Assistant Registrar Incoming Loans

MFAH•Houston, TX

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role focuses on coordinating the shipment of artworks to and from the museum for potential acquisition or extended loan. It involves initial data entry into the museum’s collection database (TMS), preparing loan agreements, and serving as the primary contact for lenders regarding paperwork, shipping, and artwork condition. The position requires documenting the unpacking process, conducting initial condition examinations, and cataloging loaned artworks according to museum standards. Maintaining organized physical and digital loan files and assisting with other Collections projects are also key responsibilities.

Requirements

Solid computer skills combined with sound, proven organizational and clerical skills.
Structured, calm approach and personality - can effectively manage numerous projects at once.
Team player who can work well with others - Registration, Preparations, Conservation, and Curatorial departments.
1-3 years of Registration or Collections Management experience in a professional art gallery or museum required.
Must be comfortable with handling artwork unsupervised after receiving training by Conservation staff.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with "The Museum System" (TMS) preferred.
Previous experience with art handling preferred.
Bachelors degree in a related field - arts, education or humanities - strongly preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Responsibilities

Coordination of shipment to and from the museum of artworks requested for loan for potential acquisition or extended loan to the museum.
Initial data entry into the museum’s collection database (TMS) of information relating to the incoming loan of artworks and preparation of initial loan agreements with lenders.
Serve as primary point of contact with lender throughout incoming loans process as it relates to loan paperwork, shipping, and artwork condition.
Document unpacking process of loaned artwork alone, or when necessary, in coordination with the Preparations and Conservation Departments.
Conduct initial condition examination.
Initial cataloguing of loaned artworks in accordance with museum data standards.
Create, update, and maintain organized physical and digital loan files.
Assist with other Collections projects as needed.