Under the direction of the Head Registrar, the Associate Registrar, Collections/Media Arts is responsible for registration aspects of the museum’s collections, with an emphasis in the acquisition, collection management, and exhibition of collection works in the Departments of Media Arts. We are looking for a flexible, creative problem-solver with a solid foundation in museum practice. This is an opportunity to become a leader in developing and refining collections management systems in the very dynamic field of time-based media.

This position maintains productive and highly collaborative relationships  with curatorial, conservation, installation, exhibitions, collections information and access, and other departments of the museum, as well as with a broad constituency within the arts community including artists, their studio assistants and estates, collectors,  donors, vendors, scholars, students, the public and staff from this and other museums. The position represents the museum on a local, national and international level.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Accessions

Facilitates the accessions process, including the arrangements for the secure packing, delivery and related documentation of proposed acquisitions and promised gifts on extended loan to the museum; coordinates and negotiates details with donors and vendors including but not limited to transit, insurance and loan; prepares works for presentation to the Accessions Committee; arranges for return of declined proposed acquisitions and shipment of any de-accessioned objects;  maintains registration acquisition records and related documentation on collection artworks.

Collection Rotations and Exhibitions

Collaborates with curatorial, exhibitions, installation and conservation staff to budget and plan for the display of collection artwork and loans, including the development of SFMOMA organized tours.  Locates and examines works to be shown and coordinates conservation, transportation and preparation of artwork; oversees installation of artwork with regard to its safe handling and display; advises on appropriate security measures and in conjunction with the conservation department, monitors condition of artwork while on display; documents all related activity for permanent museum records.  May include international or domestic travel with SFMOMA-organized collection exhibitions or loans, and for related museum business.

Collection Care

In conjunction with conservation staff, digitizes videotape, laserdisc, and film for storage on the Digital Art Server; migrates media video carriers and film to newer formats for archival purposes. Coordinates the matting and framing of collection works for storage. Coordinates the treatment of artwork as necessary with conservation, works with conservation and the respective preparators to determine, prioritize, and coordinate the housing and storage of collection objects.  Works with Imaging Coordinator to facilitate the photography of collection works as needed.

 Storage and Location Systems

Oversees the proper handling, packing and storage of collection artworks; maintains collection location systems, location retrievals and inventory reconciliation; advises on art storage design and art storage furniture purchases; develops documentation and numbering system for media works; maintains the Digital Art Server with conservation; manages art website domain hosting.

Collection Initiatives

Participates in museum-wide strategies for enhanced stewardship of the collections including the Emergency Preparedness Plan, and Artist Initiative engagements as assigned.

 Administrative

Works with Head Registrar to develop, monitor and review department and other related budgets. Generates receipts, documentation and correspondence and maintains departmental records, processes invoices. Maintains current insurance records on the collection; works with Head Registrar to arrange appropriate coverage for collection exhibitions, rotations, and loans.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Training: Possession of a Baccalaureate degree required, with course work in Art History or closely related field preferred.  Possession of an advanced degree preferred.

Work Experience:   At least three years’ experience in Registration methods in an art museum or similar institution. Collection experience including at least 1 years’ experience managing a media art collection. International packing, shipping and budgeting experience required.

Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of museum registration methods.  Skill in the sensitive handling of works of art and risk assessment, including crating, packing and transportation of objects.   Knowledge of twentieth century art history and interest in contemporary art is essential.  Knowledge of museum purposes, organization and procedures. Proficiency with word processing software and databases; collections management database experience preferred.  Ability to work effectively on a wide variety of projects concurrently, with concern for the tasks assigned and the goals of the Department.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with Museum colleagues, volunteers and interns and effectively represent the Museum to outside professionals, lenders, donors, and members of the artistic community, including artists and artists’ studios.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Familiarity with basic conservation concepts, procedures and terms.  Ability and willingness to maintain a high level of accuracy & attention to detail. Ability to work independently and conduct effective problem resolution.  Demonstrated organizational skill and knowledge of standard office procedures, including invoicing, receipting, and maintaining files.  Ability to work simultaneously with several people who have different needs. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:  Must be able to visually inspect artwork. Must be able to lift 20 lbs.

Special Environmental Factors:  Close office setting. The position includes transit between the museum site and our facility in South San Francisco.

This is a union position subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

JOB TITLE:                   Associate Registrar, Collections/Media Arts

DEPARTMENT:                        Registration

SUPERVISOR:             Head Registrar

SCHEDULE:                      Full time: 35 hours/week

PAY RATE:                         $24.05/hour (starting rate)

                                    $28.91/hour (position rate)

Please apply directly on our website:

 https://www.sfmoma.org/join-the-team/

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact us at:

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We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.