ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (PART-TIME)

Wrightwood 659; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Wrightwood 659 in Chicago seeks a part-time Assistant Registrar to support the Registration team with loan documentation, database management, and exhibition logistics.

You will work closely with the Director of Registration and contract staff to ensure safe handling, packing, installation, and shipping of artworks, with emphasis on accuracy and timely communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Art History, History, Museum Studies, or Arts Administration.
• Preferred: 1 year in a museum; familiarity with curatorial and registration practices.
• Experience with databases, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Pro; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce loan letters and agreements and track loan status under supervision.
• Maintain and update The Museum System (TMS) with loan/exhibition data and tombstone info.
• Coordinate with Director, Preparator, and Art Handlers for safe movement and installation.
• Assist with image rights requests and permissions for exhibitions and publications.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art History

Tools

The Museum System (TMS)

Excel

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Wrightwood 659 is a new exhibition space conceived for the presentation of exhibitions of architecture and of socially engaged art.We are seeking a part-time Assistant Registrar to join the Registration team, reporting directly to the Director of Registration. The Assistant Registrar provides administrative and operational support across the full spectrum of exhibition planning, including loan requests and documentation and database management. The role supports the Director of Registration in managing logistics for two to six exhibitions (of varying scales) annually and coordinates with the Exhibition Designer, Preparator, and contract Art Handlers to ensure the safe handling, packing, installation, de-installation and shipping of artworks.

A full list of past exhibitions can be found at www.wrightwood659.org.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Produce loan request letters and agreements under the supervision of the Director of Registration, and track status of loan requests. Correspond with lenders or lenders’ representatives to complete loan documentation.
• Support the creation and updating of the Museum’s database, The Museum System (TMS) to reflect information or research pertaining to borrowed artworks and exhibitions, including tombstone information, location tracking, label copy, publication information, checklists, and generating/tracking status of loan agreements.
• Work in close collaboration with the Director of Registration, Preparator, and contract Art Handlers to oversee and aid in the safe movement and installation of art and ensure compliance with loan conditions.
• Assist with image reproduction rights and permissions for images related to the Museum’s exhibitions, publications, public programs, and promotional needs by tracking requests and responses.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:
  Required:Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) or working toward such a degree; preferably in Art History, History, Museum Studies, or Arts Administration.
  Preferred: Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in a museum setting with a clear understanding of best curatorial and registration practices.
• Experience with databases, Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel), and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Basic Knowledge of the American Alliance of Museums’ (AAM) Code of Ethics, as well as current museum standards and best practices for registration, collections management, and collecting guidelines.
• Candidate will be highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines both independently and in a team setting and have strong verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated attention to detail.
• The ideal candidate will be proactive and have a positive attitude with the ability to work well with Museum staff, lenders, educators, and the public.
• Basic familiarity with copyright law within the visual arts and experience in managing rights and reproductions preferred.

The Museum will consider all combinations of education, professional experience, and relevant skills to select the best-fitting candidate.

Hours and Compensation:

• Compensation is $28 per hour.
• This is an in-person, non-exempt, part-time position for 20 hours a week.
• Does not include vacation or benefits except for the Chicago Paid Sick Leave and Sick Hour accruals of 1 hour for every 35 hours worked with a maximum annual accrual of 40 hours.
• Additional hours may be required during periods of installation or de-installation, with any hours over 40 paid in accordance with overtime provisions.
• A weekly schedule will be determined with the Director of Registration, with flexibility as needed.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a progressive, LGBTQ‐friendly environment.