Title: Collections Manager, Objects and Paintings

State Role Title: Media Specialist III

Hiring Range: $52,000 annually

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location: MAIN MUSEUM

Agency Website: vmfa.museum/about/jobs

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invites applications for a Collections Manager, Objects and Paintings. This position offers critical support to the preservation and presentation of the museum's art collection.

Position Description:

The Collections Management department of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invites applications from experienced individuals skilled in collections care and project management for the role of Collections Manager, Objects and Paintings. This new position leads a small team in the storage and preservation of, and access to, all objects and paintings in the care, custody, and control of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The role requires skill and experience working with many types of art.
This is a full-time, non-exempt role.


Duties include:

Overseeing the management of all collection storage spaces at VMFA (on and offsite) for objects and paintings.
Guiding and participating in the creation of storage mounts and housing.
Overseeing storage organization and improvement projects, and the planned implementation of offsite storage.
Supporting and guiding moves related to the museum expansion project.
Transporting art within the museum.
Utilizing TMS collections management system and other programs for data management, project management, communication, and scheduling.
Collecting and analyzing data related to daily tasks and special projects.
Supervising two Collections Technicians.
Acting as an ambassador for Collections Management within the museum and beyond.

Employee Benefits:

This is a salaried, non-exempt position that offers Commonwealth of Virginia employee benefits such as 12 paid holidays, health benefits and more. VMFA staff also enjoy museum benefits like free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, and discounts at Amuse Restaurant, Best Café, and VMFA Shop.
Join our team at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional cultural experiences!

Minimum Qualifications:

Ability and knowledge to supervise collections storage and develop storage strategies.
Good knowledge of and demonstrated skill in the storage, housing, preservation, handling, and transportation of art according to industry standards and best practices.
Demonstrated skill in the design and fabrication of appropriate housing for artwork.
Significant project management skills and experience.
Experience assessing and prioritizing duties and projects.
Good judgment and a willingness to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.
Experience leading a team.

Additional Considerations

Education, Experience, License, and/or Certification or Preferred Qualifications:

A minimum of three years documented success as a professional Collections Manager in an art museum.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required, MA preferred.
Proficiency in the use of Collections Management Systems (preferably TMS), Microsoft Office, Outlook, and project management software such as Asana.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Position will be open until filled, but priority will be given to applications submitted in the first two weeks. Please contact the HR office at recruitment@vmfa.museum if you need assistance. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an EEO/AA, Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer.

Please submit three (3) references. Provide full name, phone number and email address. References may be attached in a separate document in the “other” field in the portal; or they may be included with the resume or cover letter.

Professional references are preferred. Other reference types will also receive consideration. References should be able to attest to your knowledge, skills, and abilities, especially qualifications relevant to the position for which you are applying.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.



Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources Services

Phone: please email

Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.