Collections AssociateRequisition ID req36345
Working Title Collections Associate
Position Grade 11
Position Summary

The Harwood Museum of Art of the University of New Mexico, based off-campus in Taos, New Mexico, seeks a collaborative and detail-oriented Collections Associate.

This key staff member coordinates the stewardship, documentation, preservation, accessibility, and movement of the museum's permanent collection and incoming and outgoing loans in accordance with professional museum standards. Working collaboratively across curatorial, exhibitions, education, and operations, this position supports acquisitions, collections care, conservation, digitization, exhibitions, publications, research, and public access while ensuring the long-term preservation and accurate documentation of the museum's 6,500-object collection.

The Collections Associate manages the museum's collections management database and coordinates all aspects of incoming and outgoing loans, object movement, condition reporting, packing and shipping, copyright and image permissions, and collections access. This position also assists with acquisitions, conservation projects, collections research, grant-funded initiatives, and institutional planning related to collections stewardship while helping maintain the museum's commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards of collections care.

Under general supervision coordinates and oversees a museum's collections items, acquisitions, documentation, use, preservation, disposition, and maintenance. Receives, prepares, and catalogs new materials; coordinates and organizes exhibition-related movement of objects, including packing, shipping, and insurance for collections, exhibitions, and incoming and outgoing loans. Coordinates access to collection for study, teaching, and research. Coordinates and facilitates maintenance activity reports and other database management. Coordinates publicity and publications related to the collection and exhibitions including copyright permissions and images. May supervise museum personnel, volunteers, and/or students.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of art and art history including identification of specific types of art works.
• Ability to coordinate and organize meetings and/or special events.
• Ability to analyze project requirements and prepare work estimates.
• Knowledge of museum policies, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management of project budgets.

Additional Requirements Moderate physical activity. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds and/or standing and/or walking an average of four (4) hours per day.
Campus: Taos
Department Harwood Foundation (124A)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Regular - Full-Time
Term End Date
Status Exempt
Pay Monthly: $3,841.07 - $4,083.34
Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required Yes
For Best Consideration Date 9/14/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Applicants should complete the UNM Jobs online application and attach a resume and cover letter relevant for the position.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.