Assistant Registrar of Collections

Art and Wellness; United States; Presencial; USD 52.000 - 72.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art seeks an Assistant Registrar of Collections to support care, documentation, access, and stewardship of the permanent collection for Crystal Bridges and The Momentary. This role ensures accuracy of records in The Museum System (TMS) and supports digital asset management and conservation tasks.

Responsibilities include intake/cataloguing, condition reporting, packing, transportation coordination, and collaboration with internal and external partners.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree in art, art history, museum studies or related field is required.
• 2–3 years of experience in museum registration/collections management or related field.
• Experience using a relational collections database; TMS experience preferred.

Responsabilidades

• Support care, documentation, access, and stewardship of the permanent collection.
• Assist with intake and cataloguing of new acquisitions, documentation, and inventory tasks.
• Maintain collection records in digital and physical formats; ensure accuracy of documentation.

Conocimientos

Museum registration

Collections management

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Educación

Bachelor's degree in art, art history, museum studies

Herramientas

The Museum System (TMS)

DAMS

Microsoft 365

Descripción del empleo

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.

Job Description: Job Title: Assistant Registrar of Collections Reports to: Associate Registrar of Collections FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site) Date Reviewed: 10/24/26

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

About The Position

The Assistant Registrar of Collections supports the care, documentation, access, and stewardship of the permanent collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art / the Momentary. The position supports collections management activities, including collection documentation, intake and cataloguing, condition reporting, packing and transportation, and the care and storage of collection objects. The Assistant Registrar of Collections maintains accurate collection information and records in the Museum’s collections management database, The Museum System (TMS), and supports digital asset management, rights and reproductions, conservation activities, and other collections-related initiatives. The position collaborates with colleagues across the Museum and with external partners to support the proper care, preservation, documentation, and accessibility of the collection. Success in this role requires knowledge of museum registration and collections management practices, strong attention to detail, sound judgment, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collections Management Support the proper display, care, storage, preservation, and accessibility of collection objects in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Assist with the intake and cataloguing of new acquisitions, including documentation, condition reporting, storage, and inventory activities.
• Maintain collection object records in digital and physical formats and support the accuracy and completeness of collections documentation.
• Collaborate with internal partners to update and expand collection information in object files and The Museum System (TMS).
• Facilitate internal and external research access to collection files and information.
• Support artwork rotations in permanent collection galleries, including identifying rotation needs, preparing art movement requests, and proofing object labels.
• Track conservation examination and treatment needs and coordinate visits by contract conservators, including agreements, travel arrangements, and processing conservation reports.
• Coordinate regular condition checks of collection objects on display.
• Support integrated pest management activities by monitoring pest traps and identifying insects found in art spaces.
• Support monitoring of environmental conditions in art spaces, including placement, removal, and calibration of data loggers and maintenance of environmental data records.
• Prepare reports and statistics related to the collection as requested.
• Stay current with registration standards, collections management practices, and conservation guidelines related to the care and handling of artworks.

Systems and Digital Assets

• Enter, review, and proof collection information in TMS to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Upload documentary images of collection objects to the Museum's digital asset management system (DAMS) and maintain related information as assigned.
• Secure non-exclusive copyright licenses for works in the permanent collection and maintain copyright status, permissions, and crediting requirements in TMS and the DAMS.
• Respond to internal and external reproduction requests and coordinate image licensing agreements with external parties.
• Communicate licensing terms and proof materials to support compliance with established permissions and requirements.

Loans and Photography

• Process all requests for domestic and international loans including reviewing facility reports, providing recommendations to the Art Committee, preparing loan agreements and condition reports, and updating TMS.
• Track photography needs for the permanent collection and coordinate photo shoots.
• Process all new images and upload to TMS and the DAMS.
• Coordinate access to images by other staff.

Collections Support

• Support packing, unpacking, transportation, condition reporting, and other activities associated with the movement and care of collection objects.
• Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany collection objects, exhibitions, and loans domestically and internationally.
• Provide support for special projects and other Registration activities as assigned.
• Provide guidance and support to interns and volunteers as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in art, art history, museum studies, or a related field required.
• 2–3 years of experience in museum registration, collections management, or a related field, with experience in collections and records management preferred.
• Experience supporting collections management activities, including collections documentation, intake, cataloguing, condition reporting, or related registration functions.
• Experience using a relational collections database required; experience with The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
• Experience using a digital asset management system (DAMS) preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of museum registration and collections management practices, including museum object cataloguing and information management standards.
• Knowledge of American art and familiarity with artists' materials preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to effectively use specialized collections management and digital asset systems.
• Strong organizational, writing, proofreading, and analytical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and initiative while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to accountability and high ethical standards in Museum practices.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Physical Demands: In the work environment described, the position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing; utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time; and good eye/hand coordination. Visual abilities required include close vision and color perception. The position requires the use of hands to safely handle and move collection objects in accordance with established museum standards and periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Work Environment: Work is performed on-site in office environments, galleries, art storage areas, and other museum spaces and may include extended periods outdoors during the installation of outdoor art. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires regular interaction with both the public and internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. Periodic domestic and international travel is required as a courier accompanying collection objects, exhibitions, and loans. A flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening, weekend, and overnight work.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, the employee must provide proper identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States.

Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) provides professional support services in the areas of campus management, communications, finance, human resources and technology for these non‑profits founded by Alice Walton: Alice L. Walton Foundation is a grant‑making institution working to enhance the quality of life for individuals by providing access to offerings that improve well‑being and create diverse and inclusive communities. Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is a four‑year, medical degree‑granting program that enhances foundational sciences and clinical practices with a compassionate and whole‑person approach to care. The School has been granted preliminary accreditation status by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and welcomed its inaugural class in 2025. Art Bridges Foundation works to get great works of American art out of storage and into communities. Through partnerships with museums of all sizes across the United States, it creates and supports arts programs that educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a museum offering free admission to a world‑class collection of American art, stunning architecture and five miles of sculpture and walking trails. Momentary is a satellite contemporary art space to Crystal Bridges. This adaptive reuse project turned a decommissioned cheese factory into a place for visual and performing arts, festivals, artists‑in‑residence, culinary experiences, and more. Heartland Whole Health Institute is a non‑profit that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and social well‑being by working with health systems, employers, and communities to redesign health care delivery. Bentonville Institute of Technology is a non‑profit, business‑infused university in Bentonville, supported by the Walton family. Built from the ground up, it integrates AI across curriculum, research, and operations while embedding industry and experiential learning throughout the student experience. It aims to be a national model for STEM education in the age of AI.

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