Museum Registrar

The Trustees of Reservations•Lincoln, MA

5d•$60,000 - $68,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Registrar at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum supports exhibitions, outdoor commissions, and the permanent collection at deCordova, with occasional work at other sites in The Trustees’ network. The role implements and maintains registration procedures for outdoor sculpture and exhibitions, oversees collections management and care for the permanent collection, provides registration oversight and consultation for the Art and the Landscape series, and coordinates with collections curators and archivists for select exhibitions at Fruitlands Museum. The position supports preparations to reopen the Museum’s galleries in 2028, the migration of the collection management system from Mimsy to Qi, and updates to the museum’s collection management policy. The Registrar supervises a termed Collection Specialist who supports the transfer of collection records to the new system. The position is primarily onsite at deCordova, with some travel to other Massachusetts sites, and reports to the Director of Projects and Exhibitions.

Requirements

At least 3 years of registration experience in a museum, gallery, or other cultural organization.
Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) required.
Strong knowledge of museum registration best practices and collection care.
Familiarity with museum collection management systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication and research skills.
Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
Collaborative and diplomatic approach; ability to problem-solve, adapt to change, and respond openly to feedback.
Interest in working outdoors and on artist-driven projects responsive to place and environment; willingness to be flexible under changing conditions.
Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
Satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Nice To Haves

Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or Arts Administration.
Experience with Qi collection management software.

Responsibilities

Handle registration for incoming and outgoing loans to and from deCordova, select Fruitlands exhibitions, and Art and the Landscape commissions, including loan documentation, condition reports, packing, shipping, art handling, and coordination with the Curatorial team.
Liaise with artists and their representatives regarding care and security of commissions and loans.
Handle registration and provide planning support for the reopening of the Museum’s galleries in 2028.
Negotiate fine art insurance renewals and maintain coverage and records for the permanent collection, exhibitions, and Sculpture Park.
Manage electronic and paper files for deposits and the permanent collection, including deeds of gift, invoices and payments, artist and commission agreements, Customs paperwork, and other legal documents.
Maintain the TC and Accession logs.
Manage deCordova’s collections management systems in collaboration with colleagues in Historic Collections and Archives; continue migration of records from Mimsy to Qi; enter accessions and loans; and update object locations promptly.
Oversee the Collection Specialist and provide expertise and support for development of the Collections Management Plan.
Arrange and manage exhibitions and storage of artworks at off-site storage, including storage operations, HVAC, security, and utilities.
Monitor and maintain temperature and humidity in galleries and art storage areas.
Coordinate annual maintenance of outdoor sculpture with the preparator.
Manage permanent collection inventory and perform reconciliation.
Support development of the department budget and manage relevant expenses.
Advise on museum best practices for collections management procedures, including art handling, storage, object tracking, and working with conservators and framers.

Benefits

15 days of sick time per year.
20 days of vacation per year, prorated.
12 observed holidays and 3 floating holidays.
Health insurance through Mass General Brigham Health Plan, with fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave.
Dental and vision insurance.
Life insurance.
401(k) with a 5% match after 1 year of employment.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential support for personal and work-related issues, including mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
Free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
Free entry to Trustees properties, discounted event tickets and merchandise, and discounts on stays at Trustees inns.
One paid workday per year to explore a Trustees property.
One paid workday per year to help with a project at a Trustees property.