Collection Manager

One job, two museums, and infinite possibilities!

We invite applications from qualified collections professionals to be part of our new adventure.

About us

The Kauri Museum and the Mangawhai Museum are partnering to recruit a qualified Collection Manager to the Kaipara.

The museums are approx. 50 kms neighbourly in the Kaipara District of Northland. If you want country and quiet, Matakohe is for you. If you want restaurants and beaches, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Mangawhai. Both locales are only a 2-hour drive from Auckland or the Bay of Islands: the best Northland has to offer!

About the role

You’ll oversee stewardship of collections, archives, and exhibits at both museums. You will be an employee of the Kauri Museum and spend 4/5 of your time at Matakohe.

• The Kauri Museum is one of Northland’s largest museums. The Collections Manger will build on 60 years of successful collecting as the operational leader of the collections department and a key partner in institutional long-range planning. They will contribute to the delivery of all collections-related programmes and initiatives, including internal and touring exhibitions, conservation assessments, collection maintenance and documentation. You will help steward a ~30,000 object museum collection as well as an extensive archives and research centre. 

Approximately 1/5 of your time will be spent at the Mangawhai Museum providing senior curatorial and collections expertise.

• The Mangawhai Museum is a small museum with a big impact. We strive to be a focal point for the community, sharing the stories of the people and the harbour. The Collections Manager will work with the Museum Manager and a dedicated team of volunteers to assist with exhibits and collections. They will provide guidance and expertise, as well as contributing to internal exhibitions, collections maintenance, and documentation.

This is one full-time (37.5 hours/week) position.

About you

We’re looking for someone flexible and organised, someone who’s inclined to say “yes,” and someone who brings excellent relationship management and good interpersonal skills.  

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• post-secondary training in museum studies and/or a related discipline
• knowledge of professional museum principles, practices and procedures, with a specialization in collections management and care
• experience working in a museum or heritage organization, with minimum three years of experience in collections and/or archives management
• experience developing and planning exhibits through an interpretive, visitor-focussed lens
• experience in loan management, database management, and the usual record keeping of a museum
• experience working with volunteers as well as staff in a team environment
• solid computer skills including email, Excel, word processing, and database management
• knowledge of museum collections software, specifically PastPerfect and eHive
• A full and current driver’s licence

What we offer

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000/annum

We offer a generous leave package, professional development opportunities, and work environments that support input and innovation.

For a full position description or to apply, please contact director@kaurimuseum.com

Applications close April 9 at 11:59 pm

Candidate interviews will take place virtually April 17 – 21. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those invited for an interview will be contacted directly.