Automotive Collections Specialist (Motorsports & Racing History)

Job description

Looking to join our team? Here’s what we’re looking for! Are you the person who stops to identify cars at car shows, spends weekends in the garage, knows the difference between a flathead and a HEMI, or can tell the story behind iconic racing machines? You recognize legendary names. You know why certain engines changed the sport. You enjoy the stories behind the builders, innovators, racers, and dreamers who shaped American motorsports and car culture. Maybe you love keeping up with modern trends in hot rodding and custom car culture or find yourself dreaming about old cars. Perhaps you're the person friends call when they want to know what makes a vehicle special. If that sounds like you, the Museum of American Speed may be the perfect place to shift your passion into your profession, keep reading! We believe strongly in our company values and live them out each day! We work together as One Team across all departments, Choose Positivity in everything we do, put People First , encourage speaking up because You Have a Voice , and above all else we are Driven to Succeed . If you can embrace these values and they align with how you work, then we’d love to chat with you! Job overview The Museum of American Speed is seeking a Collections Specialist to help preserve and document one of the most significant collections of automotive and motorsports history in the country. This isn't a typical museum collections role. You'll work hands-on with historic race cars, engines, speed equipment, racing memorabilia, and artifacts that helped shape American motorsports. We're looking for someone who combines exceptional organizational skills and data entry with a genuine passion for automotive history, racing heritage, and the stories behind the machines. The Collections Specialist serves as a steward of one of America's premier automotive and racing history collections. This individual documents, catalogs, researches, and helps preserve race cars, engines, automotive artifacts, and memorabilia while ensuring their stories and historical significance are accurately captured for future generations. If you get excited about vintage race cars, legendary builders, automotive innovation, and preserving motorsports history for future generations, we'd love to talk with you. Here are the specifics: Research and document the historical significance of race cars, drivers, builders, racing organizations, and automotive artifacts. Assist in identifying, verifying, and preserving provenance related to historic vehicles and racing memorabilia. Collaborate with restoration staff to accurately document vehicle history, component originality, and restoration activities. Contribute to storytelling efforts by helping uncover and preserve the history behind significant artifacts and vehicles. Engage with collectors, racing enthusiasts, donors, and industry experts to gather historical information about collection items. Receive and document new acquisitions, including racing cars, engines, parts, memorabilia, and other related artifacts. Assign unique accession numbers to each item and accurately record detailed information, such as provenance, condition, dimensions, and historical significance, in the Museum's collection management system. Photograph and/or scan artifacts to create visual records for documentation purposes. Enter and maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the Museum’s database, ensuring all relevant information is captured and accessible. Assist in developing and maintaining a comprehensive and searchable digital catalog of the Museum’s collection. Regularly review and update records as new information or research becomes available. Prepare detailed condition reports to support conservation and restoration planning. Collaborate with Curators, Restoration Technicians, and Conservators to ensure that the accessioning process aligns with the Museum’s preservation and exhibition goals. Communicate with donors, sellers, or lending institutions to gather essential information and documentation regarding new acquisitions. Support curatorial research by providing accurate and comprehensive information on the collection. Assist in the proper storage and handling of artifacts to ensure their preservation, following best practices for museum collections. Adhere to the Museum’s policies and procedures for accessioning, documentation, and collections management. Participate in regular audits of the collection to ensure that all items are accurately accounted for. Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and safety protocols. Take ownership of assigned responsibilities and follow through on commitments. Embrace and live out Speedway Motors core values. Adapt to changing priorities and demonstrate flexibility in a dynamic work setting. Seek opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth. Perform other duties as assigned. This posting will close when filled. We’ll take care of you – here's how! We put our employees first, and care about your well-being and personal life. From a competitive benefits package and 401k plan to growth opportunities, we have your best interest in mind, always. Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Retirement Plan with Company Match Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Continuing Education Reimbursement Wellness Program and Healthy Living Reimbursement Discount on Speedway Motors Product, Rent Discount for all Speedway Properties, and Referral Bonuses Growth Opportunities Paid Parental Leave Opportunity to utilize your strengths and be creative Work Environment Occasionally lift and carry <30 lbs. and rarely push/pull up to 200 lbs. Frequent walking and standing and occasional sitting Frequent bending/reaching, twisting, kneeling, squatting Occasional work above shoulder level Must be able to constantly pinch, grasp, fine manipulation with fingers to utilize computer and assist in relocation of displays/artifacts Environmentally controlled work area but may include working outdoors and occasionally work with chemicals, moving mechanical parts, dust and/or grease What you’ll need to succeed in this position: High school diploma or GED required; must be at least 18 years of age. Preferred Experience: Two or more years of experience in museum collections management, cataloging, archives, or a related field. Experience working with historic vehicles, automotive artifacts, or similar collections. Proficiency with collections management software, database systems, and digital recordkeeping practices preferred. Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Knowledge of museum best practices related to accessioning, cataloging, inventory management, and artifact preservation. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team while also managing projects independently. Passion for automotive history, motorsports, racing heritage, performance vehicles, and automotive innovation is strongly preferred. Ability to safely handle, move, and care for collection items using appropriate preservation and storage techniques. Ideal Backgrounds Include: Museum collections, archives, registrar, or cataloging experience. Automotive restoration, vehicle history research, collector car, racing, or motorsports industry experience. Automotive journalism, technical documentation, enthusiast organizations, or historic vehicle preservation. Experience managing detailed records, inventories, documentation, or technical databases. If this sounds like you, we would love for you to join our Speedway Team! Please include your resume and cover letter to help us get to know you better. About the Museum of American Speed: The Museum of American Speed is a world-class automotive history museum founded by Speedway Motors. Our mission is to preserve, celebrate, and share the stories of American automotive innovation, racing, and engineering. With thousands of artifacts, rotating exhibits, and one-of-a-kind collections, the museum attracts visitors from around the world. Our team is passionate about creating a welcoming, engaging experience for every guest while honoring the legacy and culture that make this museum truly special.