Job Title: Collections Manager
Job Type: Full-time (40 hours per week) non-exempt
Compensation: $24/hr with full benefits available
Reports to: Executive Director
Application Deadline: March 22, 2024

BACKGROUND:
Collections Manager at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum performs and manages essential
museum-related collections and management tasks. Designated as the state’s maritime museum,
the Wisconsin Maritime Museum cares for a collection of over 20,000 objects. In addition, the
collection includes 60,000 photographs, 7,000 books, 15,000 periodicals, 9,000 blueprints, and a
large manuscript collection. It is one of the largest maritime collections on the Great Lakes and
reflects the museum’s mission of documenting the role of Wisconsin in maritime history.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Responsible for the care, accessioning, cataloging, and general management of museum
collections. Assists the public and museum staff with research and the study of museum
collections. Assists the museum in formulating policy that affects collection management.
Supports and implements the institutional goal of increasing public access to, and relevance of,
museum collections and curatorial research. Trains and manages collections volunteers. Reports
to the WMM Executive Director.

POSITION DUTIES & EXPECTATIONS:
General Collections Management
● Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and best practices for the care, handling, and
documentation of the museum’s collection.
● Work collaboratively with the Submarine Curator to catalog and rotate artifacts aboard
the USS Cobia submarine.
● Oversee the acquisition, deaccession, and registration processes, ensure compliance with
legal and ethical standards.
● Oversee collections-related budgets in coordination with the Director / Chief Curator.
● Facilitate collections integration into exhibit planning and execution.
● Facilitate the Board of Trustees Collection Committee Meetings and supervise the
preparation of all documents for the meeting.
● Make recommendations on potential incoming acquisitions based on internal storage
capacity and ongoing stewardship.
Documentation and Research
● Conduct and supervise collections research and documentation.
● Facilitate and support WMM collections-based research requests from scholars, curators,
and the public.
● Add documentation to the collection management system (PastPerfect) to make existing
research and documentation easily accessible.
Registration and Record Management
● Supervise all registration activities related to the collection.
● WMM collections database, including maintaining and updating records and providing
staff with training in system use as needed.
● Work with a website team to maintain a collection presence online.
● Supervise fulfillment of reproduction requests, including rights and reproduction.
● Work with the Director and Curators to review and facilitate loan requests.
Compliance and Ethics
● Stay informed about industry standards and legal requirements related to museum
collection management.
● Uphold ethical and professional standards in all collection-related activities.
Collections Care
● Conduct and oversee locating, pulling, and displaying objects and documents for
research.
● Conduct and oversee safe handling of collection objects. Manage handling, packing, and
transportation of collections for exhibitions and loans.

Storage
● Ensure proper housing and storage of collection objects.
● Identify areas of the collection that are not stored in a manner that meets best practice and
systematically upgrade their housing.
● Work collaboratively in planning and logistics with the ongoing collections storage
upgrade project at the Wisconsin Maritime Heritage Center (Manitowoc).
Conservation
● Be aware of and maintain preventative conservation best practices to monitor and
maintain appropriate environmental conditions and pest management protocols.
● Serve as liaison to, and work closely with, the Wisconsin Historical Society’s
conservation and collection care staff, who work in partnership with the Wisconsin
Maritime Museum as a state repository for salvaged submerged cultural resources.
Team Management
● Provide team supervision, including training and leadership, to the Collections team part
time staff and volunteers.
● Maximize educational possibilities for summer student assistants, ensuring that they are
assigned tasks that align with their interests and goals whenever possible.
MINIMUM CONSIDERATIONS
● A minimum of 3 years of museum collections management and/or care experience or an
equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
● Demonstrated knowledge of professional practices in collection management.
● Excellent interpersonal skills and positive attitude that supports department and museum
goals.
● Ability to support team and management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
● Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and oversee work-study students, interns, and
volunteers.
● Self-directed with high ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed; ability to
exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and be a team player in an active museum
environment.
● High attention to detail and excellent time-management and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key donors,
colleagues, peers, and the public.
● Working knowledge of collection management databases (PastPerfect preferred).
ADDITIONAL DESIRED EXPERIENCE
● Masters Degree in Museum Studies, Maritime History, a related field, or relevant
combination of education and experience.

