About Our OrganizationFounded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.Job SummaryThe Head Registrar is an essential leadership position responsible for overseeing the art-related operations, management, documentation, and care of the Museum's collection. This includes the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the permanent collection, as well as incoming and outgoing loans to the Museum. This role ensures the highest standards of collections management while leading a dedicated team. Strong candidates for the position will have extensive knowledge of museum registration practices, a keen interest in contemporary art history, and a commitment to the Museum's mission. The Head Registrar will realize exhibitions and installations of works from the collection, as well as loan and touring exhibitions. The position will administer both incoming and outgoing loans and coordinate venues and tours. They will manage the necessary accompanying paperwork, including lender, artist, and logistics correspondence, customs documents, and loan agreements. The Head Registrar will supervise the installation of artwork, paying close attention to specific requirements and advocating for special needs as noted by artists, lenders, and donors. The Head Registrar serves as the principle contact for internal and external colleagues on insurance, contracts, and lender negotiations. The Head Registrar manages Registrar(s) and Art Handlers and works collaboratively with the Head Preparator and Curatorial team. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the position organizes the weekly schedule and priorities and develops plans for exhibition presentations and longer-term initiatives related to inventory and collection care. They will direct the handling, unpacking/packing, recording of packing notes, and required condition examination. The position is responsible for the care, preservation and risk management of the Museum's collections, ensuring its availability for both current and future visitors. Application Deadline: November 22, 2024Target Start Date: January 6, 2025Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise the Collections Management team, providing mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Provide oversight and accountability for the logistics decisions authorized by the Collections team for artwork.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of comprehensive records for all items in the collection, including acquisition documentation, provenance, condition reports, and exhibition history.
- Use of best practices and protocols for art handling, installation, storage, data management, shipping, and condition reporting.
- Coordinate with curatorial staff to establish clear acquisition protocols and deaccessioning processes as needed.
- Review all collection agreements and negotiate terms and requirements of agreements in collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, Curator, and the General Counsel, and insurance agent as needed.
- Monitor fine art insurance policy and revise as needed per annual renewal, track insurance holdings, obtain COIs and liaise with insurance agent for input as needed.
- Create and maintain budget for all exhibitions. Collect and negotiate estimates, track and report expenses, and oversee the logistics and personnel management for exhibitions including
- Installation and Deinstallation schedules in partnership with Collections and Curatorial team, establishing staffing needs for part time, contract, and permanent staff.
- Maintain the needs and timelines for conservation, shipping, artist preferences, couriers and curatorial priorities.
- Function as the on-site and off-site storage vendor liaison. With the Collection Database Manager, serve as quality manager for inventory audits, collection, and exhibition data.
- Collaborate with Museum leadership to advance long term plans for collection conservation and practices, and expansion.
Skills and Qualifications
- A diplomatic and solutions-oriented collaborator who works cooperatively with teams. Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, artists, donors, and representatives of borrowing or lending museums.
- Ability to work collaboratively across museum departments and to understand the aim of a small curatorial team with ambitious program goals.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented and possess strong oral and written communication skills. A skilled multi-tasker with the ability to manage tasks with competing timelines.
- A demonstrated knowledge of best practices in fine art collections management, including the handling, care, preservation, installation, and storage of art; registration methods; electronic collection records; fine arts insurance and indemnity; and special exhibitions and loan administration.
- Familiar with international and domestic fine art shipping and crating companies, and museum exhibition and loan transport standards.
- A demonstrated knowledge of The Museum System Collections (TMS) Collections and Digital Asset Management System (NetX), and excellent computer skills with a command of the Microsoft 365Office Suite, specifically Excel spreadsheets.
- Skilled at managing quantitative data to write and track budgets.
- Self-motivated and able to manage time to prioritize tasks in order of importance; must be adaptable to schedule changes over a project's life.
- Experience with art handling, transportation, and knowledge of best practices.
- Familiarity with exhibition installation and experience with management, supervision, and guidance of skilled teams.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in museum registration, managing exhibitions, and collections management, with at least 2 years in a leadership/managerial role and proven experience managing teams.
Physical Demands
- Ability to visually inspect artwork.
- Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs.
- Ability to climb ladders.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (0-25% of time).
Work Environment
- This position is an exempt position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.
- This position is considered an exempt position for purposes of federal wage and hour law, which means that you will not be eligible for overtime pay for more than 40 hours in each workweek.
- Fast-paced, artist- and community-focused environment that produces a variety of projects with diverse needs.
- The Collections Exhibitions Management department is a team of 8-10 diversely skilled members working collaboratively to support the administration, logistics, and documentation of the museum's permanent collection, unique exhibition program, and collaborative art projects.
- There are several building locations to navigate within a 20 block radius.
- Building Accessibility - office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.
- Communication is primarily via email, telephone, and in person.
Compensation $75,000 - $85,000 annually A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time. Application Instructions Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or faxes, please. Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position. The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success. 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.