Assistant Registrar
Musical Instrument Museum
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) celebrates the history and diversity of musical instruments from countries and cultures around the world.  The museum’s new 190,000 square-foot building, currently under construction in north Phoenix, is scheduled to open to the public in 2010 and will contain approximately 75,000 square feet of gallery space.

 

The collection and offices are located in Tempe, AZ, while the museum building is under construction.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

MIM seeks a highly motivated individual to fill the position of Assistant Registrar.  The Assistant Registrar will participate in all aspects of registration and collections management activities for MIM as it builds an outstanding collection of musical instruments. This position will report to the Registrar, and work closely with staff in MIM departments, including Conservation, Curatorial, Exhibits, Education, Operations, and Security. 

 

The Assistant Registrar is a full-time position and includes benefits.  It is a term position of 18 months with the possibility of extension.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of object, archival, and audiovisual media collection records (manual and electronic), including acquisition, accession, provenance, condition, location, and other records.
• Input and update collection data into MIM’s collection database, TMS, as needed.  Provide and create database searches and reports as needed by all museum departments. Assist with general museum-wide support for TMS users as needed.
• Work with the Registrar to manage all logistics and paperwork for loans (loan agreements; receipts; object checklists; object condition reports; crate and packing lists; packing, crating and transportation logistics; and courier documents).
• Working closely with Conservation, assist with the handling, packing, and inspection of all objects entering or leaving the museum; inspect condition of museum objects; assist in collections inventories.
• Assist in the routine care and maintenance of galleries and object storage areas, ensuring the security of collections, monitoring environmental conditions in permanent storage and galleries, and making storage mounts.  
• Assist with the planning and executing of the movement of the collection to MIM’s permanent facility, and the installation of exhibits in the new building.
• Arrange access to the collection for MIM staff and visiting scholars.  Respond to research inquiries and other requests from institutions and the public.
• Supervise the work of volunteers and student assistants as needed.
• Manage and assist in selected special projects and performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• B.A. in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or related field with a minimum of 3 years experience, OR Master’s Degree in Museum Studies with 1 year of internship or practical experience.
• Knowledge of accepted museum registration, collection management, and loan practices, procedures, as well as legal and ethical issues.
• Experience with collection management databases, cataloging standards, and controlled vocabularies.  Familiarity with TMS is preferred, but not required.
• Must be technically literate, including experience with digital photography and the processing and management of digital media.
• Ability to problem solve, work independently and excel in a high performance, team-oriented culture.
• Strong writing and collaborative interpersonal skills.
• Some travel may be required.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and climb a step ladder.
• Valid driver’s license.

To Apply:

Identifying a candidate for this position is a priority for MIM, therefore applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.  Candidates available for preliminary interviews at the AAMs should indicate this in their application.

Submit a letter of interest, CV, and contact information for three professional references to:

Sharon Aponte Misdea

Registrar

Musical Instrument Museum

1219 W. Geneva Drive

Tempe, AZ   85282

Or email application materials to:

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