Posted August 14, 2014

The Chief Registrar serves as the leader of the Registrar’s Office. The position directs staff and activities that are responsible for acquisitions, loans, collections care, and exhibition registration, as well as day-to-day management and care of the collections maintained by the George Eastman House. The position is integral to ensuring continuity of collections care and maintaining the highest standards in the stewardship of the Museum’s collections. The Chief Registrar works collaboratively and effectively to promote the mission and goals of the Museum.

Responsibilities:

Provides leadership and direction for the Registrar’s Office including setting long-range plans, goals, policies, and budgets for all aspects of the care of works of art in the collection or on loan to the George Eastman House.
Recruits, supervises, and manages performance of personnel, providing direction, leadership, and setting goals with each direct report for long-range plans, policies, and budgets as appropriate. Establishes a work environment that allows for open communication, professional growth, and retention of committed professional staff. Oversees the day to day activities of Registrar Office personnel.
Works in partnership with George Eastman House Curators, Conservators, and other departments of the Museum to ensure proper care, management and storage of the collections.
Assists and advises on recommendations and processes for proposed Acquisitions, Deaccessions, and Loans.
Provides oversight support of both incoming and outgoing loan activity, tour coordination and gifts.
Oversees proper packing and transport of collection and borrowed objects.
Coordinates, ensures and monitors proper levels of insurance coverage of the collection and loaned objects.
Completes and reviews legal contracts and tax forms relating to the collections.
Maintains compliance with US Federal and International shipping and acquisition laws.
Maintains The Museum System (TMS) and the Museum’s collection files. Works with the Curators and other Museum personnel to ensure the database and files are up to date and accurate.
Develops and manages budgets.
Develops, advises upon and distributes collection management policies and procedures.
Prepares and provides thorough reports for presentation to George Eastman House Board members, CEO, Museum departments, etc.
Maintains formal and informal communications with scholars, board members and the public regarding George Eastman House collections.
Completes, directs, or assigns special projects as required.
Maintains active involvement in professional organizations and activities relevant to institutional priorities.
Adheres to Museum policies and supports management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
Conforms to the AAMD code of ethics governing the art museum profession.

Supervision:

Supervises three full-time employees. May supervise students, interns and volunteers as needed.

Physical Activities:

The duties of this position require sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, seeing, typing, and lifting (independently or with others).

Work Environment:

Work takes place in an office environment with moderate to light noise.
Job Requirements

Education Requirements:

Advanced degree in museum studies or relevant field.

Experience Requirements:
A minimum of 5 years progressive supervisory experience of professional and support staff and experience with Art Museum Collection Management required.
Experience with a Collection Management system is required; experience with TMS preferred.
Familiarity with history of photography, fine art and museum discourse.
Experience in drafting and revising legal instruments and contractual agreements.
Thorough knowledge of registration methods and conservation terminology.
Ability to plan, develop, monitor, and manage significant detailed budgets and to analyze and compile budget reports, summaries and charts.
Analytical skills to read and interpret professional journals and governmental regulations.
Ability to write business correspondence, reports, and procedure manuals and respond to questions and present information effectively to the staff and museum professionals.
Knowledge of art law issues regarding legal importation and acquisition of works of art, in compliance with other GEH policies and AAMD.

Skills and Competencies Requirements:

Critical thinking; sound & logical judgment; attention to detail
Pragmatic approach; agility & adaptability in challenging circumstances
Resourcefulness and creativity in solving problems
Oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Tact and brinkmanship in contractual and monetary negotiations
Time management; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Leadership skills

To be considered for this position, please email a cover letter and current curriculum vitae to the attention of the Director of the George Eastman House at chiefregistrarsearch@geh.org.