Assistant Registrar, Modern and Contemporary Art

Theartgorgeous; New York (NY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Registrar to manage and care for modern and contemporary art collections. This role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure smooth exhibition planning and execution, while also maintaining meticulous documentation and compliance with art handling standards. The ideal candidate will have a background in Art History or Museum Studies and possess strong communication and organizational skills. Join this dynamic team at a leading cultural institution and contribute to the preservation and presentation of contemporary art. This is a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about art and museum practices.

Benefits

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

403(b) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Self-development hours

Self-Development Summer Fridays

Qualifications

• 1-5 years of Registrar experience required.
• Experience with modern and contemporary art preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate exhibition planning and liaise with internal and external parties.
• Manage documentation and care for contemporary art collection.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Creativity

Discretion

Multi-tasking

Education

BA in Art History

M.A. in Museum Studies

Certificate in Museum Studies

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Creative Suite

Collections/exhibitions management database

Job description

Assistant Registrar, Modern and Contemporary Art

Asia Society

Post Date: 05 Feb 2025

JOB OVERVIEW

The Assistant Registrar functions as a liaison between the internal and external elements of exhibition planning and realization, with particular focus on modern and contemporary art. They are responsible for ensuring that all modern and contemporary artwork received into Asia Society’s custody is provided with the same care and protection as our own collection. The Assistant Registrar also creates and archives all documentation, physical or electronic, related to all activities associated with the contemporary art collection and any contemporary art objects on loan to the Museum. They are responsible for the physical care, handling and display of the Museum’s contemporary art collection and of loans to assigned temporary exhibitions. The Assistant Registrar will need to remain current on all aspects of domestic and international shipping; local, state and federal government licensing and compliance associated with the transport and handling of artwork; issues regarding cultural patrimony and repatriation; and the fine art insurance industry. They will also be responsible for management of tours of exhibitions organized by Asia Society, as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Function as a liaison between the internal and external elements of exhibition planning and realization, coordinating with the Museum Department to ensure timely and cost-effective arrangements for exhibitions.
• Assemble and disperse all modern and contemporary objects lent to the Asia Society and arrange courier duties for loans.
• Develop and coordinate project budgets for exhibitions in collaboration with relevant directors.
• Maintain accurate files regarding acquisitions, import/export licenses, and correspondence with U.S. Customs.
• Develop future contemporary art collection policy and guidelines in collaboration with relevant directors.
• Document and handle new acquisitions of contemporary art, including insurance coverage and storage arrangements.
• Oversee photography for the contemporary art collection and manage communication with image rights organizations.
• Assume responsibilities of an Exhibition Manager for assigned exhibitions.
• Develop strategies for cost savings and efficiency in project execution.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• BA in Art History, M.A. and/or certificate in Museum Studies preferred, and 1-5 years of Registrar experience required.
• Experience with modern and contemporary art in all mediums preferred.
• Strong familiarity with time-based media collections management preferred.
• Experience organizing and circulating traveling exhibitions.
• Thorough knowledge of standard museum collections management practices.
• Knowledge of preventive conservation and proper art handling.
• Knowledge of ethical principles governing museum registration.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, discretion, and multi-tasking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and collections/exhibitions management database.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $57,000 – $65,000

Compensation within this range is determined by skills, experience, and organizational equity.

Asia Society offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b)-retirement plan, numerous paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, self-development hours, and more. Please visit asiasociety.org/about/careers and click on “Employee Benefits” to view our full benefits summary.

Benefit package highlights:

• An HRA plan is available to supplement our medical plan.
• After 1 year of service (1,000 hours), the Asia Society contributes 6% of gross earnings to an eligible employee’s 403(b) account.
• The Asia Society offers Self-Development time off, including Self-Development Summer Fridays.

ABOUT ASIA SOCIETY:

Founded in 1956, Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. We provide a platform for dialogue and encourage a diversity of views.

Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Please regard your submission as received unless your email is bounced back.

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility in the workplace. Women and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.