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JOB TITLE: Assistant Registrar DEPARTMENT: Registration

REPORTS TO: Director, Registration CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: Partial

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the Director, Registration, the Assistant Registrar administers museum policies and procedures regarding the proper handling and care of artworks and archival records and performs work in connection with the acquisition, management, and disposition of accessioned, deaccessioned, loaned and borrowed art objects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Coordinate incoming and outgoing artwork for temporary and long-term loan including packing, shipping, insurance, loan agreements, returns and renewals.

+ Assist with art acquisitions including registering auction bids, preparing gift and purchase agreements, receiving shipments, unpacking, photography, and condition reports.

+ Complete deaccession processes including deaccession proposal forms, clear title research, investigate disposition options, and serve as liaison with auction houses.

+ Prepare reports for Collections Committee, Board of Directors, Finance and Accounting.

+ Assist with collection reviews and outside contractor visits.

+ Examine art objects and prepare written condition reports; participate in collection inventories; photograph objects for collection database; assign object numbers and mark art objects.

+ Catalog art objects in the collection database, The Museum System (TMS).

+ Research copyright statuses and obtain copyright licenses.

+ Assist with developing procedures and terminology for data entry in TMS.

+ Create, document, organize, and maintain hard copy and electronic museum collection records.

+ Assist with exhibition logistics; installations and deinstallations, including travel to exhibition venues.

+ Prepare budget estimates, process purchase orders and invoices.

+ Conduct research to resolve status and provenance issues with permanent and found-in-collection objects, old loans, and abandoned property.

+ Travel as an art courier for domestic and international loans, oversee packing, transportation, and installation of artworks.

+ Investigate, prepare, and distribute art damage reports to internal stakeholders.

+ Field and respond to internal and external requests for collection research and information.

+ Work in a team atmosphere with curators, conservators, and museum technicians in the management of collection objects and temporary loans.

+ Assist with training and mentoring registration interns.

+ Apply DIA values to interactions to support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.

+ Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or related field required, Master's degree in art history or museum studies preferred. Four (4) years of museum experience in Registration, Collections, Exhibitions, or Loans required. Additional years of experience may be substituted for degree requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

+ Demonstrated ability to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.

+ Must possess the understanding and sensitivity required to handle, store, and display museum-quality artwork in compliance with the American Alliance of Museums Standards for collections and current legal and ethical practices for museum.

+ Must possess an understanding and practical application of established procedures for the registration and movement of museum-quality artwork with regards to packing, domestic and international shipping, U.S. and European Customs regulations, fine arts insurance standards, legal title research, and museum records management.

+ Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on- going projects to meet deadlines and goals.

+ Ability to provide information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally through talking or writing.

+ Demonstrated ability to speak publicly, including presenting or sharing information in a clear, effective, and engaging manner suited to the audience.

+ Demonstrated research and analysis skills to identify critical information and complete projects and goals.

+ Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language (French, Italian, Spanish, or German) preferred.

+ Ability to travel nationally and internationally as needed.

+ Basic knowledge of photography required, with a preference for experience with Adobe Photoshop.

+ Experience with collections database software, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.

+ Must possess a demonstrated understanding of ethical business conduct and professional practices including maintenance and protection of confidential and sensitive information.

+ Knowledge of copyright law and an understanding of matters related to use and reproduction preferred.

+ Ability to work occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.

+ Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.

+ Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.

+ Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, virtual, telephone, and email. Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 20 lbs. A high level of visual acuity is required in order to evaluate object materials and conditions.

This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.

THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.