Collection Manager

Job Description

The House of Commons’ Real Property Service is currently looking to staff the Collection Manager position.

This recruitment and selection process is restricted to House of Commons employees.

The Collection Manager oversees the House of Commons Heritage Collection, ensuring its effective stewardship through cataloguing, inventory control, acquisitions, storage, and collection systems management. The role coordinates artifact movements, loans, installation of artworks and conservation projects, provides expert advice on preservation and restoration, and supports research and documentation activities. The incumbent also supervises a small team and provides guidance to House personnel on collection management practices and standards.

The Collection Manager is occasionally required to move pieces of furniture, artefacts, and artworks of moderate weight. The incumbent walks and stands to coordinate object moves; lifts and moves objects in the storage area; and sits to answer the phone, administer KE EMu, and to undertake cataloguing of the collection.

Top Reasons to be part of Curatorial Services team:

Join a unique team dedicated to preserving the House of Commons’ rich heritage. The Collection Manager plays a vital role in caring for more than 6,000 artworks and artifacts and 25,000 archival references while supporting the ongoing transformation of Canada’s iconic Parliament Buildings.

• Training and development opportunities;
• Work-life balance /35-hour workweek;
• 4 weeks’ vacation (minimum).

Qualifications

Education:

• Post-secondary education in a field related to heritage collections management, including museum studies, history, or conservation, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Knowledge of the House of Commons’ mandate, structure, and key priorities, and their impact on Curatorial Services;
• Understanding of Curatorial Services operations, including stakeholder needs and service delivery within a parliamentary context;
• Knowledge of museum and heritage collection management best practices, including artifact care, handling, condition reporting, and storage;
• Knowledge of historical research methodologies and experience supporting accurate collection documentation;
• Understanding of financial and legal considerations related to heritage collections;
• Knowledge of collection management systems and tools (, KE EMu, asset tracking systems) and data standards;
• Familiarity with relevant software applications (, Microsoft Office suite and collection-related tools);
• Knowledge of the conservation services landscape, including working with external conservators and service providers;
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing employees, including performance management and fostering a collaborative team environment.

Assets:

• Experience managing projects, including planning, coordinating activities, and ensuring timely delivery of objectives;
• Experience collaborating with trade and operational service providers, including coordinating work orders, service requests, and maintenance activities;
• Experience working with external conservation specialists, institutions, and service providers to support the preservation and care of heritage collections.