University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Collections Coordinator, Academic Engagement Department

Job Profile Title

Assistant Museum Collections, University Museum

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Director of Academic Engagement, the Collections Coordinator provides support to the department with all aspects of work required to fulfill the mission of the department, particularly in supporting Penn and external University visits to the Museum’s galleries and collections classrooms. Specific duties include but are not limited to working directly with faculty to coordinate class visit schedules and ensuring staff coverage; working with collections staff to select and transfer objects between storage and classroom spaces; supervising and supporting collections study and use during visits by students and faculty; facilitating object-based learning exercises in the classroom and galleries; reviewing, assessing, and advising on new policies and procedures to ensure that curricular needs are met within existing collections policies; preparing reports and statistics on class visits, student research, and related activities. This position also supports the department during co-curricular student events like new student orientation, Making Workshops, gallery openings, and internships.

Job Description

Job Title: Collections Coordinator, Academic Engagement DepartmentDepartment: Academic EngagementSupervisor’s Title: Director of Academic EngagementCompensation: $23.75 p/hourNon-Exempt, Full-time (35 hours), One-Year Term, In Person

Job Responsibilities

• Working with the Director and other collections coordinators, engage in outreach, planning, and execution of Penn class visits to the Museum’s galleries and collections classrooms. Ensure appropriate scheduling of visits and prompt and clear communication with faculty and other stakeholders in person and via class use email.

• Liaise with the Museum’s Collections staff (keepers, collections managers, registrars, conservation, and curators) to coordinate selection, permissions, and movement of objects for class use and student researchers; document object movement in the collections database; maintain object storage in Collections Study Rooms; uphold Museum best practices, standards, and policies.

• Set up, supervise, and support object use during classes and student research visits; facilitate object-based learning exercises; engage with student questions about collections history and object use; facilitate object handling training.

• As needed, assist with the planning and execution of other student and faculty programming at the Museum, including special exhibitions, internships, work-study supervision, student research, and the maintenance of website, Canvas, and marketing materials.

• Record, monitor, and report on various class use statistics for collections classroom and gallery visits, student research, and co-curricular activities, including student and faculty feedback surveys. Prepare these reports for monthly dashboards and semesterly- and annual assessments.

Qualifications

• Minimum: BA/BS required and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience working with museum collections, or equivalent combination of experience and education, with MA/MS preferred in a field related to Museum Studies, Archaeology, or Anthropology. Knowledge of archaeological and ethnographic materials preferred.

• Computer literacy and experience with collections management databases are preferred; strong organizational skills and attention to detail are required; the ability to multi-task is required; object-handling experience is preferred; manual dexterity is required.

• The Collections Coordinator position requires a strong work ethic, professionalism, and a commitment to integrity.

• Clear communication and the ability to work as a member of a team is essential.

• The work environment is typically a mix between sitting at a desk, standing and walking.

• The position engages with staff, faculty, and students regularly.

• A friendly, outgoing demeanor is encouraged, and an embracing of DEIA principles is required.

• Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs and use of a ladder.

• No supervisory responsibilities.

• Occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.

SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years’ experience with museum collections, ideally with archaeological and anthropological collections, or object-based learning preferred.

• Content knowledge of the art history or anthropology/archaeology of South Asia, the Middle East, or Africa preferred.

• An understanding of historic and contemporary issues in anthropology, archaeology, and museum studies;

• Commitment to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible museum field.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented

Application Requirement

• A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

** Please note that this position is a bargaining unit position represented by a labor union. Job-related compensation associated with this position are determined by a collective bargaining agreement

** Please note this is a one-year term position

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

University Museum

Pay Range

$17.98 - $23.75 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

  ​

  To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

  The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.