Museum Registrar / Collections Coordinator

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Curator, the Museum Registrar / Collections Coordinator is a knowledgeable and experienced art museum professional who implements the highest stewardship standards for works of art entrusted to the Museum of Nebraska Art. The Registrar ensures continuity of care for works of art owned by and lent to the Museum, and manage both acquisition and deaccessioning procedures for the Museum’s collection of over 6,000 works of art. The Registrar / Collections Coordinator plays a vital role in the stewardship and management of the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. This position ensures the proper documentation, care, handling, storage, and movement of artworks in accordance with professional museum standards. The Registrar works collaboratively with the Curator, outside conservators, exhibition staff, and external lenders to support the Museum’s mission of preserving and presenting its collection.

Essential Functions:

• Produce and maintain documentation of all exhibitions, incoming, and outgoing loans in collections database system and hardcopy files
• Manage the collections database system, ensuring that standards for data entry are maintained
  Establish object conservation priorities for works of art in the Museum’s collection. Provide annual conservation recommendations and budgets, and manage conservation initiatives or treatments to assure preservation of artwork
• Plan, oversee, and implement packing, shipping, couriers, customs, and insurance for exhibitions. Perform condition checks and monitor condition of objects while on display. Assist with installations, de-installations, and exhibition rotations in galleries.
• Review and follow Collection Management policies and procedure
  Work with Museum Curator to ensure appropriate permanent collection and exhibition insurance coverage, and to process claims as needed
• Research and maintain copyright records for works in the collection. Manage and negotiate copyright permissions for publications, publicity, marketing, and related uses. Process requests for reproduction of images of works in collection.
• Organize and maintain exhibition checklists and exhibition project files, including exhibition labels and photo documentation. Issue and maintain legal documents pertaining to temporary exhibitions including loan agreements, receipts, condition reports, and certificates of insurance
• Coordinate outside services related to collections care and management as needed, including contracting for collection photography, conservation, packing, crating, and shipping.
  Arrange for periodic system upgrades and migrations. Manage all digital and hard copy collections records, object files, and digitization of images
• Support the Museum’s curricular and co-curricular initiatives by providing collections research and interpretation, sharing information about the collection, and facilitating various forms of access to the collection
• Assist with collection-focused grant proposals/applications; implement and track grant-funded initiatives.
• In conjunction with Museum Preparator, act and assist as courier for traveling exhibitions as needed
  Train and supervise student staff, graduate assistants, interns, and volunteers performing work related to the collection and/or in the Museum’s galleries.
• Implement Museum’s disaster preparedness and emergency response policies

Required Qualifications:
3-5 years minimum of working in a museum, gallery, or archive. B.A. in Museum Studies, Art History, Library Science, or related subject required.
M.A. Preferred. Experience with conservation and collections care preferred
Preferred Qualifications

Graduate degree in related field
5+ years of relevant experience in collections management

Physical Demands:

This position requires the capability to move around in a studio setting and be present in galleries for extended periods of time. Acceptable eyesight, acceptable hearing, ability to clearly communicate both orally and in writing on a telephone and on a computer for extended periods. Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer or other electronic devices. Routinely requires moderate (up to 40 pounds) lifting and carrying. Routinely requires walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, stooping, reaching up, twisting, and bending.