Registrar and Collections Specialist

Science Museum of Virginia; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

FSA/HSA

457 and pension plan

Paid time off including vacation, sick

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Science Museum of Virginia seeks a Registrar and Collections Specialist to join the Exhibit and Content Development team. This role supports the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Museum and coordinates object acquisition, paperwork, transport, and installation across three locations.

After opening, focus shifts to documentation, special projects, and management of diverse collections including natural history, archival materials, and artifacts related to transportation and flight.

Qualifications

• Strong research abilities and excellent written/spoken English.
• Attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills.
• Project management experience and familiarity with Asana or similar tools.
• Knowledge of PastPerfect or museum database practices is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace is expected.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, kneel, and climb ladders as needed.

Responsibilities

• Acquire objects from external partners to support exhibits across all galleries.
• Coordinate paperwork, transportation, and installation of objects.
• Support documentation, special projects, and management of permanent and educational collections.
• Lead preservation/restoration efforts and coordinate traveling exhibitions across multiple locations.

Skills

Research abilities

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Project management

Database management

Tools

Asana

PastPerfect Museum Software

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Description

The Science Museum of Virginia seeks a meticulous Registrar and Collections Specialist to join our Exhibit and Content Development team. Reporting to the David and Jane Cohn Scientist, Director of Exhibit and Content Development, this role offers an exciting opportunity to support the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Museum, a satellite location of the Science Museum of Virginia.

In this dynamic position, you'll play a key role in acquiring fascinating objects from external partners to bring the stories of science, history, and discovery to life across all four galleries of the future Northern Virginia Science Museum. From building relationships with outside organizations to coordinating paperwork, transportation, and installation, you'll help ensure each object contributes to an engaging visitor experience.

Following the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center in 2027, your focus will shift toward documentation, special projects, and management of the Museum's diverse permanent and educational collections. These include natural history and geologic specimens, archival materials, and significant artifacts related to transportation and flight, with objects housed across three locations in Danville, Sterling, and Richmond, VA. You'll also support new and existing exhibits, lead special projects such as the preservation and restoration of artifacts, and coordinate the installation, monitoring, and deinstallation of objects associated with traveling exhibitions across all three museum locations.

If you're passionate about museum collections, science, and storytelling, and enjoy bringing important objects and exhibits to life, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact!

Benefits

The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 12 paid holidays.

The salary range for this position is $40,000 to $50,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience and market considerations at the time of offer.

Minimum Qualifications

An ideal candidate will demonstrate strong research abilities, excellent communication skills - both oral and written with proficiency in spoken English, keen attention to detail, and outstanding organizational skills. The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with the Exhibit and Content development team and administrative staff is required. Project management skills and familiarity with Asana or similar project management tools are also highly valued. Familiarity with PastPerfect Museum Software and a strong understanding of database management practices are a plus. Knowledge of museum registration processes and standards is essential. Demonstrated skill in independently sourcing objects from external donors and organizations for exhibits, identifying compelling STEM stories for objects, museum registrar responsibilities, and best practices in collections care. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace is expected. Additionally, demonstrated experience in researching, coordinating, and securing collection items from other institutions for exhibits is necessary. The role also requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, kneel, and climb ladders regularly.

Additional considerations

Prior experience working in STEM-focused museum collections, archives or curatorial department is a plus.