Senior Registrar

Robert Rauschenberg Foundation; City of Mount Vernon (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation in Mount Vernon, NY seeks a highly organized Senior Registrar to oversee movement, installation, shipping, documentation, and compliance for the Foundation’s collection.

Based primarily in Westchester with regular work in Lower Manhattan, the role coordinates local and international logistics and maintains records to support curatorial, academic, and commercial programming.

Job description

About the Foundation

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) builds on the legacy of artist Robert Rauschenberg, emphasizing his belief that artists can drive social change. Rauschenberg sought to act in the “gap” between art and life, valuing chance and collaboration across disciplines. As such, the Foundation celebrates new and even untested ways of thinking.

About the Role

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (RRF) is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Senior 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 County, NY, 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; solicits and 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 RRF’s loan and consignment agreements, including nota bene drafts (indicating any special instructions regarding the sale or handling of the work)


• 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 (for consignments and loans to galleries in the U.S.), and collection audits in communication with Collections Manager and COO


• Point of contact for RRF’s insurance company (Risk Strategies)


• Reviews insurance policies to confirm full compliance when artworks are loaned


• 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 in partnership with the Preparation & Installation Manager and travels as courier nationally and internationally as assigned


• Provides ongoing courier training for members of the Curatorial and Collections’ Management team as assigned by ED, COO, CCO and Preparation & Installation Manager


• Under the direction of RRF’s executive leadership team, supports the Preparation & Installation Manager in the development of inventory and access schedules to effectively execute all curatorial and commercial programming needs


• Works with the Director of Finance, COO and CCO on developing the department’s annual budget and supports proposals, revisions, and tracking of departmental expenses.


• Promptly coordinates any art photography documentation as requested or in alignment with Foundational priorities


• Attends all cross-functional and departmental meetings, proactively providing relevant or requested information and updates where and when appropriate


• In collaboration with the Senior Facilities Manager routinely inspects 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


• With guidance from the Collections Manager, determine whereabouts of artworks belonging to RRF for which locations are unknown


• With guidance from Collections Manager, conduct a full print inventory: including miscellaneous proofs, unique editions, and determine photo documentation needs

Essential Skills & Experience

• Seven or more years of registration experience in a museum or gallery; supervisory experience required


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


• Experience using collection management database systems, FileMaker Pro highly preferred.


• Valid New York State driver’s license required


• 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


• Strong organization skills required


• Exceptional written and oral communication skills


• Strong computer skills: MacOS, MS Office, Adobe CS, Google Sheets/Calendars

Work Environment

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 climb 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.