"Collections Management Post-Baccalaureate Fellow"

Collections Management Post-Baccalaureate Fellow

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Location: Geneva, NY
Open Date: Mar 23, 2026

The Visual Arts Curator of the Davis Gallery at Hobart and William Smith Colleges seeks a motivated recent graduate for a nine-month, fixed-term paid-fellowship position. This role is designed for an emerging professional to gain intensive, hands-on experience in the day-to-day care and management of the institution's Art Collection.

Reporting to the Visual Arts Curator, the Fellow will receive professional training in industry-standard practices and systems (e.g., PastPerfect) while supporting essential Art Collection operations, including cataloging, preventive care, and increasing access through campus initiatives.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Collection Documentation: Perform ongoing cataloging and inventory; reconcile records, update object files, author condition reports, and improve data quality in the collections database.
• Acquisitions & Loans: Process incoming and outgoing loans and acquisitions, including cataloging, condition reporting, packing/unpacking, and overseeing secure transport.
• Storage & Preventive Care: Maintain cleanliness and organization of collection storage areas; monitor and record temperature/RH; uphold Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices; and track rehousing priorities.
• Campus Collaboration: Coordinate the display of artwork across campus and manage internal loans in collaboration with faculty and staff, overseeing selection, transport, and installation. Facilitate professors and staff utilizing the Art Collection in their courses.
• Exhibition Assistance: Work with the Curator, guest curators, and visiting artists on exhibition preparation, including object research, mounting, and installation.
• Mentorship: Supervise and mentor student Art Collection interns, modeling safe and professional art-handling practices.
• Access & Outreach: Facilitate research inquiries, support image requests/permissions, and provide service to collection stakeholders. Author and distribute the monthly Art Collection newsletter and host once a month pop-up exhibition.

Other Information:

This is a full-time, 9-month, benefits eligible, non-exempt position: August 24, 2026- May 21, 2027. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pay rate is $22/hr.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Recent post-baccalaureate (B.A./B.S.) in Art History or a closely related field at Hobart and William Smith.
• Prior experience handling artworks or working in a gallery/museum setting (via coursework or internships).
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and exercise high levels of discretion.

Preferred:

• Experience with collections management software (PastPerfect).
• Specific coursework in museum studies, registration, or preventive conservation.
• Strong writing and data-entry skills with a high attention to detail.

Physical & Workplace Requirements:

• Ability to lift/move artworks and packing materials up to ~40 lbs with appropriate equipment.
• Comfort working with ladders, carts, and basic hand tools.
• Ability to work in climate-controlled storage, galleries, and various campus locations.

Application Instructions

• Cover Letter describing your interest in collections management and relevant experience.
• Résumé/CV.
• References: Names and contact information for two professional or academic references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.