Registrar

Position Summary

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts seeks a skilled professional for the position of Registrar. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions and will be responsible for the coordination and management of incoming and outgoing loans, traveling exhibitions, and the care and documentation of the permanent collection in a fast-paced, exhibition-focused environment. The Registrar will work closely with the Curatorial Department, Preparators, Exhibition Designer, and other departments to ensure the successful and timely opening of each exhibition.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Collections Stewardship
• Maintains the collection management system
• Catalogues acquisitions
• Oversight of inventories and condition assessments
• Works with conservators to assess and treat artworks
• Manages rights and reproduction
• Ensures compliance with copyright, donor agreements, and legal standards, including NAGPRA and IRS guidelines
• Exhibitions and Loans
• Coordinates agreements with lenders
• Ships, insures, stores, and prepares condition reports for loans and exhibitions
• Prepares and submits indemnity applications and other required legal or government documentation
• Standards, Facilities, and Risk Management
• Helps ensure compliance with museum accreditation standards, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness planning
• Maintains the museum's facility reports
• Coordinates response plans
• Ensures alignment with institutional policies and professional ethics

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in museum registration, collections management, and exhibition coordination
• Demonstrated expertise in art handling, storage, transportation, and documentation best practices
• Proficiency with collection management systems and digital asset organization and workflows
• Familiarity with legal, ethical, and institutional policies government museum collections
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, timelines, and collaborative workflows
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive museum practices

Core Competencies

• Accountability and Accuracy: Maintains clear, consistent, and accessible records
• Communication: Communicates clearly and diplomatically across multiple teams
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Navigates changing priorities with resilience and creativity
• Collaboration: Values teamwork and contributes positively to work culture
• Professionalism: Exercises discretion, judgment, and integrity in all duties

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., bend, reach, and handle artworks safely
• Visual acuity for condition reporting and documentation tasks
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during installations and related projects
• Occasional travel as an art courier or representative of the museum

Additional Notes

This position occasionally requires evening or weekend hours related to installations, art shipments, or events. The Registrar may also travel to oversee object handling and transport.