Registrar

New York Foundation for the Arts; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is seeking a Registrar to oversee the movement, installation, and documentation of its art collection. The ideal candidate has strong project management skills and experience in a fast-paced environment. This full-time role requires excellent communication and organizational abilities, with a focus on collaboration across departments.

Benefits

100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage

Generous employer contributions for vision coverage

Life insurance and retirement options

Tuition reimbursement

Generous time-off policies

Qualifications

• Five or more years of registration experience in a museum or gallery.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of collection care best practices.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates all aspects of art movement and installation.
• Manages budgets and logistical planning for shipments.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Project Management

Excellent Communication

Art Handling

Education

B.A., M.A., or M.F.A. in art history or museum studies

Tools

Collection Management Database Systems

FileMaker Pro

Job description

$95,000 - $115,000 (Annual) Full Time Permanent Manager/Supervisor Master's Degree

Fine Arts, Museums/Hist. Societies, Art Handling/Logistics, Registrars/Collections Mgmt., Gallery

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We also provide generous employer contributions for vision coverage, life insurance, STD, LTD and exceptional retirement savings options with an industry-leading employer contribution. Additionally, RRF offers a robust charitable giving matching program, tuition reimbursement and generous time-off policies to support work-life balance.

Description

About the Foundation

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) honors the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg by fostering interdisciplinary creativity and supporting artists, scholars, and change-makers. Focus areas include expanding access to Rauschenberg’s work, nurturing emerging artists through residencies, and promoting art’s role in social issues.

Position Summary

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Registrar who will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all aspects of art movement, installation, shipping, documentation, and compliance related to the Foundation’s collection. Based primarily in Westchester, New York, with regular work in Lower Manhattan, the Registrar will manage both local and international logistics, ensure the accuracy of collection records and condition reports, oversee loans and insurance documentation, and support the Foundation’s curatorial, academic, and commercial programming, including exhibitions and art fairs. This role requires extensive cross-functional collaboration with internal departments and external partners, including shippers, conservators, and galleries. The ideal candidate will be a clear communicator, comfortable working across all levels of the organization, with strong project management skills and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Schedules and manages art movement on- and off-site; maintains and distributes a shared art movement schedule.
• Plans and oversees art installations and viewings on- and off-site, including collection exhibition rotations in the Foundation galleries and offices.
• Plans and coordinates local, domestic, and international art shipments.
• Develops, manages, and maintains project budgets; submits estimates for approval and invoices for payment.
• Manages internal and external art movement, associated database tracking, and all associated electronic and physical receipts.
• Reviews facility reports, insurance policies, generates loan and consignment agreements, including nota bene drafts.
• Reviews foreign indemnity and immunity laws and makes recommendations related to outgoing loans and consignments.
• Acts as point-person for insurance-related matters, including but not limited to certificates of insurance, claims processing, reciprocal agreements, UCC documents, and collection’s audits in communication with Collection Manager and COO.
• Works closely with COO, CCO and Director of Finance on annual collection audit and oversees the audit process.
• Makes and reviews detailed condition reports for loans and consignments as needed.
• Manages foundation courier travel and travels as courier nationally and internationally.
• Provides courier training for members of the Curatorial and Collections’ Management team as assigned by ED, COO, CCO and Director of Art Services
• Under the direction of RRF’s executive leadership team, supports the Director of Art Services in the development of inventory and access schedules to effectively execute all curatorial and commercial programming needs.
• Works with the Director of Art Services and Director of Finance on developing the department’sannual budget and supports proposals, revisions, and tracking of departmental expenses.
• Promptly coordinates any art photography documentation as requested or in alignment with Foundational priorities.
• Supports lead preparator and art services team with installation and art handling activities work as needed.
• Attends all cross-functional and departmental meetings, proactively providing relevant or requestedinformation and updates where and when appropriate.
• In collaboration with Director of Art Services and Director or Facilities, routinely inspect storage areas to assess environmental conditions and risk management concerning object storage, display, and security.
• Understand and be prepared to implement the emergency response plan unique to RRF’s warehouse.

Required Skills & Experience

• Five or more years of registration experience in a museum or gallery, supervisory experience required.
• B. A., M.A., or M.F.A. in art history, museum studies or related discipline.
• Experience using collection management database systems, FileMaker Pro highly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of collection care best practices and procedures for art handling, installation, storage, and condition reporting.
• Demonstrated project management experience required, ideally working with cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

This is a fully in-person role based primarily at RRF’s Mount Vernon, NY location.

ADA Specifications

• Requires the ability to sit, stand, speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time.
• Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings.
• Requires the ability to travel nationally and internationally.
• Must be able to lift up to 40lbs and safely maneuver complex objects.
• Must be able to climbs stairs and ladders.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The anticipated compensation for this position is between$95,000 and $115,000 per annum, depending on experience. The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We also provide generous employer contributions for vision coverage, life insurance, STD, LTD and exceptional retirement savings options with an industry-leading employer matching contribution. Additionally, the Foundation offers a robust charitable giving matching program, tuition reimbursement and generous time-off policies to support work-life balance.

The Foundation is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity in all its forms and actively seek to attract a wide range of talented individuals. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in arts organizations.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted directly via the online job application link below.