Registrar

The Queens Museum’s Registrar serves a key role in supporting a dynamic temporary exhibition program, as well as occasional touring exhibitions. Key responsibilities include coordinating fine art shipping, conservation, framing, packing, storage, and insurance for all temporary exhibitions, and coordinating cross-departmental communications regarding deliverables, installation schedules, safe installation and care, and visitor awareness. The Registrar will also be charged with care and documentation of the Queens Museum Fine Art collection.

Essential Functions

• Coordinate logistical aspects of temporary exhibitions (and occasional touring exhibitions) through each phase of development, including:
• Generate and issue artist letters of agreement, loan agreements, and/or exhibition contracts; obtain competitive shipping bids, and monitor registration-related expenses throughout projects
• Manage and coordinate shipment of artwork to/from the QM including domestic and international fine art logistics, crating, insurance, customs-related documentation (as needed), and offsite crate and/or artwork storage, contracting with outside vendors as needed to ensure safe transport and presentation of art
• Process invoices for the above
• Review and maintain traveling exhibition records, including facility reports, loan agreements, and condition reports
• Generate and issue incoming and outgoing receipts, create complete and detailed incoming and outgoing condition reports, update checklists, crate lists, and labels as needed
• Communicate with lenders, galleries, and artists regarding the shipment, documentation, and installation of artwork; update lenders with condition notes and venue climate readings as needed
• Advise Exhibitions team on the proper and safe installation of artworks; assist with supervising art handlers during exhibition installation/de-installation
• Supervise technicians or contractors hired for maintenance or conservation as needed
• Perform condition checks for artwork for the duration of the exhibitions; monitor environmental conditions in galleries; establish conservation priorities and arrange for treatment of works (as needed); liaise with the Facilities team in relation to events and safekeeping of exhibitions, as needed
• Maintain insurance coverage for exhibitions; issue insurance certificates to lenders; and generate monthly insurance reports of temporary loans as needed
• Update, implement, and issue as requested, Facility Report alongside the Head of Facilities, and review facility reports of prospective venues (when touring)
• Advise the Front of House team of any security, condition issues, or other pertinent issues for each exhibition
• Organize and monitor temporary onsite and offsite art storage as needed
• Prepare internal documentation for each exhibition (“Weekly Maintenance Guide,” “Safety Guide,” “On/Off Guide” with assistance from Head Preparator)
• Coordinate care of QM fine art collection
• Manage and provide proper care, preservation, and storage of the Museum’s fine art collection on-site.
• Implement procedures for identifying and cataloging objects.
• Develop, organize, and maintain records of the fine art collection as it relates to conservation needs, condition, location, and identification of artworks (basic photographs).
• Work with Head Preparator to schedule repacking of artworks, as needed, and outfitting of packaging with proper identification information
• Maintain on-site storage of artworks for ease of access
• This list represents the essential functions of the role, this list does not constitute an exhaustive list of job functions

Benefits
This is a full-time benefits-eligible position to participate in the following benefits:

• Paid Time Off including Vacation, Sick Leave, and Personal Days
• Paid Holidays & (4) Summer Fridays per year
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Retirement Benefits (401K savings plan, Pension plan, and Life Insurance policy)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free affiliate admission to most American Museums

Hybrid Work Model
The QM team is currently practicing a hybrid work model, incorporating a blend of onsite and remote working. QM department heads require attendance onsite at the Museum 3 days per week, to participate in in-person meetings and project work.

Requirements

Competencies

• Demonstrates initiative, resourcefulness, and a creative approach to problem-solving
• Thrives in culturally diverse settings
• Displays a high level of support for colleagues, and builds professional and respectful relationships with others
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Ability to work independently and as a team player in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple tasks and adhering to deadlines
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to handle issues with diplomacy and confidentiality

Qualifications

• Experience and/or interest in supporting the presentation of new commissions and working with emerging artists who are showing for the first time in a museum
• Experience and/or interest in working with artists and artworks that challenge conventions in ways that require innovative adaptations
• Possess strong condition reporting skills
• Working knowledge of preservation, care, handling, storage, and security of collections.
• Knowledge of collection management techniques, museum methodology, cataloging systems, insurance, and customs procedures.

Requirements

• 3+ years experience with registration and temporary exhibition logistics, including the organization of international shipping (gallery or museum experience preferred)
• Strong computer skills across PC and Mac environments, (MS Office & Google Workspace)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills