Registrar

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

Princeton University is looking for a Registrar for its Art Museum, responsible for managing exhibitions and loan programs. The role requires coordination of logistical arrangements and oversight of documentation for loan objects.

The ideal candidate will have a B.A. in art-related fields and at least seven years of experience in a museum setting. Excellent communication and project management skills are essential. Princeton University offers a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of seven years of museum or related experience.
• Demonstrated art-handling experience and knowledge of best practices.
• Familiarity with current issues in art law and customs regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage logistical arrangements for loan exhibitions.
• Process loan requests for Museum-owned objects.
• Coordinate planning and processing of loans to the Museum.

Skills

Project management experience

Excellent organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Art handling experience

Education

B.A. in art history, studio art, or museum studies

Masters degree preferred

Tools

TMS (collection management program)

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Overview

The Princeton University Art Museum welcomes applications for the role of Registrar.

The Registrar has primary responsibility for managing the logistical arrangements for the Art Museum’s robust schedule of exhibitions. The Registrar is the senior member of a team of two registrars responsible for managing the Museum’s active program of outgoing loans from its collection to museums and cultural institutions. The Registrar also oversees the active incoming loan program. This is distinct from incoming exhibition-related loans and consists of short- and long-term loans from collectors and institutions.

The Registrar reports to the Chief Registrar, who reports to the Sr. Associate Director for Collections and Exhibitions. The Registrar mentors the Associate Registrar and provides guidance and training to them as appropriate.

About the Museum:

With a collecting history that dates back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, featuring collections that have grown to include over 117,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing Princeton’s teaching and research missions, the Art Museum also serves as a gateway to the University for visitors from around the world.

The bold and welcoming new Princeton University Art Museum is open daily at the heart of Princeton’s campus. Admission is free to all. The Museum also operates Art@Bainbridge, a gallery project at 158 Nassau Street; two Museum Stores; and Mosaic restaurant.

To learn more about the Princeton University Art Museum, visitartmuseum.princeton.edu.

Responsibilities

EXHIBITION ADMINISTRATION, LOGISTICS, DOCUMENTATION

Coordinates all logistical arrangements related to multiple loan exhibitions/year, including but not limited to packing and crating of works of art, fine art transportation, couriers, contract personnel, rigging, etc. Responsible for associated budget planning and oversight. Generates loan agreements, receipts, and other documents. Arranges for appropriate insurance or government indemnity for works of art in transit and on premises. Maintains records related to the movement and location of loan objects and documents their physical condition.

LOANS FROM THE MUSEUM'S COLLECTION

Processes all loan requests for Museum-owned objects to international venues and manages the requests through the approval/refusal process within the TMS database. Generates loan agreements, receipts, and other associated documents. Coordinates all logistical arrangements related to outgoing loans, including but not limited to packing and crating of works of art; insurance or government indemnity; fine art transportation; contract conservation, rigging, etc. Assigns couriership duties to qualified Museum staff; acts as a courier periodically; trains new staff in couriership duties and protocols. Responsible for all associated documentation and record-keeping, both in hard copy and in the TMS database. Collaborates with other team members to review the condition of objects and associated frames, glazing, mounts, and other object-related apparatus.

LOANS TO THE MUSEUM (SHORT- AND LONG-TERM)

Coordinates the planning and processing of all non-exhibition loans to the Museum. Generates all related paperwork and makes logistical arrangements for loans. Tracks and sometimes negotiates with lender requirements. Keeps all documentation in hard copy and in the TMS database.

SPECIAL PROJECTS AND OTHER MISCELLANY

Is an active participant in Museum initiatives, projects, and meetings. Represents the Registrar Department in place of the Chief Registrar as required. Mentors Associate Registrars.

Qualifications

• B.A. in art history, studio art, or museum studies. Masters degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of museum or related experience with demonstrated project management experience.
• Computer experience essential, especially TMS (collection management program), MSWord, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated art-handling experience and familiarity with current best practices in fine art packing and transportation. In-depth knowledge of fine art insurance and government indemnity programs.
• Familiarity with current issues in art law, international customs restrictions, and TSA regulations.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to create and track invoices and to develop and monitor a budget.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.