Associate Registrar for Collections

Philadelphia Museum of Art•Philadelphia, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Registrar for Collections is responsible for the accurate execution of Registration functions for the museum’s collections in adherence with best practices in collections care and governance. This role upholds the museum’s Collections Management Policy. The Associate Registrar manages and implements the registration and accession process for objects accepted into the museum’s permanent collection, and is responsible for deaccessioning, incoming loans, object movement, packing and shipping, care, handling, and storage of objects in the museum’s custody, as well as the ethical and legal issues and documentation associated with these activities. The Associate Registrar for Collections organizes safe and efficient transport of art objects for a variety of purposes and oversees installations as needed.

Requirements

Minimum of four to seven years of related registrar experience; Bachelor’s degree or Master’s in museum studies program, or equivalent experience working in museum collections management
Familiarity with laws pertaining to cultural property, ownership, custody, transfer, and disposition of works of art, and with best practices and standards in the field, including ethical standards
Excellent organizational skills, problem solving skills, follow-through, and attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Exhibits excellent decision-making skills, judgment and adaptability. Maintains confidentiality and discretion at all times in handling sensitive information.
Strong interpersonal skills
Flexibility and ability to work with a diverse team of staff and lenders
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work under pressure to meet deadlines
Collections Management database experience - TMS required
Computer proficiency – Word, Excel, Outlook, Acrobat
Candidate must complete Security Threat Assessment application

Responsibilities

Manage the registration and accession process for objects accepted into the museum’s permanent collection, and deaccession processes in accordance with legal requirements and museum policy
Create, organize, and maintain legal documentation, contractual forms and retrieval systems associated with acquisitions and the collection - accessions, bequests, promised gifts, and deaccessions
Prepare quarterly Collections Committee reports and Board Reports for approval meetings
Review and approve acquisition proposals and support the coordination of proposals with the Deputy Director of Collections and Exhibitions
Arrange and coordinate the transfer of artwork to and from the museum as needed – organize transportation, couriers, security, insurance, unpacking, storage and related details
Manage incoming long-term loans, generate receipts, loan agreements and other legal museum forms and documentation as applicable
Enter information into the collection management system (TMS)
Conduct collections inventories, including spot checks
Oversee installations in historic park houses, Rodin Museum and other PMA sites as needed
Assist in the coordination of large-scale reinstallations of the permanent collection galleries
Assist in the preparation of budgets for the packing, shipping and insuring of loans
Other duties related to collections documentation, care, inventory and movement of the collections

Benefits

Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
Discounted guest tickets for admission
Discounts on gift memberships
Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
Health savings or flexible spending account program
Retirement savings program with museum match
Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays