Assistant Registrar for Exhibitions & Loans

About the role

The successful candidate is highly detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable balancing logistics, documentation, and communication with both internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist with organizing incoming loans for special exhibitions and temporary loans to the permanent collection
• Support the review and execution of SAM and lender loan agreements
• Cook up logistics with lenders, shippers, and partners for safe wall-to-wall transport of artworks
• Prepare documentation including condition reports, shipping receipts, crate lists, and pro forma invoices
• Oversee unpacking and deinstallations of loans as assigned, maintaining related records
• Support the development of exhibition and incoming loan budgets
• Ensure accurate data entry in The Museum System (TMS), including object, loan, and shipping records
• Participate in occasional art handling and courier duties as assigned
• Maintain working knowledge of Registrar’s Office procedures
• Assist in establishing and maintaining the Exhibitions and Loan In Policy and Procedures in consultation with supervisor, along with other exhibition-related policies and procedures necessary for inclusion in the Collections Management policy
• Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for visitors, every time
• Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow in our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies or related field, or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of art museum experience, preferably with a focus on exhibitions registration
• Working knowledge of museum standards and best practices for art handling, conservation, loan documentation, and collections data
• Some experience coordinating local and/or national fine arts transportation
• Working knowledge of fine arts insurance and general risk management principles
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Discretion in handling confidential information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Zoom, Asana, Slack, and TMS (Gallery Systems) preferred

Qualifications

• Ability to pass and maintain background check clearance

Skills

• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Discretion in handling confidential information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Zoom, Asana, Slack, and TMS (Gallery Systems) preferred

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers
• Strives to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve

Pay

$63,500 - $77,600 a year