● Demonstrated expertise, including handling and storing, in one or more areas of focus of
WMM collections (for example: photographs, works on paper, maritime objects,
maritime archaeological materials).
● Experience in collaborating or devising preventative conservation plans as it relates to
collections care.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
Our mission is to connect all people with Wisconsin’s waterways, by engaging and educating the
public about the Great Lakes, Wisconsin’s maritime history, Wisconsin’s World War II
submarines and USS Cobia. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum was founded more than 50 years
ago as a small submariners’ memorial that would recognize Wisconsin’s contributions to WWII
efforts. Since then, we’ve grown to be one of the largest maritime museums in the Great Lakes
region, with exhibits on shipwrecks, maritime industry, ship models, art and more. The
institution is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate
based on race, gender identity, age, class, sexuality, religion, ability or national origin. WMM is
committed to advancing equity and diversity both in the organization and in the museum field.
We welcome applications from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) candidates, people
with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals and others with experience in meaningful diversity,
equity, inclusion and accessibility engagement.
ABOUT MANITOWOC
Located along the western shore of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc is a vibrant community of nearly
40,000 residents with a thriving downtown filled with unique restaurants and business. The city
is 90 minutes north of Milwaukee and 40 minutes south of Green Bay. Shipbuilding has played a
role in Manitowoc’s past from the schooners of the 19th century, to the world-class, luxury
yachts built by the Burger Boat Company of today. Stroll the riverwalk to the lake and watch
freighters move tons of materials in and out of our hard working port.
INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS
Please send a cover letter and CV/resume to WMM Business Manager, Amy Fettes.
afettes@wisconsinmaritime.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 22, 2024

The Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey Museum and Memorial is seeking a dynamic leader for its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Home Port Alliance (HPA) is responsible for the restoration and management of the Battleship New Jersey (the USS New Jersey (BB-62), our nation’s largest and most decorated Battleship. As a 501(c)(3) organization, and as a museum and memorial, the Battleship New Jersey is a unique blend of history, education, entertainment, and hospitality. Guests of all ages and interests enjoy their visits to this floating U.S. Navy museum, which earned distinction in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and conflicts in the Middle East. See detailed history here: https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/the-ship/full-history/.

“The mission of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is to restore, preserve, and exhibit the continuing history of the USS New Jersey and those who worked and served on her so their service will continue to educate and inspire future generations.” The primary responsibilities of the CEO will be to ensure that the Battleship fulfills its mission by serving as a leader of staff and volunteers, maintaining it as a source and site for community engagement, and leading fundraising efforts.

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in History, Public or Business Administration, or a discipline related to one of the Ship’s areas of operation is required. The salary range is $175,000 – $205,000 commensurate with experience.

Registration for the 2024 conference at the USS Constitution Museum in Boston April 24 to 26 is now open. Please note that Google’s pdf viewer does not support the full functionality of the registration form – an ongoing pretty much insoluble problem.

To register, go to https://councilofamericanmaritimemuseums.org/annual-meeting/

Please remember that the hotels in Boston for which there are room blocks at special rates have deadlines in March. The deadline for both the Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill and the Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf  is March 1 and for the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station is March 22.

