Position Overview
The Exhibition Registrar plays a meaningful role in the production and documentation of exhibitions at the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota. The position supervises two preparators and collaborates with multiple departments on the development and implementation of exhibitions. In accordance with standard processes, the position is also responsible for maintaining documentation of exhibitions and incoming loans, issuing, and obtaining legal documentation, and handling insurance and shipping logistics.
Yearly salary: $55,000-60,000
Primary Areas of Responsibility:
Exhibition coordination and collaboration across departments (30%)
- In collaboration with registration staff and the curatorial department establish a strategic exhibition production schedule for temporary and permanent collection galleries
- Act as a liaison between departments to ensure information is available for colleagues in a timely manner for their work, communicate production schedules and ensure that contributing staff members are able to meet target deadlines
- Ensure the completion of all related exhibition needs, including hiring temporary staff, installation fabrication, painting, matting and framing, lighting, hardware, and AV equipment
- Oversee installation and deinstallation of galleries and assist with installation as needed
- In collaboration with production team work with artists when relevant to facilitate their installations
- Research materials and efficient production options and make recommendations to production team
- Contribute to planning and adhering to budgets related to exhibitions and registration department
- Supervise gallery maintenance, identify unique maintenance needs for each installation and ensure security requirements and opening/closing procedures are communicated to gallery staff
Registration (50%)
- Produce and maintain documentation of all exhibitions and incoming loans in collections management system and hardcopy files
- Issue and maintain legal documents pertaining to exhibitions including, loan agreements, receipts and certificate of insurance, collaborating with University general counsel and risk management when appropriate
- Organize and lead all aspects of packing, shipping, couriers, customs and insurance for exhibitions
- Organize and maintain exhibition checklists and exhibition project files related to job area
- Perform condition checks and supervise condition of objects while on display
- Collaborate with senior registrar regarding the development and implementation of related policies, systems, and procedures
- Act as courier for traveling exhibitions as needed
Supervision (20%)
- Hire and supervise work performed by permanent preparator staff, temporary staff and outside contractors
- Direct workflow of preparator staff to ensure support for exhibitions, collections care, outgoing loans and collection related projects
- Oversee maintenance and repairs to tools and equipment, ensure adherence to clean and safe workspace practices and procedures including required certifications for staff
- Supervise and mentor student interns interested in the field
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies or related fields and 5 years of museum experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 8 years
- Supervisory experience
- Project management experience
- Experience with exhibition coordination
- Knowledge of museum registration methodology
- Knowledge of best practices and museum standards for the art handling, packing, storage and transport of a variety of object types and exhibitions
- Experience with collection management systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in museum studies or related field preferred, ideally with focus or concentration in collections management
- Art Handler/preparator experience
- Evidence of effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills
Physical Requirements
- Standing or walking 2-4 hours at a time up to 8 hours per day
- Sitting at a computer 2-4 hours at a time, up to 8 hours per day
- Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 40 lbs
- Pushing and/or pulling heavy carts, crates and other containers
- Bending, squatting, reaching and lifting overhead, kneeling and climbing ladders
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Benefits
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
Categories: Job Postings