Registrar and Collections Specialist

DHRM • Richmond, VA

14h

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, this position will support the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Museum, a satellite location of the Science Museum of Virginia. The specialist will acquire objects from external partners for the future museum’s four galleries, building relationships with outside organizations and coordinating paperwork, transportation, and installation to help create engaging visitor experiences.

Following the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center in 2027, the position’s focus will shift toward documentation, special projects, and management of the Museum’s permanent and educational collections. 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 support new and existing exhibits, lead special projects such as artifact preservation and restoration, and coordinate installation, monitoring, and deinstallation of traveling exhibition objects across the three museum locations.

Requirements

• Strong research abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, proficiency in spoken English, attention to detail, and outstanding organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the Exhibit and Content Development team and administrative staff.
• Knowledge of museum registration processes and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to independently source objects from external donors and organizations for exhibits and identify 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.

Nice To Haves

• Project management skills and familiarity with Asana or similar project management tools.
• 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 other institutions for exhibits.
• Build relationships with external partners and coordinate object-related paperwork, transportation, and installation.
• Identify compelling STEM stories associated with objects.
• Document and manage the Museum’s permanent and educational collections, including natural history and geologic specimens, archival materials, and transportation and flight artifacts.
• Support new and existing exhibits.
• Lead special projects, including artifact preservation and restoration.
• Coordinate the installation, monitoring, and deinstallation of objects associated with traveling exhibitions across the Museum’s three locations.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Life insurance
• 457 plan and pension plan
• Short- and long-term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Generous paid time off, including vacation leave, four days of family and personal leave, and eight sick days per year
• 12 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed