Description

The Biggs Museum of American Art is seeking a Registrar to advance our collections management, lending, and cataloguing practices, as well as lead exhibition installation activities. Responsibilities include supervising storage, executing loans and insurance, maintaining the collections database, digital assets, and all collection records, and assisting with the planning, production, and installation of exhibitions. The Registrar also develops and implements policies and procedures that safeguard the collection and ensure compliance with professional museum standards.

Requirements

Responsibilities

       Maintain collections management database records (Argus) and create appropriate object, exhibition, and loan records

       Manage accessioning & deaccessioning of permanent collection objects, including generating the deed of gift or transfer of title, relevant tax paperwork, and credit line information

       Process and catalog newly acquired objects, assigning and applying accession numbers

       Maintain accurate inventories and coordinate preventative conservation

       Monitor and maintain secure and environmentally appropriate conditions in galleries and storage areas

       Oversee risk management and loss prevention; serve as first responder in emergency or building system failure situations and assist with disaster preparedness planning and training

       Coordinate logistics for object movement, including generating move reports or tracking lists and updating object locations in the database; oversee or assist with object moves in collaboration with the Preparator

       Develop and maintain shipping and packing schedules; coordinate and manage all courier, security, and insurance arrangements; complete condition reports

       Administer the loan approval process and manage loan requests working closely with the Curator and Executive Director

       Review and approve Facility Reports and environmental readings

       Prepare and manage loan paperwork, negotiate and track all registrar-related contracts (loan agreements, receipts, courier agreements), and maintain essential museum documentation

       Manage the museum’s fine arts insurance schedules, coverage levels, and claims processes

       Travel as a courier with loans and/or supervise and train other couriers; assist with exhibition installations as needed

       Create and maintain exhibition documentation including checklists, installation records, and wall-to-wall inventories

       Manage and organize digital image assets, rights metadata, and reproduction requests; oversee copyright and licensing compliance

       Develop and update collections management policies and procedures in alignment with AAM and ARCS standards

       Contribute to and monitor budgets for exhibitions and collections management, providing cost estimates and tracking expenditures

       Mentor and supervise interns and train staff and volunteers on procedures related to collections handling, database use, and museum standards

       Assist with upcoming museum expansion project, including consulting on new collections and storage spaces

       Participate in professional development opportunities and remain current with best practices in the registrar field

       Train/assist with preventative conservation and proper storage of objects