Organizer Information
The Museo de Arte de Ponce opened its doors to the public on January 3, 1959, in a colonial house in Ponce, and in 1965 moved into the building that remains its home today, designed by the renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. The building is recognized alongside its architect's other notable works, including MoMA in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The museum was founded by Luis A. Ferré (1904–2003), a Puerto Rican philanthropist, industrialist, and later governor of Puerto Rico, who began acquiring art for the institution by first establishing the Luis A. Ferré Foundation in 1957. Ferré developed a personal appreciation for Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art, collecting until 1974, and the museum has become known for one of the most important collections of Victorian art outside the United Kingdom. When the museum opened, its collection consisted of 71 paintings; it has grown since to roughly 4,500 works. An Annex Building was added in 2010 to expand its facilities and services to the community, and the museum has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1987.
Title & Description
Head Archivist Job Opportunity
The Head Archivist provides strategic leadership for the Luis A. Ferré Archive, overseeing the acquisition, preservation, documentation, accessibility, and interpretation of archival collections. The role ensures the Archive functions as a dynamic resource supporting research, exhibitions, institutional initiatives, and community engagement. As the Museum reopens its main building and expands public programming, the Head Archivist plays a key role in increasing access to archival collections, developing initiatives connecting diverse audiences with the Museum's history and collections, and creating engagement opportunities for children, families, students, researchers, and the general public.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-time, exempt
- Salary: $60,000–$70,000 annually; specific compensation may depend on the candidate's experience, education, or special licensing/qualifications
- Department / Programme: Luis A. Ferré Archive
Position & Tasks
- Develop and implement policies for archival preservation, cataloging, and digitization of collections
- Evaluate and manage the acquisition of materials aligned with the Museum's mission and collecting priorities
- Supervise Archive staff, interns, and volunteers, and develop annual work plans
- Provide reference and research services to scholars, curators, donors, and the public
- Collaborate with Curatorial, Education, Marketing, and Development teams on exhibitions, publications, and institutional programs
- Design and implement community and educational programs (workshops, oral history, family activities) to promote public access to collections
- Identify grant opportunities and strategic partnerships to support archival projects
- Contribute to institutional strategic planning around collections, research, and public engagement
Categories
- Archival Studies
- Collections Management
- Museum Studies
- Arts Administration
- Community Engagement & Education
Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree in History, Art History, Library Science, Information Science, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, or a related field
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, Museum Studies, Public History, or a related discipline strongly preferred
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in archives, special collections, museums, libraries, or cultural institutions, including experience in collections management, public access, research services, and project management
- Experience developing educational, interpretive, or community engagement initiatives is highly desirable
- Experience in grant writing, fundraising, and managing externally funded projects is preferred
- Thorough knowledge of archival principles, standards, preservation practices, and collections management
- Knowledge of digitization workflows, digital asset management, and archival technologies
- Understanding of museum operations and the role of archives in supporting exhibitions, education, and public programming
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collections management/database systems
- Knowledge of the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of Puerto Rico and its relationship to broader regional and international contexts
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build partnerships and engage diverse audiences; ability to supervise staff and manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Program Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, beginning on the first day of the month following the hire date; Museum covers 90% of the premium
- Paid time off (annually): 15 days of vacation, 12 sick days, birthday off, funeral leave, and 13 holidays
- Short-term disability insurance
- Christmas bonus
- 10% staff discount in the Museum Shop
- Paid memberships for professional associations
- Free parking space
- Other benefits may apply, per the source, based on employee status
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
By email: careers@museoarteponce.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Location
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Additional Details
- The Museum's main building, designed by Edward Durell Stone, was damaged by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake in January 2020 and has remained closed since; the Museum is undergoing a comprehensive seismic retrofit, with a projected reopening in 2028, as part of a broader effort to rebuild Ponce following the earthquake.
- While the main building is closed, the Museum remains active through satellite programming and community initiatives; candidates should be aware of this ongoing 2-year reconstruction process.
- Only qualified candidates will be interviewed. The organization identifies as an EEO Employer.