Art Collection Registrar

JLL•East Rutherford, NJ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or related field
7+ years of professional experience as a museum registrar or corporate art collection manager
Demonstrated expertise in collections management systems (TMS, PastPerfect, Collective Access, or similar museum-standard databases)
Proven experience managing collections of 3,000+ objects
Advanced knowledge of conservation principles, proper artwork handling techniques, and museum-quality storage protocols
Strong understanding of appraisal standards (USPAP), insurance requirements, and fine art valuation practices
Knowledge of copyright law, artist rights management, and image use licensing as applied to corporate collections
Extensive vendor management experience including oversight of art handlers, conservators, installers, appraisers, and specialized service providers
Excellent project management skills with demonstrated ability to establish policies, procedures, and operational frameworks
Proven ability to integrate art collection operations within facilities management and corporate workplace environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to interact effectively with all organizational levels
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint)

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Arts Administration, or related field
10+ years of registrarial experience in museum or corporate collection settings
Experience leading database migration projects from legacy systems to modern CMS platforms
Demonstrated success developing collection policies, acquisition/deaccession procedures, and compliance frameworks from the ground up
Experience working within integrated facilities management or corporate real estate service delivery models
Knowledge of pharmaceutical, healthcare, or Fortune 500 corporate environments
Familiarity with multi-site or global collection management operations
Experience coordinating third-party inventory and appraisal projects
Background in art curation, exhibition development, or workplace art programming
Ability to lift and move artwork weighing up to 50 lbs using proper handling techniques
Professional affiliations with organizations such as American Alliance of Museums (AAM), Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists (ARCS), or similar professional bodies

Responsibilities

Database Management and Documentation ● Directs efforts in managing a museum-standard database, customizing fields & functionality, and migrating collection records from current fragmented Excel and Access systems ● Records all ongoing collection object activity, condition reporting, financials, and appraisals into the database ● Integrates the survey of all objects provided by the third-party vendor to ensure proper cataloging and comprehensive documentation of location, condition, and provenance
Art Collection Policy and Procedures Development ● Creates operational guidelines for artwork handling to ensure conservation-minded operations remain within the registrar's oversight ● Designs acquisition and deaccession policies aligned with Johnson & Johnson requirements and industry best practices ● Establishes detailed deaccession checklists ● Develops standardized procedures that integrate seamlessly with existing Facilities Management, Project and Development Services, and Workplace Experience teams
Appraisal and Valuation Services ● Coordinates with the third-party vendor who will manage all appraisal activity, providing collection reports ● Archives appraisal records and ensures all valuations are updated in collection records ● Coordinates insurance valuations ● Ensures collection valuation reports are issued to fine art insurance carriers
Vendor Management and Operational Integration ● Serves as the primary point of contact for third-party vendors servicing the art collection ● Manages relationships with art transportation, installation, frame shops, conservation studios, and appraisers ● Establishes vendor oversight protocols ● Develops systematic approaches for managing art accumulation at FM-managed locations during site closures
Onsite Storage Management ● Catalogs each object to specific storage bin locations recorded in the database by the third-party vendor ● Manages all activity of art moving through storage ● Properly packs and protects stored assets in museum-quality archival materials ● Implements regular inventory update schedules ● Determines which objects should be deaccessioned
Collection Curation and Workplace Integration ● Services work orders and projects relating to the art collection ● Audits workplace installations and implements improvements through piece rotation and installation adjustments ● Adds artwork where needed ● Activates unused storage pieces ● Researches artist information for informational didactics ● Ensures optimal placement and presentation of artworks throughout the workplace to enhance the physical environment
Conservation and Compliance ● Reviews the current condition of each object as conducted by third-party vendor ensuring that reporting of existing conservation needs is addressed ● Executes new condition reporting as needs arise ● Maintains ongoing condition assessment practices to identify conservation repair or reframing needs ● Ensures proper storage and handling procedures ● Identifies objects with public visibility that require image use license agreements from artists or estates for copyright compliance