Registrar

Senate • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registrar directs the registration and loan program of the Office of Senate Curator on behalf of the Senate Commission on Art. The role develops, manages, and implements standards, policies, procedures, and documentation for acquiring, inventorying, safely storing, handling, placing, and moving works of art and historical objects in the U.S. Senate Collection. The Registrar also oversees incoming and outgoing loans.

The work is governed by Commission requirements; Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; Senate procurement regulations; federal appropriations law; the U.S. Senate Handbook; the Senate Ethics Manual; the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration; the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act; and standards established by the American Alliance of Museums. The position requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments and is performed under the general supervision of the Associate Curator.

Work takes place in an office environment and requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary. The employee makes frequent visits to project sites and uses typical office equipment, software, and communication methods. The role involves physical activity and possible exposure to dust, paint, cleaning solvents, and fumes, with appropriate safety precautions required. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in art or American history, museum studies, or a related field.
• Five to eight years of professional museum registration experience.
• Knowledge of current museum registration and collections management concepts, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge and experience with information retrieval systems, relevant database programs, and electronic documentation technology.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical issues involving art and historic objects.
• Knowledge of current museum standards for displaying artifacts and documents, and ability to safely handle and examine art objects.
• Knowledge of disaster response practices related to art, historic objects, and archival records.
• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects.
• Ability to organize data and objects.
• Ability to implement operational guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to analyze and apply information and formulate recommendations.
• Ability to thoroughly research topics and write professional documents for educational purposes.
• Ability to deal with others using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, carry items weighing 25–50 pounds, and climb ladders and scaffolding or crawl under or into spaces to review work.
• Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.
• Physical presence in the office is required, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary.

Nice To Haves

• Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process and the history and operation of the Senate.

Responsibilities

• Direct the registration and loan program of the Office of Senate Curator on behalf of the Senate Commission on Art.
• Develop, manage, and implement standards, policies, procedures, and documentation for acquisition, inventory, safe storage, handling, placement, and movement of works of art and historical objects in the U.S. Senate Collection.
• Oversee the incoming and outgoing loan program.
• Set priorities and handle assignments using independent judgment within applicable policies, laws, regulations, and museum standards.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; specific benefits depend on the position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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