Oversees the preservation and supports interpretation of the historic collections and buildings at Applewood Estate. Leads and provides mentorship to the estate-based team of paid staff and volunteers in the care and conservation of diverse collections, tells the story of the Mott Family and Applewood through a variety of programming by supporting the education team with historical information and research, developing exhibits on and offsite and through various media, and providing technical assistance at Applewood Estate and in the community. Researches and shares the collections to provide new insight into the Mott Family’s legacy and commitment to civic participation.

1. Responsible for the maintenance, care, and preservation of the collection materials at Applewood as well as the historic buildings.
2. Oversees and manages a team of professionals who help care for the historic buildings and collections. Provides on the job training and mentorship as appropriate and seek out opportunities for employees to skill-build, learn, and advance in all stages of their careers.
3. Leads research initiatives and identifies and interprets materials and content that highlight the Motts’ commitment to civic participation or other agreed upon interpretive themes. Provides historical context to support programming interdepartmentally particularly education and visitor services. Model appropriate discretion about the Mott family collection.
4. Works with the Visitor Services team to support guides’ training and develop evaluation tools that support Applewood’s interpretive themes.
5. Identifies and works with outside contractors for conservation and preservation needs that cannot be accomplished with in-house resources.
6. Monitors staff performance and conducts performance appraisals.
7. Develops and manages the collections-related budget.
8. Oversees volunteer programs related to collections. 
9. Works with Director of Collections and Education and Registrar to oversee accurate record keeping for collections and institutional archives. Provides insight and recommendations for data management systems that can be used remotely, accessible in all buildings at Applewood, supports historic collections and institutional archives, and uses metadata and Digital Asset Management (DAM) best practices.
10. In conjunction with other Collections staff, provides courier services as necessary and performs condition reports for collections items on loan.
11. Works closely with the Visitor Services team to identify volunteers to assist with archival and related tasks. Supports Collections Technician and Registrar in their work with volunteers. 
12. Works closely with the Community Engagement Officer identifying technical assistance projects in the community and supporting capacity building efforts through historic preservation projects and trainings. 
13. Assists with development and implementation of Applewood’s Master Plan particularly related to site preservation needs that include construction and conservation projects.
14. Assists with and supports the implementation of the Ruth Mott Foundation’s strategic plan as it relates to Applewood. 
15. Completes other duties as assigned.

• Master’s Degree in a related area/subject. Preferred degrees include: Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, Public History, Art History or Arts Administration.
• Strong leader with a minimum of five years of experience in a museum or cultural institution.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience, preferably with collections care staff and/or volunteers.
• Experience with cleaning, preservation, and conservation techniques for a variety of media including 3D, 2D, and multimedia formats.
• Experience in exhibition development, disaster planning, and curatorial best practices.
• Skilled in public speaking, writing a variety of business-related communications, and preparing and delivering presentations and trainings. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from all sectors of the community and a commitment to race equity, diversity and inclusion.  
• Research, analytical, organizational, computer, and writing skills required.
• Ability to be flexible, accurate and detail oriented; be able to handle multiple tasks and tight deadlines with efficiency and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability for critical thinking, independent judgment, and creative problem solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Past Perfect or similar collections management software, and web applications. 
• Holds a valid driver’s license.

Ability to walk up and down stairs while carrying objects weighing up to 20 pounds; to bend, stoop, and lift to move materials; to pull/push, lift and carry up to 20 pounds on a regular basis, and up to 55 pounds occasionally; and to reach both above and below shoulder height. The nature of the work requires the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments in varying temperatures and weather conditions. Must be able to work some weekends and evenings. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel to and from Applewood to the Foundation Administration Office as well as into the community for meetings and events. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time. Ability to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time. Tolerance of dust and mildew (protective gear provided).