Job Posting Title: Museum Registrar

Agency: Oklahoma Historical Society

Job Posting End Date: 7/30/26

Compensation: The annual salary for this position is $42,000.00-$48,000.00, based on education and experience.

About the OHS

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is an agency of the State of Oklahoma and a private membership organization governed by a Board of Directors.

The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. The OHS was founded on May 27, 1893, by members of the Territorial Press Association. In 1918 the OHS was relocated to the State Capitol, and in 1930 moved to the Wiley Post building. In 2005 came the opening of the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Over the years the OHS has developed numerous collections, programs, research centers, museums, historic homes, and military sites across the state.

About the Role

The Museum Registrar will report to the Director of Museum Collections and will office at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) in Oklahoma City. The Museum Registrar is responsible for helping manage the documentation, care, and movement of the OHS’ permanent museum collection and loans, both at the Oklahoma History Center Museum (OHCM) and at other OHS museums and sites across the state. This role ensures proper handling, cataloging, tracking, and preservation of artifacts in accordance with museum standards and best practices.

The ideal candidate is required to have a Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, art history, or a related field, but a Master’s degree is preferred. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in museum registration or collections management in a museum or gallery setting is preferred, but a combination of an advanced degree and experience may be considered.  

Responsibilities

Collections Management

• Maintain and update the museum’s collections database, Argus, ensuring accurate records of artifacts, including provenance, condition, and location.
• Ensure compliance with museum policies and legal requirements related to collections, including copyright, loans, acquisitions, and deaccessions.
• Process objects into the permanent collection via standard accessioning and cataloging methods.
• Assist with providing collections management support for OHS museums and sites.
• Assess potential donations, in collaboration with Director of Museum Collections, OHS Deputy Director, OHCM Director, OHCM Curator, Research, and OHS site directors.
• Assist in overseeing inventories, including periodic audits of the collection, including loans.
• Assist in a full collections review regarding cultural sensitivity.

Documentation, Records, & Logistics

• Maintain meticulous documentation, including acquisition records, gift agreements, loan agreements, and conservation reports.
• Work with the Director of Museum Collections to coordinate incoming and outgoing loans, including generating loan agreements, managing loan schedules, and providing support for insurance arrangements, artifact packing, and transportation.
• Conduct condition reports for objects (incoming and outgoing loans, items going on exhibit, objects entering the collection, etc.).

Preservation & Conservation

• Monitor environmental conditions in galleries and storage areas to ensure optimal preservation of the collection.
• Frequently inspect, clean, and maintain collections storage spaces.
• Collaborate with Director of Museum Collections and conservators to address conservation needs.

Administrative Duties

• Supervise collections interns, volunteers, and part-time (999s), as needed and appropriate.
• Assist in generating reports related to collections (board committee meetings, quarterly and annual reports, etc.)
• Monitor the collections care supplies and make recommendations for resource needs.  

General

• Communicate proactively, maintaining a professional demeanor and positive attitude and proposing solutions to problems as they arise.

• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance in order to successfully perform the duties of the job.
• Follow all museum policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of professional museum standards and best practices, including registration methods, accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, coordinating loans, location and inventory control, safe object handling and storage, packing and shipping, security measures, and IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
• Strong organizational and data management skills, with keen attention to accuracy and detail.
• Excellent research skills and ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency in collections management software (Argus), Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to set and meet deadlines and manage multiple projects, ensuring quality and timely deliverables.
• Exceptional problem-solving, interpersonal, organizational, and written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment

May occasionally be required to work on evenings and weekends for installations/deinstallations of exhibits. Must be able to safely handle delicate objects and use tools, both power and manual while on the job. Physical requirements include stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, crawling, pushing/pulling, climbing (including ladders), reaching above the shoulders and lifting up to 40 lbs. Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as boxes, crates, and oversized artifacts will be required. Position requires extensive repetitive movements such as typing and sitting or standing for long periods of time. Must be comfortable navigating galleries, storage, and loading dock settings. Some in-state same-day travel with an agency provided vehicle is required.

Salary and Benefits

$42,000-$48,000 annual salary per year

The State of Oklahoma provides a generous and competitive benefit package including:

• 11 paid holidays
• Annual and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 7% state-matched retirement with a Roth option
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Online training and development
• Fun, inviting teammates

Application

Apply and submit a cover letter, resume, and references as one PDF attachment via WorkDay Museum Registrar

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.