Description
Registrar
Location: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock, AR
Department: Collections
Reports To: Director of Collections and Exhibitions
Position Summary
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts seeks a skilled professional for the position of Registrar. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions and will be responsible for the coordination and management of incoming and outgoing loans, traveling exhibitions, and the care and documentation of the permanent collection in a fast-paced, exhibition-focused environment. The Registrar will work closely with the Curatorial Department, Preparators, Exhibition Designer, and other departments to ensure the successful and timely opening of each exhibition.
We know that skills and experience come in many forms. If you're excited about this role and believe your background has prepared you in different ways, even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply, especially if your perspective or background is underrepresented in the field, or shaped by non-traditional paths.
Collections Stewardship
Key Areas of Responsibility:
The Registrar leads the care, storage, documentation, and movement of the Museum's collection, ensuring accurate records and ethical practices. Responsibilities include maintaining the collection management system, coordinating acquisitions and cataloguing, overseeing inventories and condition assessments, and working with conservators to assess and treat artworks. The Registrar also manages rights and reproduction and ensures compliance with copyright, donor agreements, and legal standards, including NAGPRA and IRS guidelines.
Exhibitions And Loans
From concept through deinstallation, this position manages all registration duties related to incoming and outgoing loans, exhibitions, and collection rotations. This includes coordinating agreements with lenders, shipping, insurance, storage, condition reports, and loan documentation. The Registrar also prepares and submits indemnity applications and other required legal or government documentation.
Standards, Facilities, And Risk Management
The Registrar works with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions to help ensure compliance with museum accreditation standards, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness planning. This includes maintaining the museum's facility reports, coordinating response plans, and ensuring alignment with institutional policies and professional ethics.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in museum registration, collections management, and exhibition coordination.
- Demonstrated expertise in art handling, storage, transportation, and documentation best practices.
- Proficiency with collection management systems and digital asset organization and workflows.
- Familiarity with legal, ethical, and institutional policies government museum collections.
- Demonstrated ability to manage projects, timelines, and collaborative workflows.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Commitment to culturally responsive and inclusive museum practices.
Core Competencies
- Accountability and Accuracy: Maintains clear, consistent, and accessible records.
- Communication: Communicates clearly and diplomatically across multiple teams.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Navigates changing priorities with resilience and creativity.
- Collaboration: Values teamwork and contributes positively to work culture.
- Professionalism: Exercises discretion, judgment, and integrity in all duties.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., bend, reach, and handle artworks safely.
- Visual acuity for condition reporting and documentation tasks.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during installations and related projects.
- Occasional travel as an art courier or representative of the museum.
Additional Notes
This position occasionally requires evening or weekend hours related to installations, art shipments, or events. The Registrar may also travel to oversee object handling and transport.
