Museum Registrar Position Available In Berkshire, Massachusetts

Museum Registrar 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 880 Main Street, Williamstown, MA 01267 The Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA) is seeking an experienced Museum Registrar to implement its registration and management of incoming and outgoing loans for exhibit, while ensuring the preservation, safe handling and transport of these artworks. This role requires a high degree of expertise in shipping logistics, packing, condition checking, insurance, curatorial practices, and museum standards, with an emphasis on expanding access to collections, engaging visitors in the galleries, and supporting educational initiatives. Implementing collections policies and procedures that support the multidisciplinary use of the collections and loans in support of teaching is crucial. Reporting to the Senior Museum Registrar of Collections and Exhibitions, the Museum Registrar is an integral part of a team which is responsible for all registrarial functions involving the collection, loans, conservation, preservation, storage, access, database and digitization. The successful candidate will be joining the team at a particularly exciting time in the museum’s history as we actively plan and prepare to move into a new museum building, presently under construction on campus. The new building will offer substantial gallery space for showing more of the collection, as well as more object study classrooms. Williams is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The successful candidate will work effectively and respectfully with faculty, staff, students, and vendors from a variety of diverse backgrounds in a collaborative setting.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

Manage and implement all registrarial functions for in-house exhibitions, temporary loans, outgoing loans and traveling exhibitions. As needed, travel as a courier with traveling exhibitions and outgoing loans. Finalize loan agreements; perform data entry, issue receipts, insurance certificates and related documentation for all loans and incoming acquisitions. Assist in accessioning and deaccessioning processes. Coordinate and track conservation treatments for objects in the collection and on loan. Manage and monitor the conservation budget. Assist and support the Senior Museum Registrar in the implementation of the collections and management system (TMS), ongoing digitization processes and long-term digital strategies. Assist and support Temporary Registrarial Office Assistant(s) with data entry and clerical work. Serve on museum committees and contribute to best practices and standards involving collection care, ie: conservation efforts, storage and transport, risk management, integrated pest management, emergency preparedness and digital systems. Balance object safety while allowing for engaging installations and visitor experiences.

Qualifications:

B.A degree. Preferably with a concentration in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field, with at least 5-8 years of experience in art museum registration or collections management, including substantial experience with both permanent collections and traveling exhibitions. Comprehensive understanding of current museum practices and U.S. and international regulations regarding customs, insurance, copyright, and ethics. Knowledge of object safety, digitization processes, and conservation methods is essential. Strong organizational, negotiation, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to manage budgets, lead teams, and work collaboratively with museum staff, donors, and external stakeholders. Experience with collections management systems (e.g., The Museum System-TMS) and related technologies for data entry, object tracking, and digital imaging. Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions for improving collection access, storage, and visitor engagement. Strong attention to detail, particularly when handling artworks and coordinating logistics for exhibitions and loans. A commitment to sustainable practices and green museum protocols, promoting environmental responsibility in all aspects of collection care and exhibition planning. Ability to work effectively across departments and with a variety of stakeholders. Ability to serve as a courier for exhibitions, including overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work required to support exhibition schedules and collection management. Ability to lift moderately heavy objects and perform physical duties as needed for installation and transport. This is a full time (40 hours/week), year-round, benefited position that involves a significant amount of on-site presence. The salary range for this position is between $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with experience. Application review will begin on July 11, 2025. For consideration, a cover letter is required. This will provide an opportunity for you to share interests and experiences that align with WCMA’s mission and values. Application review will begin on July 11, 2025. Visit careers.williams.edu to apply. Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service. Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu .