Collections Systems Administrator (Art Museum)

Overview

The Princeton University Art Museum welcomes applications for the position of Collections Systems Specialist (CSS). The CSS is responsible for the analysis, manipulation, and integration of the complex cultural heritage datasets residing primarily in two Museum systems of record: the collections information system - The Museum System (TMS) and the digital asset management system - ResourceSpace. The position is responsible for database management and backend support for both systems, including data extraction, data batching, report writing, and advanced SQL query development.  The position is also responsible for the integration of data among TMS, the Museum's API, and ResourceSpace, with the potential for additional integrations with other systems, including but not limited to the Museum’s website CMS, Airtable, and OnBase. Other areas of responsibility include the documentation of all related data extraction and integrations, logs and quality assurance monitoring, and periodic system upgrades to TMS and ResourceSpace.  

Working in a team environment for the Department of Communication and Information, the CSS will report to the Sr. Manager of Data Operations and work in close coordination with the Manager of Art Information and their team, the Museum Application developers, and other staff members across the Museum.   

About the Museum: 

With a collecting history that extends back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, with collections that have grown to include more than 117,000 works of art ranging from ancient to contemporary art and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing Princeton’s teaching and research missions, the Art Museum also serves as a gateway to the University for visitors worldwide. As the Museum prepares for a dramatically reconceived new building scheduled to open in Fall 2025, the Art Museum presents three exhibitions in its downtown venue Art@Bainbridge. When the new building opens, the Art Museum will open with 32 galleries and initiate their new exhibitions program with seven annual exhibitions onsite and on tour. 

To learn more about the Princeton University Art Museum, visit artmuseum.princeton.edu. 

Responsibilities

Database/Systems Management 

• Model, implement, and manage data processes and integrations among Museum systems and nightly routines that process and deliver data and digital assets 
• Write and maintain custom code (primarily Python, PHP, and Javascript) to support the extraction and transformation of collections data to other platforms including the Museum website 
• Write scripts to manipulate and import large data sets into TMS and ResourceSpace in support of core Museum work such as cataloging, exhibitions, and research projects
• Collaborate with the members of the systems and art information teams to prepare and implement TMS and ResourceSpace upgrades
• Partner with Museum IT staff on system hardware, upgrades, and SQL development 
• Maintain system administration and configuration, including application settings
• Document system administration processes, custom configuration, workflows, and procedures
• Provide support for TMS and ResourceSpace users as appropriate

Reporting 

• Design and maintain custom reports (built-in Crystal Reports and SSRS) for Museum-wide users as well as faculty and students–working closely with Museum registrars and curators to meet their information access needs
• Design expanded Museum reporting to support centralized information access through data dashboards and other means

Strategic Planning/Administration/other duties  

• Contribute to strategic planning as it relates to system integrations data modeling and extraction

Qualifications

Essential Requirements 

• Demonstrable experience in: SQL Server, and Microsoft Office applications; SQL Server views, jobs, and stored procedures for data extraction;   
• Experience maintaining backend code for data extraction, transformation, and system integration;  
• Experience with one or more high-level programming languages: ideally in Python, PHP, or JavaScript;  
• Understanding of data formats such as JSON, CSV, and RDF; 
• Experience working with APIs for data processing, including requesting, posting, and integration;  
• Experience automating scripts with cron jobs and deploying applications on Linux servers;  
• Experience in writing, maintaining, improving, and documenting scripts using SQL queries or Python; 
• Experience with source code control and collaborative development systems (e.g., Git);  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in information science, computer science, or related field with proven interest in cultural heritage data management or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Skills 

• Familiarity with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Crystal Reports; 
• Expertise in museum and library data standards; 
• Experience working with museum collections information systems (TMS or ResourceSpace) and museum data; 
• Knowledge of or interest in current trends in museum and cultural heritage data and image management, including IIIF, Linked Data 

Standard Weekly Hours

Eligible for Overtime

Benefits Eligible

Probationary Period

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Valid Driver’s License Required

Experience Level