Exhibitions Registrar
About The Position
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (BICLM) seeks an Exhibitions Registrar to join its Exhibitions team. Reporting to the BICLM Museum Coordinator, the role oversees the administration and logistical coordination of incoming and outgoing loans to BICLM and coordinates the museum’s traveling exhibitions program. The Registrar manages bookings, venue relationships, schedules, agreements, exhibition fees, shipping cycles, records, and transitions between venues, serving as the primary BICLM contact for borrowing institutions and external partners on traveling exhibition logistics and escalating decisions to the Museum Coordinator as appropriate. The position coordinates registration and logistics for individual incoming loans and outgoing loans of BICLM collection materials in collaboration with the Collections Curator. Work includes loan documentation, condition reporting, insurance, transportation, packing and crating, shipping, object movement, and communications with lenders, borrowers, vendors, and partners. For in-house exhibitions, the Registrar maintains object checklists, location records, loan and condition documentation, and other registration records, and may assist with preparation and installation, including artwork handling, matting, mounting, framing, installation, and deinstallation. The Registrar maintains files, checklists, and database records; coordinates purchasing and vendor payments for assigned projects; and advises on best practices for artwork handling and transportation. The role collaborates with museum and university colleagues to support the safe, well-documented movement and care of artwork. Some driving and travel may be required, and occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. The position is regular, scheduled for 40 hours per week, and works first shift.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in art, art history, museum studies, arts administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least two years of related experience in registration, exhibitions, collections management, curatorial operations, archives, or a related museum or gallery setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of museum registration and collections-management best practices, including artwork handling, care, preservation, installation, storage, registration methods, electronic collection records, special exhibitions, loan administration, and fine arts insurance.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects, schedules, deadlines, or logistical activities with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office 365 and collections management systems.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience administering or coordinating traveling exhibitions or other multi-venue cultural projects.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Experience coordinating incoming and outgoing loans, loan agreements, condition reporting, exhibition checklists, fine arts insurance, museum registrar files, packing, and shipping.
- Experience tracking project expenses, obtaining vendor estimates, coordinating purchasing, processing invoices, and maintaining project budgets.
- Knowledge and experience with Airtable and Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
- Experience with artwork preparation or installation, including matting, mounting, and framing.
- Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
- Self-motivation, resourcefulness, flexibility, and creativity in analyzing and solving problems.
- Ability to work successfully with others and communicate complex matters effectively to diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of comics and cartoon art or demonstrated interest in the field.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate the administration and logistics of the BICLM traveling exhibitions program, including marketing exhibits, securing bookings, managing venue relationships, schedules, agreements, budgets, exhibition fees, shipping cycles, records, and transitions between venues.
- Serve as the BICLM contact for borrowing institutions and external partners regarding traveling exhibition logistics, escalating decisions to the Museum Coordinator as appropriate.
- Coordinate incoming loans to BICLM and outgoing loans of BICLM special collections materials, including agreements, condition reports, receipts, insurance, transportation, shipping, and related documentation.
- Maintain exhibition checklists, object locations, loan records, condition documentation, registrar files, and database records.
- Collaborate with curators, the Museum Coordinator, preparators, collection staff, conservation and preservation staff, Facilities, Security, and other university personnel.
- Assist with exhibition preparation and installation as assigned, including artwork handling, matting, mounting, framing, installation, deinstallation, and repacking.
- Build and maintain working relationships with museum staff, colleagues at other institutions, consultants, and vendors.
- Coordinate purchasing, vendor estimates, invoices, exhibition fees, and related project expenses.
- Serve as a fine art courier when required; some driving and travel may be required.
- Attend exhibition and operations meetings.
- Assist with maintaining gallery, preparation, and storage spaces.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package with options supporting health, finances, work-life balance, and education.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
