Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Museum for Art in Wood

141 N. 3rd St.

Philadelphia PA 19106

www.MuseumForArtinWood.org

Registrar

Schedule: Full-time Position

Salary: $50K to $55K (DOE) plus benefits

Start Date: January 2025

Description

The Museum for Art in Wood, the international leader for contemporary art and creativity in the material of wood, maintains a position for a detail-oriented and self-motivated Registrar.

The Registrar supervises collections care and management for the Museum’s permanent collection of artwork, its archives, and its library. Additionally, the Registrar works with exhibitions staff on temporary exhibition projects to coordinate loans of artworks, arrange object packing and shipping, manage installation and de-installation of exhibitions, conduct object condition reporting, and maintain files and documentation. The Registrar also supports and oversees the digitization of the collection, manages image requests and copyright or clearances, and works collaboratively with curatorial staff, conservators, and the entire Museum team.

Reporting
The Registrar works independently and cooperatively with staff and reports directly to the Executive Director and Chief Curator. The Registrar will meet regularly and work directly with curatorial and education/programming staff on the permanent collection, exhibitions of loaned and collection art, publications, relevant special events, and other programs.

Organizational Background

Since its inception in 1986, The Center for Art in Wood has been widely recognized by artists, collectors, scholars and the public as one of the most valuable resources for the education, preservation and promotion of the field of art made from wood. In 2011, the Center moved to its current home on N. 3rd St., in the heart of Philadelphia’s Old City District. The organization changed its name to Museum for Art in Wood in January 2023 to make its resources and offerings more available to the public. The Museum’s collection includes over 1,300 permanent collection objects, 25,000 artist files, and books, and it mounts four to five exhibitions of new work and museum collection objects annually. It stages an annual eight-week residency for artists, documentary artists, and scholars each summer, and offers in-depth education, outreach, and other nonprofit programs year-round.

Position Responsibilities:

Museum Collection Management

Performs Registrar duties for the Museum’s permanent collection including deeds of gifts, condition reports, loan agreements, cataloging through database management software, and general care, conservation, and maintenance of the objects.
Continues upkeep of collections records, digital assets and archives, and physical ephemera.
Maintains and organizes off-site storage of collection assets.
Develop and maintain a thorough disaster-prevention policy tailored to the specific characteristics of the permanent collection and archives, as well as the facility of the Museum.

Exhibition Management

Manages incoming and outgoing loans for exhibitions, including correspondence and loan agreements.
With the Exhibitions Manager/Assistant Curator, supervises object care and loans in the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, whether on-site or at off-site locations.
Prepares and manages contracts for lenders for borrowed artwork and objects to exhibitions.
Facilitates all packing and shipping of artwork related to exhibitions.
Works with curatorial staff on touring exhibitions, including arranging shipping, facilities reporting and insurance, and general correspondence with venues and lenders.

Additional responsibilities and special projects

Works with curatorial staff on the Museum’s publication schedule, including budgets and printing schedules, providing text and photographs to editors, design teams, and publishers.
Participates in the coordination of the Museum’s annual residency program.
Participates in copy editing and critical review of publications, documentation, and other Museum materials.
Recruit interns and volunteers from local Museum Studies programs, coordinate and superintend projects.
Cultivate peer connections and participate in collegial symposia, conferences, and exchange.

Division of duties

Collection Management/Registrar 70%

Exhibitions Management 20%

Special programs with curatorial staff 5%

Attend/Assist with special events 5%

Requirements

Extensive (5+ years) museum or non-profit collections management experience, with fluency in collection database systems
Proven skills in written, correspondence-focused, and verbal communication
Familiarity with digital and augmented-reality platforms
Personable, self-starting, collaborative, creative problem solver who loves small museums, working closely with high-expertise staff members, and a fast-paced environment

Essential Skills

Must be a self-motivated and detail-oriented individual, with proven commitment to establishing and maintaining best practices in museum and collection management.
A positive, personable demeanor is required when interacting with colleagues, artists, collectors, and the public
Computer skills (Office suite, database management, website, social media best practices)
Effective management of multiple priorities
Ability to work without direct supervision in a small, lively office environment
Ability to lift 25–50 pounds and handle artwork

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays
Option to participate in 403B retirement savings program with 3% employer contribution one year from hire date

The Museum for Art in Wood is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, and employment. The Museum for Art in Wood shall not, in any manner, discriminate regardless of race, color, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, matriculation, or veteran status, and any other status protected by law.