Description

Summary:

A vital member of the Collections department, the Registrar plays an essential role in documentation and logistics of the preservation, care, and day-to-day stewardship of the collection. Works closely with the Collections team to ensure standard museum practices are followed and work is documented appropriately. The position will also collaborate with other departments to make collections accessible for the purpose of exhibition, digitization, publication, and research.

 Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop policies, organize data and maintain collections documents, files, forms, and records.
• Serve as an administrative user for collection software database (TMS).
• Create and maintain accurate records on object locations and movement through use of the collections database (TMS) including updates for museum and non-museum owned works that are exhibited in installations.
• Document incoming collections acquisitions per the Museum’s accessioning policy and procedures.
• Create and update catalog records, conduct provenance research, research and write accurate and descriptive records, and ensure appropriate detail and accuracy in catalog records.
• Monitor inventories of collection objects, archival materials, and exhibition-related items.
• Coordinate with Museum staff to review and post the collection on the website with accurate credit line and copy.
• Coordinate records and documentation related to Museum loans, both incoming and outgoing.
• Maintain, track, and monitor safe physical environmental requirements for all collections, including security, climate, lighting, housing materials, IPM, and appropriate storage and display conditions; proposes solutions to problems as they arise.
• Make assessments and recommend improvements to environmental and physical conditions for collections in storage and on display.
• Responsible for organizing and tracking exhibition rotations: ensure checklists are created and up to date, create condition reports, update locations in collection software (TMS) when works are on view.
• Monitor and maintain exhibition displays to ensure the safety of loans.
• Coordinate deaccessions—including recommending items for deaccession, tracking documentation, and handling logistics for final disposition of deaccessioned items.
• Coordinate all shipping logistics for possible acquisitions and deaccessions.  Maintain insurance coverage, condition reports, and packing lists.
• Assist the Collections department in preparing and organizing objects in the collection for inspection by senior leadership, curators, conservators, scholars, researchers and respond to general queries regarding the collection.
• Assist with both internal and external rights and reproductions requests.
• Assist staff with research in collections files.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's Degree required in history, anthropology, museum studies, American studies or related field or an equivalent combination of related training and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional registration or collections experience.
• Prior experience working with collections management database software required; TMS, eMuseum and Preservica strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of collections management and registration standards and best practices.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic museum cataloging rules and standards
• Technical knowledge relating to digital image creation and management.
• Strong data management and time management skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to stand or navigate object handling, storage, and installation processes.
• Must be able to sit at a workstation for extended periods, bend and lift up to 20 pounds, and use a step ladder for collection storage.