Assistant Registrar

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 102,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, seeks an Assistant Registrar to manage the museum's permanent collection records and facilitate the interaction of people with the collection through loans, exhibits, and research.

You will maintain documents for the artifact collection, oversee domestic and international loans, negotiate loan terms, and support planning for computerization, packing, and shipping to protect objects.

Responsibilities

• Maintain documents and information regarding the artifact collection that are not more appropriately housed in the Museum's Archives or curator's files.
• Manage domestic and international loans to and from the museum, and ensure the accountability of all NMAAHC collection objects under loan contract.
• Negotiate terms of loans, create, and sign loan contracts on behalf of the museum.
• Monitor compliance with contract terms and requirements.
• Assist in the selection and implementation of cost-effective changes to the computer system to meet the needs of the staff and public.
• Assist in long and short range computerization planning.
• Provide object information and documentation relating to the proposed accession to the Collections Committee and Director to assist them in their decision to follow through with or deny the accession.
• Prescribe special packing materials and handling requirements in order to reduce the imminent risks of moving museum objects.
• Identify and select contract fine arts handlers and ensures the shipping logistics are made.

Job description

• Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
• Location: Washington, District of Columbia

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture.

Key Responsibilities

The Assistant Registrar generates and maintains records pertaining to the Museum's permanent collection and facilitates the interaction of people with the collection through the activities of loans, exhibits and research. In this position, you will: Maintain documents and information regarding the artifact collection that are not more appropriately housed in the Museum's Archives or curator's files.

Manage domestic and international loans to and from the museum, and ensure the accountability of all NMAAHC collection objects under loan contract. Negotiate terms of loans, create, and sign loan contracts on behalf of the museum. Monitor compliance with contract terms and requirements. Assist in the selection and implementation of cost-effective changes to the computer system to meet the needs of the staff and public. Assist in long and short range computerization planning.

Provide object information and documentation relating to the proposed accession to the Collections Committee and Director to assist them in their decision to follow through with or deny the accession. Prescribe special packing materials and handling requirements in order to reduce the imminent risks of moving museum objects. Identify and select contract fine arts handlers and ensures the shipping logistics are made.

• The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
• Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Smithsonian Institution , Other Agencies and Independent Organizations.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $102415 – $133142/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-17.

What is the work schedule?

This is a Full-Time, Permanent position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.

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Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-05 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov