Registrar and Collections Specialist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

2d•$40,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The Science Museum of Virginia seeks a meticulous Registrar and Collections Specialist to join its Exhibit and Content Development team. Reporting to the David and Jane Cohn Scientist, Director of Exhibit and Content Development, the role supports the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Museum, a satellite location of the Science Museum of Virginia. Before the Northern Virginia Science Museum opens, the specialist will acquire objects from external partners for its four galleries. The work includes building relationships with outside organizations and coordinating paperwork, transportation, and installation so that objects support an engaging visitor experience. Following the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center in 2027, the position will focus on documentation, special projects, and management of the Museum’s permanent and educational collections. The collections include natural history and geologic specimens, archival materials, and artifacts related to transportation and flight, housed across locations in Danville, Sterling, and Richmond, Virginia. The specialist will also support new and existing exhibits; lead special projects such as artifact preservation and restoration; and coordinate installation, monitoring, and deinstallation of objects associated with traveling exhibitions across the museum locations.

Requirements

Strong research abilities and excellent oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in spoken English.
Keen attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the Exhibit and Content Development team and administrative staff.
Project management skills and familiarity with Asana or similar project management tools are highly valued.
Knowledge of museum registration processes and standards.
Demonstrated skill in independently sourcing objects from external donors and organizations for exhibits and identifying compelling STEM stories for objects.
Experience with museum registrar responsibilities and best practices in collections care.
Demonstrated experience researching, coordinating, and securing collection items from other institutions for exhibits.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, kneel, and climb ladders regularly.
Selected candidates must successfully pass a criminal history background check; employment verification and current or previous supervisory employment reference checks will be conducted.
New employees must provide information from Form I-9 for entry into the Federal E-Verify system.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with PastPerfect Museum Software and a strong understanding of database management practices.
Prior experience working in STEM-focused museum collections, archives, or a curatorial department.

Responsibilities

Source and acquire objects from external donors, organizations, and institutional partners for exhibits.
Build relationships with outside organizations and coordinate object-related paperwork, transportation, and installation.
Support the development of the Northern Virginia Science Museum’s four galleries and help identify compelling STEM stories for objects.
Document and manage the Museum’s permanent and educational collections, including natural history and geologic specimens, archival materials, and transportation- and flight-related artifacts.
Support new and existing exhibits.
Lead special projects, including artifact preservation and restoration.
Coordinate installation, monitoring, and deinstallation of objects associated with traveling exhibitions across the Museum’s locations.
Conduct research and coordinate and secure collection items from other institutions for exhibits.