Museum Registrar (Special Collections) Fixed Term 2 years

National Geographic•Washington, DC

3d•$68,400 - $72,000

About The Position

The Storytelling team works to expand the organization’s impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, and data visualization. As one of the largest funders to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grantmaking, and fellowship opportunities with creative talent. Much of the team's programmatic activity is focused on identifying and building capacity for the next generation of diverse storytellers. Reporting to the Director of Outreach and Engagement, the Museum Registrar is responsible for the proper care, documentation, and movement of the National Geographic Society's digital and physical collection materials, as well as the implementation of policies and procedures to support new acquisitions, deaccessions, and outgoing loans. This role involves close collaboration with the Society’s Legal and Business Affairs, Finance’s Risk Management & Insurance, and Campus and Experiences’ Exhibitions teams for production success, including safe transport, preparation, digitization, and quality assurance of both physical items and digital images for display in the Museum of Exploration and Traveling Exhibitions. This is a fixed term role for 2 years (est. March 2028 end date)

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
5+ years of progressive responsibility in an Archives, Special Collections, museum, or similar setting. with demonstrated experience in collections handling, management, and acquisitions.
Broad knowledge of National Geographic history, organization, and mission.
Demonstrated experience in collections management and handling, acquisitions and registration practices, conservation and collections care, inventory, environmental monitoring, loan agreement processing and exhibition preparation.
Knowledge of US domestic and international laws related to museum collecting practices, repatriations, and returns.
Demonstrated experience with digital asset and collections management systems.
Strong customer service focus, with well-rounded analytical and prioritization skills.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Demonstrated commitment to open and equitable access.
Ability to collaborate effectively within and across diverse teams.
Effective written and verbal communications skills.
Must have attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Collections Management & Documentation (40%): Oversee the proper care, documentation, and movement of digital and physical collection materials and new acquisitions. Maintain related documentation, including collection condition reports, insurance documentation, and transfers for collections in both on-site and off-site storage. Create, maintain, and update associated collection records in Axiell Collections. Generate, compile, and maintain legal documents, histories of use, and physical histories of permanent collection objects, ensuring documents like Deeds of Gift adhere to current standards. Coordinate and manage logistical arrangements, including transportation, customs clearance, shipping estimates, packing, and courier needs for new acquisitions and potential collection returns or deaccessions. Issue loan and license out agreements and review/negotiate lender terms in collaboration with the Society’s Legal and Business Affairs (LBA) team, Finance’s Risk Management & Insurance team, and Campus and Experiences’ Exhibitions team. Collaborate with internal teams (including LBA and Special Collections leadership) on the development of acquisitions and collections management policies and procedures.
Exhibition & Logistics (40%): Collaborate with the Exhibitions team during the production phase of exhibition development, including QA, tracking, and delivery of physical items and suitable digital images for print and digital display. Adhere to industry best practices for art, archival, and collection object handling, movement, installation, storage, condition reporting, data management, packing, and shipping for new acquisitions, loans, and returns.
Research, Training, and Administration (20%): In close collaboration with the Director of Archival Collections, support object and archival research and update information in relevant collection systems. In close collaboration with the Sr. Manager of Reference and Research, Support access to the collection for research by students, faculty, and community members. In collaboration with the Director of Archival Collections and the Director of Budget Operations, develop registration budgets, including creating estimates, processing expenses, and regular reporting.

Benefits

medical, dental, and vision insurance
engaging and comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits
learning and development opportunities
Lifestyle Spending Account
pet adoption assistance and insurance
pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy
employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks