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MillerKnoll Collections Manager

MillerKnoll, Inc.
United States, Michigan, Holland
May 30, 2025

Why join us?

Our purpose is to design for the good of humankind. It's the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of MillerKnoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Collections Manager is responsible for the general management, conservation, storage, transport, and access to the MillerKnoll Archives collections. The Collections Manager supports the MillerKnoll Archives in its objective to make its collection of more than 1.5 million objects, plans, drawings, films, audio recordings, photographs and rare books accessible to the widest possible audience for use in research, product development, exhibitions, and other programs. As a key member of the Archives and Brand Heritage team, the Collections Manager works collaboratively with the Director of Archives, Senior Archivist, Records Manager, and other staff to support the museum archive and contribute to the mission of the MillerKnoll Archives. In addition, the Collections Manager works with exhibitions team to oversee the safe transport and appropriate display of all display artifacts (either from the museum archive collections or on loan).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The MillerKnoll Archives Collections Manager is accountable for the successful execution, coordination, and documentation of a broad range of duties and responsibilities including the following:

Collections Management

  • Responsible for the appropriate care of the MillerKnoll Archives physical collections.

  • Oversees all object storage and movements and ensuring the safety and security of the collections.

  • Leads the MillerKnoll Archives overall conservation and preservation planning efforts, developing as appropriate, policies and procedures to guide both short and long-term museum practice.

  • In collaboration with Director of Archives and Senior Archivist, oversees all conservation and restoration projects.

  • Plans and manages the logistics of packing, crating, and shipping of all artifacts for acquisition, exhibition, loan, and disposal. Manages art handlers, movers, riggers, and other specialists as required. Arranges (and participates as required) in courier trips.

  • Oversees all required condition reports and assists with other loan arrangements including insurance, customs, and other special regulations governing the safe handling of artifacts while in transit.

  • Plans and manages the logistics of packing, handling and transport of collections between the main museum and its satellite operations.

  • Works closely with the Director of Archives and the Senior Archivist to ensure the coordinated registration, care and secure documentation of both physical and digital collections.

  • Supports the resolution and assignment of collection inventory and object numbers in the collections information management system and provides location control; manages regular inventories, audits, and spot-checks of the collections.

  • Provides access to collections for appraisals, insurance and other outside inspection efforts.

  • Ensures the MillerKnoll Archives is in compliance with collections care standards and best practices.

Safety, Security, and Environment

  • Responsible for ensuring a safe and secure environment for the Collections Facility and for collections that are located at the main museum and its satellite facilities. Develops security standards and systems for all areas associated with collections care and/or display.

  • Administers climate control system and monitors environmental conditions (especially temperature and humidity) and pest control in all spaces associated with collections and helps support facilities management for archives and collections buildings.

  • Serves as a liaison on collections-related concerns with Facilities staff and appropriate building managers in non-MillerKnoll properties.

  • Monitors gallery and collections workspace light levels, establishes appropriate standards and provides general guidance for staff.

  • Develops and regularly updates the MillerKnoll Archives Museum Facilities Report (confidential documentation provided to prospective lenders).

  • Develops and implements emergency and disaster plans and procedures for the collections.

  • Participates in all security audits as required

Collections Facilities Oversight

  • Manages Collections Facilities including cleaning, trash removal (in collaboration with building owner), HVAC controls. Establishes a cleaning schedule to ensure these facilities are clean and neatly organized. Represents the museum in meetings with other building tenants to ensure safety and security of collections operations.

  • Works closely with Facilities staff to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations associated the safe operation of these facilities.

  • Oversees the selection, operation, and maintenance of all specialized Collections equipment. Trains staff on safe operation of equipment. Liaises with MillerKnoll safety professionals to ensure museum archive compliance with policies, regulations, and laws.

Collections Team and Museum Archives Responsibilities

  • Oversees temporary staff (as needed), volunteers, and interns.

  • Participates in all Museum, Collections, Emergency Management, and Exhibitions meetings.

  • Prepares budgets for collections management.

  • Contributes to strategic planning and vision exercises offering new ideas and advice related to innovative collections management practices.

  • Contributes to budget planning efforts for collections related projects.

  • Contributes to the successful achievement of all Collections Team and Museum Archives-wide special projects.

  • Performs additional responsibilities as requested to achieve business objectives.

Supervision Received

  • Supervision is provided by the Director of Archives; position requires ability to perform with minimal supervision.

Supervision Exercised

  • Supervises contractors, other temporary employees and the work of interns, volunteers and students related to collections management functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience

REQUIRED

  • Bachelor's degree

  • A minimum of 12 years of experience working as a Collections Manager or similar position in a museum environment.

PREFERRED

  • Certificate, master's degree, or other specialist credentials in Museum Studies or related field.

  • Experience working in art and design institutions.

  • Experience with collections database software system.

  • Experience with digital imaging technology.

  • Project management experience including budget tracking.

Skills and Abilities

  • Highly skilled in the handling of an exceptional range of objects and archival materials of all ages, sizes, materials, and conditions, including very large, complex artifacts requiring unusual handling and care. Experience managing art handlers, movers, riggers and other specialists.

  • Exceptional knowledge of standards and best practices in collections management. Broad knowledge of conservation care as well as general museum policies, practices and procedures.

  • Substantial experience with relational collections management databases, spreadsheets, and word-processing software.

  • Possess the ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and exceptional attention to detail; prioritize workflow and meet timelines in a deadline driven environment; and show initiative.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects at once; to work independently as well as part of a team; and to make critical independent decisions.

  • Possess excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility, a deep sense of responsibility, and a keen sense of diplomacy as well as the ability to work well and communicate effectively with a diverse group of museum professionals, vendors, students, faculty, administrators, alumni, prominent international scholars, lenders, collectors, and the general public.

  • Ability to handle artifacts and archival materials of various shapes and sizes.

  • Ability to lifting at least 35 lbs.

  • Ability to stand or work on one's feet up to seven hours a day, to work at heights, climb ladders and operate manual and motorized equipment lifting equipment.

  • A driver's license to travel to various sites on campus and the off-site collections facility; transport artifacts; and meet with potential donors to inspect artifacts.

Other Requirements

  • Some travel to participate in professional conferences and training

  • Must be able to work occasional extended hours during scheduled shipments, exhibition installations, or to participate in some evening and weekend events and projects

  • Deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with or without accommodations.

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. MillerKnoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We're committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification. In general, MillerKnoll positions are closed within 45 days and are open for applications for a minimum of 5 days. We encourage our prospective candidates to submit their application(s) expediently so as not to miss out on our opportunities. We frequently post new opportunities and encourage prospective candidates to check back often for new postings.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at careers_help@millerknoll.com.

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