Small Museum Association

    Small Museums Working Together

Museum Registrar

29 Mar 2023 1:28 PM | Rachel Miller

MUSEUM REGISTRAR
Description

A small but mighty museum, the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), seeks a dynamic, art-loving, hard-working Museum Curator. The ideal candidate will have experience working with an American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited institution. ASC holds a jewel of an art collection within the scope of African American artists, art of the Delta and Arkansas artists. We believe that museums are centers of learning, diversity, creativity and fun.  Our Permanent Collection and Exhibition program play an essential role in ASC's community engagement.

Reporting to the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, the Registrar assists in overseeing the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas’s permanent collection and its art-related operations.  The position administers the policies and procedures for the permanent collection, as well as loans to ASC and loans out of the museum. The position is charged with the care, preservation and risk management of ASC’s collections and with ensuring that the collections are available for current and future visitors.

The Registrar works in close collaboration with the Curator to realize exhibitions and installations of works from the collection, as well as loaned and touring exhibitions. This position aids the Curator as necessary with the installation and rotation of exhibitions. The Arts and Science Center rotates an average of 12 exhibitions a year.

REGISTRAR

THE REGISTRAR MAINTAINS THE CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS, OBJECT FILES, HISTORY OF EXHIBITIONS, AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERMANENT COLLECTION AND ANNUAL EXHIBITION SCHEDULE. THESE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

·         Advanced knowledge of Incoming Loan documents, Outgoing Loan documents, and Temporary Loan documents, and processes loan renewal documentation.
·         Recording condition of loaned objects/art
·         Conducting inventory policies, procedures, and file retention
·         Management of the collections database (PastPerfect), including data cleanup, the creation of user guides and reports, and working with staff/interns to ensure data standardization, as determined by Curator  
·         Responsible for developing, organizing and maintaining all records of permanent collections relative to care, identification, location and custody of objects.
·         Maintain hard copy file system, including exhibition files, artist files, and object files

COLLECTIONS CARE

THROUGH FORMAL EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, THE REGISTRAR CARES FOR THE PERMANENT COLLECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MUSEUMS’ BEST PRACTICES, INCLUDING:

·         Art handling, both two- and three-dimensional works
·         Art storage
·         Collections policy and procedure
·         General conservation and environmental control guidelines
·         Environmental controls including temperature, humidity, and UV
·         Integrated Pest Management
·         Accession and deaccession procedures, including recording object information and conditions, proper housing for objects
·         Properly photographing art and objects
·         Write descriptions of art and objects for collections records
·         Maintaining accurate inventory

EXHIBITION PREPARATION

REGISTRAR WILL ASSIST THE CURATOR WITH THE IN-HOUSE PREPARATION OF LOANDED EXHIBITION ARTWORK AND WORKS FROM THE ASC PERMANENT COLLECTION. THIS REGUIRES AIDING WITH THE FOLLOWING:

·         Object care during exhibition preparation and while on exhibition
·         Framing, including in-house frames and custom framing, and mat cutting
·         Mounting artworks
·         Purchasing exhibition supplies
·         Storage of incoming loans, temporary loans, and shipping materials
·         Exhibition mounting; will be executed under the guidance of the curator
·         Installing signage, including vinyl, text panels, and labels
·         Gallery wall repair and prep, and painting of pedestals
·         Maintain frames, plexiglass, mats, and plexiglass vitrines
·         Art to frame reciprocity system
·         Frugal use of resources while maintaining archival standards
·         Lifting, standing, and climbing ladders


QUALIFICATIONS

Required

·         Bachelor’s degree required (art history, museum studies, or related field), advanced degree preferred     
·         Basic art handling knowledge
·         Strong attention to detail
·         Experience installing 2D and 3D art objects
·         Knowledge of loan documentation
·         Excellent organizational skills
·         Exceptional writing and communication skills
·         Excellent Word and Excel skills
·         Ability to work independently and as part of a team
·         Stamina to stand, climb ladders, and lift up to 45 lbs.
·         Valid driver’s license, good driving record and access to transportation
·         Availability for occasional travel
·         Flexibility regarding work schedule, which will include some evenings and weekends to work, installations, art receptions and other special public events

Preferred

·         Minimum 2 years’ experience in professional art setting, preferably an AAM accredited museum
·         Knowledge of museum software, PastPerfect preferred
·         Knowledge of how to properly photograph and document art and objects
·         Knowledge of Lapentor program to create virtual exhibitions 



Special Requirements & Compensation

This year-round, full-time position with full benefits may at times require a flexible schedule to accommodate programs, events, and after-hours work including weekend and evening hours. Annual compensation includes a salary range of $34,000 - $36,000 depending on experience, plus health insurance, paid sick/leave time, and paid holidays. The incumbent should have a valid driver's license, be able to lift items up to 45 pounds, handle tools or controls, climb a ladder, and travel periodically for programs or meetings. Position is open until filled. No phone calls please.

To apply for this position, please visit https://www.asc701.org/museum-registrar


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software