Description:
The Assistant Registrar, Exhibitions is responsible for assisting the Exhibition Registrar with the shipment, documentation, and care of artwork coming to the museum for special exhibitions and special projects.
Responsibilities:
- Assists with the coordination of shipments to and from the museum of artworks requested for special exhibitions and special projects.
- Initiate and maintain data entry into the museum’s collection database “The Museum System” (TMS).
- Serve as a point of contact with lenders and vendors throughout loans process as it relates to loan paperwork, shipping, and artwork condition.
- Assists Exhibition Registrars and Exhibitions Coordinators in planning for the installation and deinstallation of special exhibitions and special projects.
- Assists Exhibition Registrar with activities during installations and deinstallation in the galleries.
- Document unpacking and packing process of loaned artwork in coordination with the Exhibition Registrars, Preparations and Conservation Departments.
- Processes invoices related to special exhibitions and special projects
- Updates exhibition histories in TMS.
- Archives Exhibitions files.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Solid computer skills combined with sound, proven organizational and clerical skills.
- Structured, calm approach and personality - can effectively manage numerous projects at once.
- Team player who can work well with others - Registration, Preparations, Conservation, Exhibitions and Curatorial departments.
- Previous experience with "The Museum System" (TMS) preferred.
- Previous experience with art handling preferred. Must be comfortable with handling artwork unsupervised after receiving training by Conservation staff.
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends, when needed
- Desire and ability to travel domestically and overseas
Education and Experience:
- 1-3 years of Registration, Collections Management or related field experience in a professional art gallery or museum required.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field - arts, education or humanities - strongly preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers nearly 80,000 works of art in a wide range of media.
Work will primarily be performed in an office environment but some physical labor will be required for unpacking and packing artwork. Physical demands may vary. Work may involve extended sitting, standing, and computer use.
Equal Opportunities for All
At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: [email protected]
