Associate Registrar for Exhibitions

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, especially those from marginalized and under‑represented groups in the museum field, and we are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate all details and logistics for in‑house and traveling exhibitions, including packing, shipping, insuring, installation, storage, and courier arrangements.
• Review and negotiate loan agreements with lenders.
• Organize complex domestic and international shipments with couriers and schedule installations.
• Oversee and document unpacking, condition checks, and installation of loans.
• Negotiate and arrange fine‑arts insurance for exhibitions.
• Prepare and submit U.S. Government indemnity applications and applications for Immunity from Seizure; oversee arrangements for indemnified exhibitions.
• Collaborate with conservation, installations & packing, exhibition design, curatorial, protection services, and facilities teams to coordinate exhibitions.
• Supervise lender requirements and distribute information to appropriate departments.
• Travel as a courier for exhibitions and loan shipments as assigned.
• Complete condition reports as needed.
• Release and receive shipments before or after hours to meet international and domestic shipping schedules.
• Archive closed exhibitions.
• Participate in Registration Department activities to achieve departmental goals under the direction of the Director of Registration.
• Perform other duties related to the movement and inventory of the collections as required.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of related registrar experience.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in museum studies, or equivalent experience in museum collections management.
• Well‑organized, detail‑oriented, with knowledge of best practices in museum registration, art handling, packing, and shipping.
• Experience organizing complex domestic and international shipments with couriers.
• Prior experience with U.S. Government indemnity procedures and requirements.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines in a team‑oriented environment.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Availability to travel nationally and internationally as a courier.
• Experience with The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
• Candidate must complete a Security Threat Assessment post‑hire.

Compensation

Salary: $56,292.08 per year. Full‑time, exempt position, 35 hours per week. Position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit and reports to the Director of Registration.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and to use computers and office equipment.
• Minor lifting and bending (no more than 50 lb).
• Regularly set up, adjust, and operate a computer/keyboard and other office equipment.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods and to stand in galleries during installation and de‑installation for long periods.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer.

Institutional Requirements

• Uphold professional standards of the museum field and act in the museum’s best interests.
• Adhere to the museum’s code of ethics, Employee Handbook, and avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Show respect for co‑workers, visitors, and appreciate the diversity of staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will close once a robust applicant pool is reached or a candidate is selected.

What We Offer

• Free general admission for you and immediate family.
• Discounted guest tickets, gift memberships, and special staff tours/presentations.
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, cafés, and retail/online stores.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Fully paid short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, and life insurance.
• Health savings or flexible spending account program.
• Retirement savings program with museum match.
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays.