Assistant Registrar

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Assistant Registrar generates and maintains records pertaining to the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s permanent collection and facilitates interaction with the collection through loans, exhibitions, and research. The role manages domestic and international loans to and from the Museum, maintains accountability for collection objects under loan contract, negotiates and monitors loan agreements, and supports collection-related information systems and planning. The Assistant Registrar also provides information and documentation for proposed accessions and arranges appropriate packing, handling, and shipping for museum objects. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. This position is included in a bargaining unit.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 in the Federal Service or a comparable pay band system.
Specialized experience includes cataloging, controlling, and documenting museum artifacts or objects; negotiating loan terms; managing and documenting the loan process; packing and shipping museum objects; and using a collections management system to catalog and track museum objects.
Candidates who are subject to federal time-in-grade rules must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade within the specified period.
Resume must be no more than two pages and should describe how experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience requirements.
Must have career or career-conditional status or eligibility.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.

Responsibilities

Maintain documents and information about the artifact collection that are not more appropriately housed in the Museum’s Archives or curator’s files.
Manage domestic and international loans to and from the Museum and ensure accountability for NMAAHC collection objects under loan contract.
Negotiate loan terms and create and sign loan contracts on behalf of the Museum.
Monitor compliance with loan contract terms and requirements.
Assist in selecting and implementing cost-effective computer system changes to meet staff and public needs.
Assist with long- and short-range computerization planning.
Provide object information and documentation about proposed accessions to the Collections Committee and Director to support their accession decisions.
Prescribe special packing materials and handling requirements to reduce risks when moving museum objects.
Identify and select contract fine arts handlers and ensure shipping logistics are arranged.