Head Registrar

Delaware Art Museum; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) plan

Museum membership

Employee discounts

Free parking

Job summary

Delaware Art Museum is seeking a Head Registrar to lead the care and movement of the museum’s collections, supervise registrars, and collaborate with curators and operations on exhibitions and loans.

Reporting to the Head Curator, you will implement collections management policies, coordinate international shipping, and ensure records accuracy while upholding the highest museum standards.

Qualifications

• BA degree in art, art history, museum studies, or related field with a minimum of five years of experience.
• Mastery of professional standards and procedures for museum registration methods related to exhibitions including national and international transportation coordination.
• Proficient knowledge of computer programs including collections database systems (TMS).
• Ability to set and meet deadlines.
• Superior written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills including effective time management, ability to set and fulfill priorities, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-tasking, fast paced environment.
• Highly motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to handle confidential materials with discretion.
• Embraces Delaware Art Museum’s mission, values, and goals.

Responsibilities

• Supervise collections care and records for permanent collection and exhibitions.
• Coordinate inbound loans and touring requirements nationally and internationally.
• Oversee risk management including environmental controls and access.
• Administer the collections management program (TMS) data and images.
• Serve as courier for domestic and foreign loans.
• Collaborate with preparators on storage and safety.
• Collaborate with curators on installations, logistics, and conservation.
• Support museum-wide activities related to permanent collections and exhibitions.
• Collaborate with Operations to safeguard collections.

Skills

Deadline management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Discretion

Independent work

Multitasking

Registration standards

Education

BA in Art History / Museum Studies

Tools

TMS (Collections DB)

Job description

Your first responsibility is to embrace our shared values, beliefs, and principles:

Art Connects Us.

We use art to create community connections, foster empathy, educate and inspire, and make meaning of our world.

People.

We authentically listen to each other and our community. We are committed to inclusion and anti-racism.

Be Bold.

Our museum will boldly evolve, adapt, and be open to changes that help our community grow and thrive.

Commitment to Inclusion.

DelArt is committed to being inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Your second responsibility is to accomplish the specific functions of your job, described below.

Your first responsibility is to embrace our shared values, beliefs, and principles:

Art Connects Us.

We use art to create community connections, foster empathy, educate and inspire, and make meaning of our world.

People.

We authentically listen to each other and our community. We are committed to inclusion and anti-racism.

Be Bold.

Our museum will boldly evolve, adapt, and be open to changes that help our community grow and thrive.

Commitment to Inclusion.

DelArt is committed to being inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Your second responsibility is to accomplish the specific functions of your job, described below.

Primary Objective

The Head Registrar is responsible for the coordination and implementation of all responsibilities related to Museum registration including long-range planning and day-to-day activities relative to the care and stewardship of the collections and for activities related to the movement of art objects, including incoming and outgoing loan activities and the registrarial component of the Museum’s exhibitions program. Reporting to the Head Curator, the Head Registrar provides leadership relative to collections care, including shaping and enforcing collections management policies and procedures that strive to operate at the highest levels of museum standards and best practices and to safeguard the Museum’s collections and loans. The Head Registrar supervises the Associate Registrar’s position and temporary registration staff and works collaboratively with curators, preparators, and Operations staff.

Responsibilities & Duties

The Head Registrar will:

• Supervise collections care and collections records procedures for permanent collection and special exhibitions in accord with professional standards and with the Museum’s Collection Care Policy.

• Oversee logistical arrangements for incoming loans and touring requirements for national and international special exhibitions organized or hosted by the Museum including scheduling, budgeting, documentation, loan agreements, condition reporting, packing/unpacking, shipping and receiving receipts, customs, couriers, negotiation of indemnifications and insurance contracts, experience with immunity from seizure, conservation issues, communication with lenders and tour partners, and related database management.

• Oversee risk management for permanent collection and special exhibitions, including environmental and lighting standards, authorized handling, inventory, controlled access by public and staff, ongoing preventative conservation, location control, and emergency preparedness and response.

• Act as database administrator for collections and temporary loan records and related images in Museum’s collections management program (TMS), including expansion and enhancement of data and links among collections database and other databases.

• Act as courier for domestic and foreign loans.

• Collaborate with preparators in maintenance of safe and orderly storage for permanent collection and special exhibitions.

• Collaborate with curators on collection and special exhibition installations and development including contracts, transportation logistics, and conservation/installation requirements.

• Contribute to Museum-wide activities, including Advancement and Marketing support, related to permanent collections and special exhibitions.

• Collaborate with Operations staff to safeguard permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Special Skills & Qualifications

• BA degree in art, art history, museum studies, or related field with a minimum of five years of experience

• Mastery of professional standards and procedures for museum registration methods related to exhibitions including national and international transportation coordination

• Proficient knowledge of computer programs including collections database systems (TMS)

• Ability to set and meet deadlines

• Superior written and interpersonal communication skills

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Strong organizational skills including effective time management, ability to set and fulfill priorities, and demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-tasking, fast paced environment

• Highly motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

• Ability to handle confidential materials with discretion

• Embraces Delaware Art Museum’s mission, values, and goals

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range is $62,000-72,000.

• 403(b) plan
• museum membership
• employee discounts
• free parking

Interviews will begin as qualified applications are received; the position will remain open until filled.

DelArt is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity, and we encourage candidates from all cultures and communities to apply.

About the Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is a nationally recognized regional museum that connects people through art and experience. Founded in 1912 to honor illustrator Howard Pyle, the Museum now houses over 13,000 works, including the largest Pre-Raphaelite collection outside the U.K. and a growing contemporary art collection. Its campus features galleries, a 6-acre sculpture garden, labyrinth, and event spaces—creating a dynamic center and vibrant cultural resource, offering exhibitions, classes, and community programs that reflect and engage the diverse Delaware community and beyond. Visitdelart.orgto for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.