American Sail Training Association
DBA TALL SHIPS AMERICA
Executive Director

Job Location: Newport RI (Hybrid-Remote)
Reporting to: Board of Directors
Travel: Considerable
Classification: Full Time
Overview
Tall Ships America seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial professional to lead the next phase
of the organization’s growth. The mission of Tall Ships America is to encourage character
building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American Public, and support
education under sail. Sail training is defined as education, team building, leadership, and
character-building experiences aboard sailing vessels.
The Executive Director leads an organization that:
• serves some 100 vessel-operating members comprised of a diverse combination of
owners and business models;
• functions as the professional association and lead advocate for sail training vessels and
their crews;
• hosts an annual conference serving members, stakeholders and enthusiasts;
• presents the Tall Ships Challenge, an annual series of ocean races and port events;
• engages government and regulators on issues relevant to the interests of the
membership;
• inspires successful platforms and programming for leadership development, maritime
preservation, and education by coordinating events (such as regional meetings), and by
providing resources and subject matter expertise.
Candidates are encouraged to apply from backgrounds in public service, advocacy,
constituency-service organizations, and any other sectors in which they served the needs of a
diverse membership or constituency. The successful candidate will be a proven leader with
strong business acumen, demonstrated fundraising success, excellent presentation (both in
writing and in speech), and a diplomatic demeanor.
The Executive Director will focus on the board-approved strategic plan, which includes:
• Ensuring Financial Sustainability of the Organization
• Significantly raising awareness of the value of experiences aboard sailing vessels

• Establishing and reinforcing Tall Ships America’s position as an authority on sail training
and education, sailing vessel operations, and hosting tall ships in port.
• Increasing excellence across the fleet
• Building and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders
The Executive Director will:
• Provide leadership, management expertise, and financial oversight, working in
partnership with the board and staff.
• Develop a solid approach to achieving the objectives of the strategic plan, aligning
this approach with organizational capacity and executing the plan.

• Serve as key fundraiser; develop and execute a fundraising plan—with a well-
articulated case for support—that includes, but is not limited to, a portfolio

comprised of individual giving, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
• Nurture the regular gathering of member organizations and enthusiasts to
reinforce connections across our community.
• Prioritize organizational efforts and communication to support a commitment to
diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Articulate Tall Ships America’s mission and value to a broad variety of stakeholders
and in service of strategic objectives, executing marketing, social media and other
outreach efforts that build the organization’s brand, including publication of the Sail
Tall Ships directory.
• Lead the successful planning and execution of Tall Ships America’s signature event, the
Tall Ships Challenge, including leading contract negotiations with representatives of
ports and member vessels and all aspects of sailing vessel participation.
• Engage with government and regulatory agencies to support the safe, compliant,
and thriving operations of member sail training.
• Oversee the planning and execution of a successful and content-rich Annual Conference.
• Lead collaborations with other maritime and heritage organizations that advance
education-under-sail programs in service of communities and the world.
Compensation is in the $100-125k range and includes a benefits package. Interested
candidates should email a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience in
confidence to EDSearch@tallshipsamerica.org. The position is open until filled, but priority will
be granted to applications received before close of business on March 15, 2024.
EOE
Tall Ships America is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all facets of the
organization and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender
expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.

The Maritime Research Division of the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia is seeking an Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-I).  The position is full-time with benefits and will work on the main campus in Columbia.  Applications will be received until midnight Friday, 1 April 2024 or until the position is filled.  We hope to offer the position by the end of February with a start date at an agreed upon time shortly thereafter.  The successful candidate will work alongside two other Division staff members and complement efforts to preserve the maritime archaeological legacy in the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters of South Carolina. 

Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-I): 

The incumbent reports directly to the State Underwater Archaeologist. The employee will work with the supervising archaeologist to meet the program’s goals, specifically relating to education and outreach. The employee will act as the administrator for the Hobby Licensing process and manage all databases relating to the program. The employee will support archaeological research and act as principal/co-principal investigator on Maritime Research Division (MRD) projects designated by the supervisor. The employee will also manage equipment and act as a dive safety officer for the MRD. This position requires periodic travel for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. 

Link for additional information and to apply for the job:   

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/163518 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Office of Exploration and Research (OER) Research Archaeologist position.

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/774257100

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/774257500

The National Coast Guard Museum Specialist position is now live on USAJobs.  Please go to   https://www.usajobs.gov/job/772054000.  for full information.

This is to request your help once more. We sent this notice to you just before the holidays; our timing wasn’t good. We would be most appreciative if you could send our job description once again to your members, colleagues, friends, etc.  The National Maritime Historical Society has supported maritime heritage for more than a half century. We’re searching for the right person in our leadership to stay on our maritime heritage course into the future. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Full information here