Assistant Registrar of Collections

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Registrar of Collections supports the care, documentation, access, and stewardship of the permanent collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary. The role supports collection management activities such as documentation, intake and cataloguing, condition reporting, packing and transportation, and the care and storage of collection objects. It maintains accurate collection records in The Museum System (TMS) and supports digital asset management, rights and reproductions, conservation activities, and other collections initiatives. The position collaborates with Museum colleagues and external partners to support proper care, preservation, documentation, and accessibility of the collection. The role also supports collection rotations, conservation coordination, environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, loans, photography, and image licensing. It may serve as a courier for collection objects, exhibitions, and loans, including domestic and international travel, and may provide guidance to interns and volunteers. Success requires knowledge of museum registration and collections management practices, attention to detail, sound judgment, the ability to manage competing priorities, and strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in art, art history, museum studies, or a related field.
2–3 years of experience in museum registration, collections management, or a related field.
Experience supporting collections management activities such as documentation, intake, cataloguing, condition reporting, or related registration functions.
Experience using a relational collections database.
Knowledge of museum registration and collections management practices, including object cataloguing and information-management standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and ability to use specialized collections-management and digital asset systems effectively.
Strong organizational, writing, proofreading, and analytical skills, with accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Sound judgment and discretion, including ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility, adaptability, and initiative, with ability to contribute effectively as part of a team.
Commitment to accountability and high ethical standards in Museum practices.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport.

Nice To Haves

Experience in collections and records management.
Experience with The Museum System (TMS).
Experience using a digital asset management system (DAMS).
Knowledge of American art and familiarity with artists' materials.

Responsibilities

Support the display, care, storage, preservation, and accessibility of collection objects with internal and external partners.
Assist with intake and cataloguing of acquisitions, including documentation, condition reporting, storage, and inventory activities.
Maintain accurate collection records in digital and physical formats and update object files and TMS records.
Facilitate internal and external research access to collection files and information.
Support permanent-gallery artwork rotations by identifying needs, preparing movement requests, and proofreading object labels.
Track conservation examination and treatment needs and coordinate contract conservator visits, agreements, travel, and reports.
Coordinate regular condition checks of objects on display.
Support integrated pest management by monitoring traps and identifying insects in art spaces.
Monitor environmental conditions, including placing, removing, and calibrating data loggers and maintaining environmental records.
Prepare collection reports and statistics as requested.
Keep current with registration standards, collection-management practices, and conservation guidelines.
Enter, review, and proof collection information in TMS.
Upload object documentary images to the digital asset management system (DAMS) and maintain associated information.
Secure non-exclusive copyright licenses and maintain copyright status, permissions, and credit requirements in TMS and DAMS.
Respond to reproduction requests, coordinate image licensing agreements, and communicate licensing terms and proof materials.
Process domestic and international loan requests, including reviewing facility reports, providing recommendations to the Art Committee, preparing agreements and condition reports, and updating TMS.
Track collection photography needs, coordinate photo shoots, process and upload images to TMS and DAMS, and coordinate staff access to images.
Support packing, unpacking, transportation, condition reporting, and other activities related to moving and caring for collection objects.
Serve as a courier, as assigned, accompanying collection objects, exhibitions, and loans domestically and internationally.
Support special projects and other Registration activities as assigned.
Provide guidance and support to interns and volunteers as assigned.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.