Registrar of Collections

About the role

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Head Registrar, the Registrar of Collections is responsible for all registration functions related to managing the permanent collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (the “Museum”). This position administers a managed plan for the care, documentation, and display of the collection, and ensures the accuracy and recording of collections information. The Registrar of Collections leads a focused team within the department and is responsible for the assignment and management of projects and tasks on his or her team. This position requires a high level of collaboration with internal and external colleagues and the ability to manage a wide range of projects in a fast-paced environment.

Principal Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Head Registrar, Curatorial staff, Art Preparation and Collections Care team, and contract conservators, ensure the proper care, preservation and storage of collection objects.
• Work closely with Museum staff as well as donors, galleries, and artists on arrangements for donations, purchases and commissions.
• Administer the acquisitions process including preparing Temporary Custody Agreements, Deeds of Gift, Bills of Sale, and processing payment for purchases and commissions.
• Cook up packing/shipping arrangements and manage paperwork, unpacking, condition-reporting, and intake of artwork at the Museum on approval or as promised gifts.
• Oversee collection documentation, data entry and reporting, and the creation and maintenance of object files.
• Collaborate with Curatorial, Exhibition Designer and Art Preparation and Collections Care on safe display of collection objects.
• Implement a managed plan of care for the Museum’s permanent collection, including arranging conservator visits of all specialties.
• As the collection grows, assess and revise the plan of care to accommodate changing needs.
• Implement a managed plan of care for the Museum’s permanent collection, including arranging conservator visits of all specialties.
• In coordination with Curatorial staff and Art Preparation and Collections Care team, develop budgets for on-site and off-site conservation and framing.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with project budgets.
• Serve as supervisor to the collection registrars team, interns, and volunteers.
• Support registration functions for collections-based temporary exhibitions.
• Act as courier, to accompany exhibitions and loans worldwide.
• Aid in researching, recommending, and implementing new protocols.
• Keep apprised of approved and current registration standards as well as basic conservation guidelines for the care and handling of artworks of all media.
• Continue professional development to expand knowledge and become an authority on best practices and standards in the field.
• Complete special projects and basic research as assigned.
• Complete all other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education, Training, and Traits: Degree from accredited college or university required, with coursework in art, art history, museum studies or related field; Knowledge of American Art, and a familiarity with artists' materials required. Knowledge of principles and procedures of collections management record-keeping. Knowledge of art handling standards. Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Work Experience: Minimum five years of experience in museum registration with a focus in collections and contract and record management. Minimum of one year proven supervisory and management experience. Experience using complex collections database applications, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
• Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver’s license with clean driving record required. Ability to obtain valid passport.
• Skills and Abilities: Ability to exercise discretion. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to accuracy and detail. Ability to multi-task and think critically. High degree of organization and self-motivation, including ability to take initiative, anticipate actions needed, and exercise independent judgment. Excellent problem-solving, organization and time-management skills. Excellent interpersonal and communications (both written and verbal) skills.