Principal Archivist / Dickinson Research Manager
Job description
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK
Principal Archivist / Dickinson Research Manager
Salary: FLSA: Updated:
$57,000-$65,000 Exempt/Salary 4.2023
Work Schedule: Work Hours:
Monday – Friday including some 8am to 5pm with some flexibility
weekends and evenings due to
events
ABOUT THE NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM: The National Cowboy &
Western Heritage Museum is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization accredited by the American Alliance of
Museums (AAM). Home to one of the nation’s foremost collections dedicated to historic and contemporary
Western and American Indian art and material culture, the Museum has served the public since its opening in
1965. The Museum Campus is situated on nearly 37 acres atop the Persimmon Hill District in rapidly growing
and affordable Oklahoma City, the state’s capital, and largest city. It includes the main 228,000 square foot
building housing multiple galleries and interpretive areas, the Donald C. & Elizabeth M. Dickinson Research
Library and Archive, and the Sam Noble Special Event Center, in addition to sculpture gardens, event grounds,
and ample parking. This iconic cultural and educational institution has seen nearly 12 million visitors from
across the nation and globe over its first half-century of operation and remains one of Oklahoma’s and the
region’s primary tourist destinations. Entering its next half-century, the Museum now embarks upon an
ambitious multi-year plan to establish itself as the preeminent cultural and educational institution dedicated to
the American West and its place within the broader national identity and culture.
MISSION STATEMENT: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum preserves and interprets the
evolving history and cultures of the American West for the education & enrichment of its diverse audiences of
both adults and children.
ABOUT THE POSITION: The Principal Archivist / Dickinson Research Manager will supervise Dickinson
Research Center (DRC) staff and manage the accessioning, storage, preservation, record keeping, and access to
the library and archival holdings of the DRC of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This
position will assess, identify, and implement strategies for the cataloguing and preservation of all DRC
collections, both physical and digital, while ensuring professional standards and industry best practice in
museum archives collection management. Working collaboratively with curatorial and education department
staff, the lead archivist of the DRC will implement diverse and effective avenues for showcasing DRC materials
to the general public as well as to institutional stakeholders.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Oversees accessioning, storage, preservation, cataloging, record keeping, access and other matters
- Supervises staff members, interns, and volunteers assigned to the DRC.
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- Collaborates with DRC staff to regularly assess and make recommendations for preservation and
- Provides support to the Chief Curatorial officer for the administrative and budgetary needs of the DRC.
- Oversees the digitization of permanent collections for database, Google Cultural Institute participation,
- Oversees policies and procedures related to the preservation of and access to library and archival
- Assists curatorial staff with consultations on available DRC collections for exhibit projects.
- Works with DRC staff to ensure professional standards and best practices in collections management,
- Assist Curators in the coordination of the semiannual Keith Brodkin Contemporary Western Artist
- Upon request, presents lectures and tours of the DRC vaults to docents, visitors, and special groups.
- Assists Chief Curatorial Officer and Development Department with applications and reporting for the
- Assists curators with identifying and building relationships with potential donors (individuals and
- Collaborates with curators to make recommendations for DRC collection acquisitions and donations.
- Collaborates with Registrar, Collections Manager, Curators, and other curatorial staff to ensure robust
representation of DRC materials in exhibitions as well as in collections management planning and
policy.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Master’s degree required in relevant discipline (LMS, museum studies, history, art history).
- Minimum 7 years museum collections experience, with knowledge of both 2D and 3D collections care.
- Knowledge of the art, history, and culture of the American West is a plus.
- Committed to AAM standards and practices in collections management and exhibitions.
- Knowledgeable of emerging trends in the museum field.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Critical thinking skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work well with others and maintain professional manner using tact, initiative, good judgment,
- Deadline driven and ability to prioritize competing tasks, while maintaining efficiency.
- Advanced computer skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office.
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