Posted July 24, 2014.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, a leading West Coast art museum, presents internationally-recognized collections and exhibitions and a broad array of cultural and educational activities. SBMA’s permanent collection includes more than 27,000 works of art, including paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, ceramics, glass, jades, bronzes, lacquer and textiles. These works represent the arts of Asia, Europe and the Americas spanning over 5,000 years of human history.

We are seeking a highly qualified Chief Registrar with strong leadership talents and extensive experience in all areas of collection and exhibition management. The Chief Registrar reports to the Assistant Director/Chief Curator and currently supervises a staff of three, including two associate registrars and one assistant registrar with the likelihood of an additional assistant registrar hired on a temporary basis during the on-going renovation.

The Chief Registrar’s primary responsibility is to oversee the registration operations for the Museum’s permanent collection and an active and varied program of special exhibitions. Specific responsibilities include oversight of exhibition-related operations; accessioning/deaccessioning works of art; maintenance of the collection files, both paper and electronic; management of the permanent collection, including outgoing loans and internal movement and storage of works of art; risk management; budget preparation and control; and coordination of photographic services. Over the next two years the Chief Registrar will play a central role in planning and implementing the orderly temporary storage and eventual reinstallation of the permanent collection, scheduled to take place in a phased renovation over the next 3 to 5 years.

Job Requirements
B.A. in art history, history, or related discipline is required with a preference for an M.A. in art history or museum studies. Strong candidates will have at least five years of professional registration/collections management experience in an AAM-accredited art museum. Ten years of museum experience with at least five years in a supervisory capacity is preferred. This position requires a thorough knowledge of registration methods and practices, and an understanding of museum legal and ethical issues. Excellent organizational, analytical, and logistical abilities, along with strong written and verbal communication skills, are a must. Additionally skills and qualities desired: precision attention to detail with the temperament to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines; ability to work effectively with a broad range of individuals and within a collaborative team environment; flexibility and openness to innovation; and proficiency in collections management and business management software, particularly TMS. Fluency in at least one modern foreign language is preferred.

This position is full-time with an exempt status
Must be able to lift art objects up to 50 pounds periodically
Salary is DOE with competitive benefits including paid time off/paid holidays and medical/dental/vision/retirement plan eligibility and more.
Successful Background Check is required.
Deadline to apply: Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters will be accepted through 8/22/14 or until the position is filled, either before or after noted date.
Please visit us at our Career Opportunities page at www.sbma.net where you can access our Application. We look forward to your submission of a cover letter, resume and application and we appreciate your interest in the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please E-mail to: hr@sbma.net