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Collections Manager
Museum of the Aleutians
Unalaska, Alaska
Salary Range: $55,000–$62,000 annually, DOE
Reports to: Executive Director
About the Museum
The Museum of the Aleutians preserves and shares the natural and cultural heritage of the Aleutian Islands region. Our collections support research, education, exhibitions, and community engagement, with an emphasis on ethical stewardship and accessibility.
Position Overview
The Collections Manager is responsible for the care, management, documentation, and preservation of the Museum’s collections. This role oversees collections policies, storage, access, loans, and exhibition support, ensuring that objects are preserved according to professional standards and made accessible for public and research use.
This position works collaboratively across departments and may supervise staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers involved in collections care.
Key Responsibilities
Collections Management & Care
• Oversee cataloging, documentation, storage, and conservation of collections
• Maintain accurate records related to ownership, condition, provenance, and location
• Ensure collections are housed in secure, stable, and monitored environments
Acquisitions & Deaccessioning
• Evaluate potential acquisitions and manage accessioning processes
• Evaluate potential deaccessions and carry out legally and ethically compliant deaccessioning and disposition
Exhibitions & Loans
• Collaborate with staff on exhibition planning, preparation, installation, and deinstallation
• Coordinate incoming and outgoing loans, including shipping, insurance, courier logistics, and lender requirements
Access & Research
• Facilitate internal and external access to collections for research, education, and interpretation
Policy, Risk & Training
• Develop, implement, and maintain collections-related policies and procedures
• Establish and enforce object handling standards
• Train and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers in collections handling and safety
• Support risk management, insurance coordination, and emergency preparedness
Qualifications
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional collections management practices
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments
• Experience with collections databases and adapting to new technologies
• Degree in museum studies, anthropology, history, art history, or a related field is beneficial but not required
We value experience, competence, and enthusiasm for the Museum’s mission and encourage applicants from a range of professional backgrounds to apply.
Desired Skills & Attributes
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Understanding of material properties and preservation risks
• Experience with project planning, coordination, and budget awareness
• Ability to train and supervise others with clarity and care
• Professional judgment in ethical, legal, and practical decision-making
• Knowledge and expertise in Past Perfect Collections Management Software
Compensation & Benefits
• Annual salary range: $55,000–$62,000, depending on experience
• Full-time position
• Benefits package details available upon request
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position to di******@*******ns.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The mission of the Anchorage Museum is to be a museum for people, place, planet, and potential, in service of a sustainable and equitable North, with creativity and imagination for what is possible. We are a place of ideas and transformation, narratives and perspectives, resilient and relevant communities, responsive to a rapidly changing world, toward a better future for all. The Museum sits on the traditional homeland of the Eklutna Dena’ina.

We welcome diverse perspectives and recognize that all are enriched when a diversity of voices, viewpoints, and skills are included and engaged in the work we do.

WHEN: Approximately 8-10 weeks, Summer 2026. The work schedule will be approximately 25-30 hours per week, Monday – Friday, during regular business hours.

WHERE: Atwood Resource Center (Archives & Library) at the Anchorage Museum in beautiful downtown Anchorage, Alaska. This is a hands-on internship working within the archives.

WHAT: The Museum is seeking enthusiastic applicants for this year’s Cook Inlet Historical Society Internship. This position is funded by the Cook Inlet Historical Society and the Anchorage Museum. Opportunities and training may include assisting with library and archival processing, researching and reference, developing a resource guide, and processing and describing photograph and archive collections.

WHO: The successful applicant will be enrolled in or a recent graduate of a Master’s of Library and Information Science, Museum Studies, History, or an allied field. Previous experience with archival collections, historical photographs, Alaskan history, and/or special collections research preferred.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, visit www.anchoragemuseum.org/About-Us/Employment. Please include a cover letter describing your background and interest in the position. For more information, contact Human Resources at em********@*************um.org.

All applications must include a complete application/resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.

Please note that background checks will be required for the successful applicant.

DEADLINE: March 1, 2026