Responsibilities

This position is responsible for assisting research and exhibitions staff and outside contractors in locating and using material culture in CMHR exhibitions, programs, and web content. In addition to museum and archival collections-based research, responsibilities will include identifying items including artifacts, photographs, works of art, archival documents, reproductions/props, and audio-visual and digital materials (including oral histories) for use in exhibits, web or archives. This includes identifying copyright and intellectual property issues and obtaining copyright clearance where required. Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Respond to researcher requests to locate information and/or material culture using various methods and sources such as collections documentation, photographic holdings, private and public archives. Maintain accurate records of potential items for use in exhibits and on the web
• Liaise between the CMHR research and exhibitions departments and external contractors to coordinate the flow and use of museum materials for exhibition, program, and web content
• Contribute to the maintenance of the Knowledge Division contact database, particularly as it relates to museum materials
• Maintain and update artifact, graphic and media databases to provide the curatorial and design teams with current information and updates on procurement
• Conduct image and audio-visual and oral memoir research as required
• Assist with policy development as needed
• Coordination and facilitation of the logistics of meetings, project team communications and distribution of information and materials to team members
• May be involved in the coordination of script writing, oral history projects or other aspects of exhibit research
• Organize and implement the process for museum materials acquisition
• In coordination with the design team, facilitate some content aspects of the installation process
• Manage copyright records
• Provide leadership and advice on copyright and intellectual property matters
• Liase with all parties to ensure copyright clearance on museum material to be used in exhibits, databases, web page and education programs

Qualifications

Requirements for this position are as follows:

Skills and Knowledge – Required

• College Diploma or University degree in Archival, Museum Studies, Library or Information Management, and 3 -5 years similar experience in related areas, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing collections research and working with and locating material culture including artifacts, works of art, archival documents, photographs, audio-visual and digital materials (especially oral history) in museums, historic sites, libraries or cultural institutions
• Knowledge of various research methods; ability to search consistently for new information in related fields
• Experience in coordinating highly detailed projects
• Understanding of copyright and intellectual property restrictions
• Experience in clearing copyright and managing copyright records
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Team player with good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated skills in using database software, browsable software, archival records, and cataloguing systems
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Suite of products (MSWord, Excel, etc.)
• Proficient (oral and written) in both official languages

Skills and Knowledge – Desired
 

• Advanced Museum or information science degree
• Demonstrated work/volunteer experience and/or interest in human rights
• University degree in area relevant to the subject of human rights (e.g. political science, international law, sociology, history, etc.)
• Legal training or experience in the area of Intellectual property or copyright
• Experience with Oral histories, digital materials, audiovisual or other museum materials

Attributes

• Demonstrated strong ability to manage many projects at one time
• Strong organization skills
• High attention to detail
• Integrity – focused on producing a high quality and credible outcome
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work is in an office environment
• Some lifting, moving of objects may be required
• May require long periods at a desk, reading of lengthy documents, and time in front of a computer.

The CMHR encourages diversity in all aspects of its operations. If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation in order to successfully submit an application, please contact us at info@humanrightsmuseum.ca to make your accommodation request.