Description
Be a vital and valued member of the Huntsville Museum of Art’s curatorial team!
The Huntsville Museum of Art is seeking an organized, motivated individual to play an essential role in the care, growth, and interpretation of the institution’s collection and exhibition offerings.
Under the direction of the Chief Curator, the Registrar works closely with the Head of Exhibition Installation and Design, as well as the Exhibitions Assistant, contracted preparators, curatorial interns, and volunteers to coordinate all aspects of collections management, gallery rotations, and exhibition installations, including monitoring and ensuring the safety of all works of art on exhibition and in collection storage. Responsibilities include coordination of loans and exhibitions during installation and deinstallation; organizing and maintaining orderly forms and legal documents relating to acquisitions and deaccessions; arranging and tracking object movement, loans, traveling exhibitions, shipping, and insurance; and recommending policies and procedures relating to collection preservation.
This position offers a rare professional opportunity. The Registrar will play a central role in shaping collections management strategy and establishing best practices, including the continued development and implementation of the museum’s collections management system. Working within a highly collaborative curatorial environment, the Registrar has meaningful agency and impact across exhibitions, loans, documentation, and preservation initiatives.
For a registrar seeking hands-on responsibility, strategic input, and visible impact within a respected institution, this role provides exceptional experience and career-building opportunities.
Requirements and Key Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in art history or related field required; 2-5 years previous registrar experience or noted equivalent.
Proven organizational, clerical, computer, communication, and interpersonal skills. Professional certification, advanced degree, or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of museum standards and practices of registration, art handling, and current collections management, care, and storage practices and materials.
Knowledge of collections management systems, such as TMS, PastPerfect, Embark, FilemakerPro, or equivalent.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to visually inspect artwork, sit or stand for long periods of time, and ability to carry up to 30 lbs.
Highly self-directed with strong attention to detail.
Workplace Type: On-site
Location: Huntsville, Alabama, United States
Company Name for Job: Huntsville Museum of Art
Positions Title: Registrar
Job Function: Registrar/Collections Management
Job Type: Full-Time; 40 hours
Salary: $50,000-55,000 (annually); plus benefits
Diversity and Inclusion
The Huntsville Museum of Art values diversity in all its forms and actively encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. It does not discriminate against any candidate or employee based on race, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or veteran status.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and names of 3 references and your professional relationship. References will not be contacted without prior permission of the applicant.
Requirements
Primary Responsibilities:
Oversees logistics related to museum-originated traveling exhibitions, traveling exhibitions from outside institutions, and collections-based exhibitions in liaison with the Chief Curator and Head of Exhibition Installation and Design, including generating or reviewing contracts, communicating with host venues or lenders, coordinating shipping arrangements, generating condition reports, overseeing packing and crating, and maintaining the schedule of various tours to ensure that all AAM and museum industry standards are met.
Coordinates and executes collection management procedures related to accession, deaccession, and loans. Prepares and maintains records, correspondence, and the submission of reports as assigned (i.e., periodic accession, insurance reports, and rights and reproductions permissions).
Assumes responsibility for ongoing documentation, storage, and condition and environmental monitoring of all art objects in the museum, either on loan or part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Makes transportation and packing arrangements for all incoming and outgoing art objects. Monitors and accounts for all object movement into, within, and out of the museum. Possible courier duties as needed.
Recommends and arranges insurance coverage of art objects in the museum. Prepares reports and processes claims as necessary.
Carries out fiscal year-end (September 30) inventory of the collection.
Leads implementation and ongoing development of new collections management system (CMS), including research, recommendation, and maintenance of a web-based platform.
Trains and oversees interns and curatorial volunteers when working with collections and/or exhibition objects.
Maintains a high level of discipline, professional judgment, and attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Assists the Curatorial Department and the museum in general with other tasks and projects as needed and assigned by the Chief Curator or Executive Director.
