The Cleveland Museum of Art seeks a Head of Collections Imaging to lead the Photographic and Digital Imaging Services department. Reporting to the Director of Collections Management, this position is responsible for overseeing administrative responsibilities including supervising staff, the department budget, and prioritizing departmental workflow and deliverables.

The Head of Collections Imaging both performs and directs the photography of the Museum's encyclopedic art collection ensuring that the highest quality photographic documentation for conventional still photography and advanced digital imaging methods are met. Additional responsibilities include photographic documentation of exhibitions, loans, editorial, events, and special projects as assigned.

This role interfaces with multiple departments across the museum and is responsible for facilitating clear communication to ensure institutional goals are achieved in a realistic and mutually agreed upon timeframe.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university, preferably in Fine Arts (Photography), Art History, or Museum Studies; or eight years experience photographing art for art museums; or equivalent combination of training and experience. An applicant with five years or more experience in people management and/or project management within an art museum or image archive is preferred.
• A demonstrated proficiency with high end photographic imaging equipment and studio lighting in the photography of fine art collections is a must, along with the attendant imaging applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Camera Raw and Bridge; Capture One and/or Phocus; experience with advanced imaging techniques and methods such as photogrammetry, multi-spectral imaging, RTI, focus stacking, and time-lapse preferred.
• A demonstrated ability to lead a team, administer complex projects and coordinate multiple assignments simultaneously. Proven leadership experience, with a care to foster and develop staff, and a demonstrated ability to work successfully with others to achieve institutional objectives.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

• Supervises three full time staff including two photographers responsible for collection digitization, conservation imaging, editorial and event photography, along with one department coordinator. The department coordinator supports department scheduling, budget tracking, image uploads to the appropriate Digital Asset Management Systems, and responding to external image request.
• Sets the standards of photography for all internal and external digital assets, including the review and approval of all contractor made assets and animations to ensure they are up to CMA standards.
• Responsible for ongoing photography of the permanent collection for uploading to internal image archive and museum website for all institutional uses, as well as outside public and scholarly needs. This includes both high level still photography in a studio setting and on location in the galleries and elsewhere, as well as advanced imaging methods, most notably Photogrammetry for 3D model creation of collection objects. Responsible for production of images within all institutional publications, both printed and electronic. Extensive knowledge of digital imaging equipment, technologies, standards and best practices. Demonstrated skill in solving high level technical imaging problems.
• Attention to the utmost sensitivity about the care and handling of collection objects. Consults with conservators about any handling or staging considerations. Must be highly attuned to observing and considering the condition of any and all objects and knowing when to request consult or conference with conservators about handling considerations. The care of our collection objects is of the utmost importance.
• Responsible for setting and adhering to the annual department budget.
• Robust understanding and implementation of imaging parameter records to be kept in metadata, or other records archiving methods such as Digital Lab Notebook for photogrammetry, or Excel spreadsheets for project management.
• Works closely with the Curatorial, Conservation, Publications, Collections Management, Design, and Digital Innovation & Technology Services to provide appropriate images of the highest quality in support of the Museum's mission as an academic research center for the study, understanding and enjoyment of art.
• Assigns and works on special projects as necessary, assuring that appropriate deadlines are met in a timely fashion.
• Oversees direct report staff while providing advice, professional development and encouragement, specialized training, and quality control oversight. Strives to motivate team members, discover training needs and both mentor and support team members to encourage their continued growth.
• Ability to carry out multiple responsibilities and assignments collaboratively as well as work independently in a team-based organization. Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse people and serve a diverse population to achieve institutional goals.
• Takes a leading role in keeping the department abreast of evolving standards, technology and methods. Participate in various professional forums such as ImageMuse, IS&T, AIC, MCN and others. Maintain active involvement in the field (such as attending conferences and networking with peer institutions) in order to advise the Museum on current trends and advances in technologies. Effectively represent the Museum to outside professionals and members of the cultural heritage community.
• Plans and implements the Photographic and Digital Imaging Services department's policies and procedures. Reviews policies and procedures on a regular basis and recommends appropriate changes when necessary.
• Provide editorial photography for various institutional needs, including but not limited to; Communications and Marketing, special events, Annual Report, and Philanthropy and Planned Giving.
• Oversee the maintenance and inventory of photography supplies and equipment. Provides troubleshooting for maintenance and minor repairs of equipment as needed. Advise and recommend new equipment and software needs for the department.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000

Application Material: Please submit a cover letter, resume, portfolio of work, and contact information for 3 references.

Full-time Benefits include:

• Partner level membership to CMA
• Free, unlimited admission to select Cleveland Museum of Art ticketed exhibitions (two adult member tickets per visit, subject to availability)
• 50% off admission to select ticketed exhibitions for members' guests
• Free admission to select ticketed exhibitions for unlimited children, 17 and younger, when accompanied by a member
• Priority registration and discounts for museum art classes for adults and children
• 20% discount in the museum store
• 10% discount in the museum restaurant and café
• Annual subscription to Cleveland Art members magazine
• Free Garage Parking
• Your employment relationship with the museum qualifies you for free or discounted admissions to other cultural institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Botanical Gardens, The Cleveland Zoo, etc.
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Voluntary Life
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• HSA