Assistant Registrar, On-Call

SFMOMA San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

An established cultural center in the Bay Area seeks a passionate Assistant Registrar to support registration activities for modern and contemporary artworks. This role involves planning, managing, and documenting registration tasks related to collections care and exhibitions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in art history or museum studies, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join a team that values empathy and collaboration, and contribute to fostering a vibrant community around art.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of museum experience with a focus on registration activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and collections management systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with acquisitions and coordinate artwork handling.
• Maintain records and assist with insurance documentation.

Skills

Art History

Museum Studies

Registration Methods

Microsoft Office

Collections Management Systems

Project Management Software

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Relationship Building

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Art History

Bachelor's Degree in Museum Studies

Tools

Collections Management Systems

Project Management Software

Job description

Join to apply for the Assistant Registrar, On-Call role at SFMOMA San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution.

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and everyone is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: On-Call

The Assistant Registrar, On-Call has an important role in supporting registration activities for the museum’s collections and exhibitions programs. They are responsible for planning, managing, and documenting registration activities for projects related to accessions/deaccessions, collections care, loans, rotations, and exhibitions, including the Fisher Collection. They handle registration activities for modern and contemporary artworks, reflecting knowledge of registration methods and best practices.

Reporting to the Director of Registration, they collaborate with various departments and external arts communities to realize collections stewardship and public programming. They also represent the museum’s interests to artists, studios, fabricators, estates, donors, vendors, galleries, and other museums.

Responsibilities & Duties

1. Team Participation: Contribute to an inclusive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace, fostering safety, inclusivity, and equity. Model empathy, understanding, and collaboration across teams. Support the museum’s engagement goals and represent it at various levels. Stay current with industry practices through professional development.
2. Collections: Assist with acquisitions, coordinate artwork handling, communicate with stakeholders, examine artworks, produce condition reports, oversee framing and storage, and facilitate loans and collections care projects.
3. Exhibitions and Rotations: Assist with exhibition arrangements, verify artwork conditions, coordinate logistics, oversee delivery and installation, and monitor gallery risks.
4. Administration: Maintain records, assist with insurance documentation, generate reports, contribute to budget monitoring, and perform other duties as required.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field.
• At least two years of museum experience.
• Knowledge of registration methods, museum procedures, and handling of artworks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, collections management systems, and project management software.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of conservation concepts and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Familiarity with 20th-century art history and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability.

Pay Rate: $30.54/hour (starting)

This is a union position under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.