Collections & Program Manager

About the SSPM:

Sing Sing Prison Museum shares stories of incarceration and reform, past and present, and brings people together to imagine and create a more just society. We envision a justice system dedicated to healing and rehabilitation and a society that respects individual humanity and dignity.

An independent non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, the museum is managed by a small staff responsible for daily operations, research, collecting, exhibitions, and programming. The museum is under development in Ossining, New York, and plans to open in 2025, Sing Sing Prison’s 200th anniversary.

Our goals are to:

• Become a prominent voice in the national conversation about social and criminal justice,
• Become the leading prison museum in the U.S., with a facility of architectural distinction and a reputation for outstanding programs,
• Have a positive impact on the justice-impacted population (including incarcerated individuals, workers, victims, and families),
• Stimulate local and regional economic development in the Hudson Valley and the village of Ossining.

In 2025, the museum will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Sing Sing Prison with a series of events, including the grand opening of our first exhibition gallery in the historic Olive Opera House in Ossining, NY.

The new Collections & Program Manager position at the SSPM will focus on oral history and the museum’s small general collection. The manager will oversee the acquisition, preservation, and accessibility of our oral history & general collections while also managing related programs and projects. This role combines elements of traditional collections management with the specific needs of the museum’s growing oral history programs, requiring a blend of archival expertise, project management skills, and technical proficiency.

About the Collections & Program Manager Position:

The Collections & Program Manager will also be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing aspects of our educational and public programs that link to the museum's collections and align with our mission. This position will handle all research- and collections-related inquiries, oversee the Collections Committee, and report to the Assistant Director.

Candidates will need to provide solid past experiences in collections and programmatic work in nonprofit environments. Ideal candidates will show 3 years of work experience related to the key responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include:

Collections & Program Management

• Plan and coordinate oral history projects, including hiring oral historians, finding interviewees, scheduling and transcribing each interview, and managing project timelines.
• Implement best practices for the registration, cataloging, indexing, categorizing, movement, safekeeping, and storage of oral history collections.
• Develop and maintain a database of interview subjects for current and future oral histories.
• Build and develop the general museum collection through the identification, appraisal, and acquisition of appropriate objects representing local history and culture.
• Oversee and process collections and loans, ensuring proper cleaning, documentation, and storage to ensure optimal object preservation.
• Manage accession records, object files, collections management database, and online portal.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve collections accessibility and usage for both the oral history and general collections.
• Collaborate with other departments to plan exhibits and public programs related to oral history and general collections.
• Develop short-term and long-term programs that capitalize on the museum's collections, working with SSPM tour guides, docents, interns, and volunteers.
• Participate in on-site programs and assist with virtual programming.
• Foster community engagement by working with the SSPM team on innovative and exciting programming.
• Cultivate relationships with leaders, stakeholders, and community partners to build strategic relationships and partnerships locally and nationally.

Technical Responsibilities

• Identify and implement appropriate audio-to-text AI tools for generating oral history transcripts.
• Manage digital assets and collections software, and ensure proper metadata recording for oral history materials.
• Develop and manage the oral history audio recording and listening equipment.
• Learn Altru ticketing and donor software as it relates to public programming.

Administrative Duties

• Respond to queries about oral history and general collections projects from interested parties.
• Prepare descriptions, reports, and work plans on SSPM collections activities and program outcomes.
• Manage budgets for supplies, promotions, and software related to oral history & general collection-based projects.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecast long-term funding needs, and ensure responsible stewardship of endowments and restricted funds.
• Research, plan, schedule, manage, and evaluate a variety of program activities.
• Periodically develop content for program materials, the SSPM’s website, and social media; collaborate with marketing team to promote collections and programs through media channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in history, museum studies, or a related field; Museum Studies, Oral Histories, Public History, or related programs encouraged.
• At least 2 years of experience in collections management; demonstrated experience in handling, rehousing, and preserving objects and documenting museum collections.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail required.
• Knowledge of the best practices for the acquisition, documentation, and handling of museum collections, including oral histories. Demonstrated object handling, packing, rehousing, and documentation skills are essential.
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, image processing, and data entry.
• Understanding of museum ethics and professional standards for collections management.
• Commitment to achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and the community.
• Knowledge of ethical considerations and legal requirements related to oral history work and trauma-informed collections.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Requires extensive sitting with periodic standing and walking.
• Ability to conduct walking tours for one mile.
• Ability to carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Must have reliable transportation and may require off-site travel.
• Must pass a background check.

Salary range: $65,000-$75,000 with some benefits

Application Deadline: July 25^th, 2025

The Sing Sing Prison Museum is an equal opportunity employer. Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  We also encourage people who have been justice-impacted to apply.