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 (MONA). 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 MONA’s mission of preserving and presenting its collection.

Job Duties          

· 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 procedures

· 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 to 5 years of experience in professional museum collections care, in art museums, history museums, or other collecting institutions, with special preference given to candidates who have worked with fine arts collections

B.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, Library Science, or related subject required

Strong cross-cultural competence.

High emotional intelligence and proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, donors, artists, collectors, scholars, museum and gallery colleagues, community leaders, and decision makers.

Knowledge of and experience with best practices and museum standards for the handling, packing, storage, and transport of a variety of object types and exhibitions.

Strong organizational/problem-solving skills; detail-oriented; skilled in organizing work and managing time; Ability to complete tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail.

Expertise in museum digitization processes and storage/retrieval of data.

Knowledge of Past Perfect museum software or other digital asset management software.

Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively both independently and as part of a team.

Strong written and verbal skills.

Ability to develop and monitor annual operating and multi-year project budgets.

Ability to analyze and assess risk, and to communicate options.

Knowledge of federal and state policies and procedures relating to collections and exhibition ethics, and legal regulations relating to the collection.

Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to manage complex situations with agility, flexibility, and professional courtesy and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications 

M.A. preferred, ideally with focus or concentration in collections management.

Art Handler/Preparator experience.

Experience working across academic departments and administrative units in a university setting and/or as a university partnered organization

Physical Demands           

Ability to lift and carry up to at least 50 pounds.

Must be able to travel up and down stairs, climb, squat, bend and work from ladders or platforms.

Ability to maintain a steady pace throughout the day.

Ability to sit, stand, crouch, lift, push, pull, reach, carry, move, twist, and generally perform medium physical duties.

Compensation

Starting salary for this position is $48,000 annually (commensurate with experience). Employees receive benefits via The University of Nebraska Kearney. For full benefit information visit: Summary

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