Description

The Associate Registrar is responsible for care, conservation, and documentation of the museum’s permanent collections of about 13,000 artworks; identifying condition and conservation needs; contracting for and overseeing conservation treatments; and assistance in maintaining collection database. The position oversees daily care and use of permanent collections, including outdoor sculpture, striving for a balance between accessibility and preservation. Associate Registrar manages requests for copyright use and reproduction of works in the permanent collection as well as image rights and other contracts for museum publications. Some travel, both domestic and international, is required.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

40% - Collection Records and Access

            Process new acquisitions according to established accession policies and procedures.

            Implement object deaccession process when necessary, including determining legal status of objects, notifying donors, and coordinating the disposal of deaccessioned objects.

            Collaborate with curatorial staff regarding research on artists and artworks entering (or exiting) the collection.

            Obtain, maintain, and manage documentation in artist, object, donor, and promised gift paper files and electronic records. 

            Work on backlog data entry and resolution of old loans, missing and lost works, and deaccessioned objects.

            Oversee artworks’ inventory as related to verification of location, identification and condition status.

            Work with curator for academic and campus engagement to select and organize viewings of artworks by visiting scholars and university constituents.

            Support Learning and Engagement Department programs that involve collection access.

            Assist with the timely response of collection inquiries and with the dissemination of collection information to museum staff, university constituents, outside scholars, and the general public.

30% - Conservation and Care

            Assess condition of permanent collection objects prior to and after exhibition.

            Create condition report book for Statewide traveling exhibition and enter condition updates in database at completion of exhibition tour.

            Provide recommendations on loan requests of collection objects based on current object condition and exhibition history.

            Identify needs and priorities for conservation assessment and treatment, collaborating with conservation professionals as necessary. Design and implement an updated five-year conservation plan. Arrange for and oversee conservation surveys of the collection by outside professionals.

            Oversee receipt and assessment of conservation proposals, contracts with conservators, shipping arrangements, and recommendations for care of objects in the collection following conservation treatment.

            Assist in developing and monitoring budget for collection conservation. 

            Provide information to development department for conservation grant proposals and oversee implementation of successful grants.

            Advise on ways to communicate collection care needs to museum audiences.

            Manage sculpture garden maintenance program including regular cleaning, conservation, and placement.

30% - Image Rights, Reproductions, and Publications Assistance

            Maintain standards and knowledge on copyright and artist rights laws and issues.

            Oversee digitization process for new acquisitions and update digital photography of existing works, as needed.

            Assist contract photographers as needed for object handling and prepping objects for digital photography.

            Prepare and manage digital images for the collection image database and associated digital server/storage locations and advise on use of related technologies.

            Provide quality digital images of the permanent collection for use in other museum departments (i.e. marketing, curatorial, development).

            Manage and facilitate external copyright and reproduction requests for images from the permanent collection.

            Clear and process image copyright for museum publications.

            Provide additional assistance regarding contracts and workflow for museum publications. 

            Update database to include information on publications and materials where permanent collection works are reproduced.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

            B.A. in art history, museum studies, collection management, or a related field.

            Three years of museum registration or related experience or equivalent.

            Knowledge of and ability to implement current art museum practices in museum collection management, registration, and image rights and reproductions as articulated by the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, the College Art Association, and other professional organizations.

            Computer proficiency is essential, including familiarity with collection management systems and image-editing software.

            Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

            Skilled in assessing the physical condition of works of art.

            Ability to safely handle works of art in a variety of media.

            Experience working with (or knowledge of) copyright and artist rights law and issues.

            Experience in editorial work, publishing, or related project management skills.

            Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on team-based projects and across departments.

            Ability to work effectively on numerous projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

            M.A. in art history, museum studies, collection management, or a related field.

            Five years of museum registration experience.

            Experience implementing art conservation techniques and methods.

            Experience working with publications, including image rights and editorial process. 

            Knowledge of a foreign language, Spanish preferred.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate will have a commitment to fostering fairness, belonging, and opportunity for all members of the community, contributing to institutional excellence that reflects various perspectives and experiences. They will exhibit strong cross-cultural competence, demonstrate high emotional intelligence, and have a proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with groups of staff, donors, artists, clients, community leaders, and decision makers. They will have a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on team-based projects and across departments, and the ability to work effectively and simultaneously on numerous projects.