Primary Role

The museum registrar supervises the maintenance of legal documents, histories of use, and physical histories of the permanent collection and loan objects, including the shipping and documentation of loans.  The registrar reviews and coordinates updates of collections policies, procedures, and forms.

Typical Duties & Responsibilities

  • Perform a complete inventory of the Permanent Collection (766 objects) and institute a procedure for repeating this inventory as recommended by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
  • As part of the inventory, compile condition reports, including photographic documentation, improving object identification (tags/labels) and storage for every object, incorporating this information into digital database.
  • Maintain the museum’s permanent collection database.
  • Accession new acquisitions into permanent collection, in accordance with the JCMA Collections Management Policy.
  • Working with the JCMA Director, draft and annually review/revise policy documents (including Code of Ethics, Emergency Preparedness Plan, Collections Management Policy—and accompanying forms, such as loan documents, object history form, and deaccessioning policy).
  • Work with JCMA Director on formation of a Collections Committee.
  • Work with students and staff to educate on proper and consistent handling and care of collections.
  • Work with the JCMA Director and Curator to handle shipping and insurance for incoming and outgoing loans and exhibitions.
  • Document and track works in the Campus Loan Program.
  • Inventory and identify collection objects, assessing condition and determination of object status.

Supervision Required/Given

Reporting to the JCMA Director, the museum registrar supervises students (museum practicum students,  interns, and guards) and staff involved in the handling, movement, storage, conservation, and packing of all art in the permanent collection and on loan. 

Position Qualifications

  • M.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, or closely related field.
  • Thorough knowledge of collection registration methods.
  • Knowledge of basic conservation concepts, procedures, and terms.
  • Proficiency utilizing collections databases and reporting tools. Demonstration of supervisory skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the executive, curatorial, and technical staff of the JCMA and other museums; with paid and non-paid staff, including volunteers and interns; and a broad spectrum of lenders, vendors, and members of the artistic community.
  • Ability and willingness to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.