Museum Registrar

The Trustees of Reservations • Lincoln, MA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Registrar at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum supports exhibitions, outdoor commissions, and the permanent collection at deCordova, and occasionally at other properties 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, and provides registration oversight for the Art and the Landscape series. The Registrar also coordinates with collections curators and archivists for select exhibitions at Fruitlands Museum.

The position supports preparations to reopen deCordova’s galleries in 2028, the migration of the museum’s collection management system from Mimsy to Qi, and updates to the collection management policy. The Registrar oversees a termed Collection Specialist who supports the transfer of collection records to the new system. The role is primarily onsite at deCordova, with some travel to other Massachusetts sites, and reports to the Director of Projects and Exhibitions.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree required.
• At least 3 years of registration experience in a museum, gallery, or other cultural organization.
• 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, with the ability to problem-solve, adapt to change, respond to feedback, and remain flexible under changing conditions.
• Interest in working outdoors and on artist-driven projects responsive to place and environment.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• Must pass a satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Register incoming and outgoing loans for deCordova, select Fruitlands exhibitions, and Art and the Landscape commissions; prepare loan agreements, loan forms, and condition reports, and arrange packing, shipping, and art handling.
• Liaise with the Curatorial team about loan requirements and with artists and their representatives about the 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 insurance coverage and records for the permanent collection, exhibitions, and Sculpture Park.
• Manage electronic and paper records for deposits and the permanent collection, including deeds of gift, invoices and payments, artist and commission agreements, Customs paperwork, and other legal paperwork.
• Maintain the TC and Accession logs.
• Manage deCordova’s collections management systems with state-wide colleagues in Historic Collections and Archives.
• Continue migrating records from Mimsy to Qi; enter new accessions and loans and promptly update object locations.
• Oversee the Collection Specialist, a termed position supporting the transfer of records into Qi.
• Provide expertise and support for development of the Collections Management Plan.
• Arrange and manage exhibition 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 the 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, 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 the Mass General Brigham Health Plan.
• Fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits through MGB.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) with a 5% match after one year of employment.
• Employee Assistance Program, including confidential 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 workday per year to explore a Trustees property.
• One workday per year to help with a project at a Trustees property.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level