Collections Information and Database Specialist

Description

Req ID: 34431BR
Title: Collections Information and Database Specialist
Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Time Status: Full-time
Department: Digital Infrastructure and Emerging Technology

Duties & Responsibilities             
The purpose of the job is to ensure the continuing development of the Harvard Art Museums collections information systems to support museum processes, to advise and support collection related projects, and to provide expertise on how the collection information systems can be used to support the museums mission to preserve, document, present, interpret, and strengthen the collections and resources in their care.

Roles and Responsibilities
• Manage the  day-to-day activities of the collections information systems (The Museum System (TMS), etc) of the Harvard Art Museums
• Train staff in collection information systems use and provide ongoing museum-wide support
• Manage TMS user accounts, security, and access privileges
• Create and manage TMS Crystal Reports, User Defined Forms, List Views, and Data Views to meet users’ data access and reporting needs
• Run updates and data mining queries in SQL
• Lead user meetings to train, discuss goals, and address challenges of collections data organization and management
• Lead the development and implementation of cataloguing standards and maintain data integrity in conformity with established museum practice
• Maintain documentation on cataloguing and procedures/workflow
• Identify and implement relevant features and workflow of the collections information
• Working with museums staff and Harvard University IT, carry out the testing of, and upgrade to, new versions of the collections information systems (TMS, etc)
• Advise software development groups on collections data content structure for custom applications, including Collections Online and the Object Move Application (OMA)
• Manage vendor relationship with Gallery Systems, prioritizing and communicating issues and needs related to TMS
• Think creatively about the future use of the museums’ data and push the limits of the museums’ cataloguing systems

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required, with demonstrated ability in SQL, Crystal, and TMS. Minimum of 5 years relevant experience in a museum or related environment.

Additional Qualifications
Excellent project management, organizational and communication skills and thorough knowledge of cultural data standards strongly preferred; thorough knowledge of standard museum collection management practices and procedures, essential. Ability to build strong relationships with internal clients, effectively resolve problems and communicate creative resolutions to multiple constituents within the museums. Flexibility and ability to adjust priorities as required.