Associate Registrar, Collections

Associate Collections Registrar

Worcester Art Museum (WAM) is seeking an experienced individual to fill the role of Associate Collections Registrar. Reporting to the Chief Registrar, you will oversee all aspects of the management of the museum's permanent art collection, including collections and media record management, collections storage, the processing of new acquisitions and management of object moves, as well as the development of policy and procedures, and the administration of the museum's TMS collections management system. You will bring your experience working to the highest standards in museum collections management to WAM. You will have a flexible approach to work, strong communication and organizational skills, and thrive in a dynamic work environment. This is an exciting time to be joining WAM, with the opportunity not only to shape the role of collections management but also to play a role in many of the in-progress and planned art storage and gallery development projects at the museum.

Job Title: Associate Registrar (Collections)

Employment Type: Full Time, Exempt

Department: Registrar

Division: Museum Services

Reports to: Chief Registrar

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Salary Range: $47,073 - $54,132

Hybrid Position

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion at WAM: At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more.

Job Overview: Responsible for collections management of the museum’s art collection, including creation and maintenance of collections management records, systems and procedures, collections management system administration and user support, the movement, storage, and care of collection objects, overseeing image and rights management systems and procedures.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain procedures and systems for managing collections records, including those for collections images.
• Process acquisitions and deaccessions for the museum’s permanent collection, including coordinating shipping for proposed acquisitions, generating Deeds of Gift, assigning object numbers, creation of new object and associated records in TMS.
• Database administration for the TMS Collections Management System and eMuseum, including development and maintenance of data entry standards; management of database security and user access levels; providing training and support for users; generating checklists and reports; and overseeing system upgrades.
• Management of collection storage spaces to ensure standards of best practice for care and access to the collections are maintained; work with the Chief Registrar to identify strategies for storage improvements.
• Oversee procedures for image rights and reproduction, working across departments to ensure they are implemented museum-wide. Process requests for use of images in the Museum’s collection, and assist staff as needed in clearing image use permissions. Maintain relationship with the museum’s images sales partner, Bridgeman Images, working with Bridgeman to maintain license agreements and to negotiate and process fees.
• Prioritize and schedule collections photography, processing of the images and uploading them and their associated metadata to TMS.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of collections management policies, procedures, and systems.
• Coordinate and document internal and external movement of objects from the collection, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of the collection.
• Conduct environmental monitoring of Museum on-site collections storage and exhibition spaces, producing reports and charts as required.
• Working with the Conservation Department, develop and implement Integrated Pest Management policy and procedures for collections in storage and on display.
• Assist Curatorial Assistant with public inquiries relating to the collections and make the collections available for research, teaching, and display by providing physical and intellectual access.
• Deputize for the Chief Registrar in his/her absence; attend curatorial, exhibition, or other meetings to discuss and advise on collections management matters, as needed.
• Lead collections management projects, as assigned.
• Assist with the movement and care of works of art in keeping with Museum standards.
• Serve as a courier for outgoing loans; travel with objects on domestic and international shipments as required; act as Museum representative as necessary.
• Assist with training and supervision of volunteers, interns, and other staff assisting in collections management projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience managing museum collections management systems, TMS preferred.
• Experience managing art collections in a museum environment
• Knowledge of collection management, image management, digital preservation, and rights and reproduction standards.
• Ability to handle works of art.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to be attentive to detail and accurate.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and to work to strict deadlines.
• Ability to act as Museum representative.

Education and Experience:

B.A/B.S. degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or equivalent work experience related field; M.A/M.S. preferred.

Three years museum registration and/or collection management experience.