Registrar – Samek Art Museum [Bucknell University]

Bucknell University seeks an experienced professional to serve as Registrar of the Samek Art Museum.

Job Summary

The Samek Art Museum is a program of Bucknell University that creates meaningful encounters between artists, students, scholars, the public, and works of art. The Museum presents original, travelling, and collection exhibitions and public programs that cover the range of art history with an emphasis on contemporary art. The Museum maintains an active museum collection of over 5,000 objects, including 450 works installed across the campus. The Museum programs and/or manages 3 spaces – the Samek Art Gallery on campus (including offices, work-room, and collection study room), Downtown Art Gallery, and off-site collections storage – totaling 4,500 square feet of exhibition and program space plus 3,000 of storage and work space. The Museum produces, on average, 15 exhibitions, 75 public programs, and 36 campus events annually.
The Registrar reports to the Director and is part of the gallery team that includes the Public Programs and Outreach Manager, Preparator and Operations Coordinator, Gallery Fellow, and student docents and guards. The Registrar’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the duties listed below in order of priority and time. The Registrar fulfills their duties in accordance with campus, state, and federal policies and laws as well as in keeping with museum and gallery professional practices. The successful candidate will have significant prior experience working with and contributing to a diverse workforce.

Duties and Responsibilities

EXHIBITION INSTALLATION & DE-INSTALLATION

*Act as exhibition project manager to ensure that each installation is completed safely, on time, and within budget.

*Duties will include but are not limited to: receiving, unpacking, and packing artworks; hanging and placement of artwork; performing carpentry work such as crating or making pedestals; spackling and painting; handling artworks on loan and permanent collections; lighting exhibitions; matting and framing artworks; and pick-up and delivery of artwork.

*Organize, schedule, and direct a team of exhibition installation assistants, or “Prep Crew”, made up of Registrar, Operations Coordinator, Museum Fellow, student employees, and campus Facilities as needed.

*Train Prep Crew in handling of valuable and fragile artworks.

*Maintain up-to-date shared gallery master calendar of exhibitions, installation, and de-installation dates.

*Order tools and supplies as needed for exhibition installation.
COLLECTION MANAGEMENT

*Manage and supervise the care and use of the collections by ensuring proper storage, handling, conservation, and exhibition techniques.

*Generate condition and conservation reports.

*Oversee and implement the Collections Management Policy and prepare materials for Collections Advisory Committee.

*Work with Director to develop collection policies including security, disaster and emergency plans.

*Work with Operations Coordinator to implement security systems and procedures related to collections.

*Design and manage art storage areas including furniture, HVAC, security and pest-control programs.

*Work with Director and campus Library/IT to store, migrate, and preserve media art in collection.

*Contract for outside services as needed in conservation, rigging, packing, crating, shipping, photography, and insurance.
COLLECTIONS ACCESS

*Respond to and fulfill requests from faculty, students, public, staff, and other museums requesting access to collection for instruction, research, or loan request.

*Manage Museum Collection Study Room including: scheduling and calendaring, receiving and fulfilling requests for class visits, and recording attendance and use.

*Manage online public access to collection management system including catalog data, images, and video.

*Manage photographic services, including rights and reproduction requests.

ART HANDLING

*Coordinate packing, crating, and shipping of art from collection or art being loaned for exhibition.

*Transport art between collections storage facilities and galleries, to hang or retrieve from campus, and to off-site locations for framing, photography, conservation, etc.

*Coordinate large campus art re-deployments including department moves, building renovations, campus events, President’s house, etc.

*Receive, mediate, and fulfill requests from individual faculty and staff to hang art on campus.

*Act as courier or designate courier when needed.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

*Create and maintain legal documents related to exhibitions and collections including: loan agreements, loan requests, insurance policies, donor acknowledgement letters, and tax and gift forms.

*Manage digital collections management system including: original cataloging of art objects, updating catalog records, and working with campus Library/IT to improve database system.

*Maintain paper files including collections and donor files.

*Maintain institutional archive of print publications.

*Structure gallery shared server space for effective use.

*Develop and implement bi-annual collection inventory incorporating works in storage, on campus, on loan, and in exhibition.

*Coordinate object identification services, including reporting and compliance with federal and international laws such as NAGPRA.

*Maintaining IMNH facilities reports and reviewing borrower’s facilities report.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Graduate degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or closely related field.

2. Professional experience in an art gallery or museum in one of the functional areas detailed in the job description.

3. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as an independent self-starter.

5. Valid PA drivers license (or ability to get one within 30 days).

6. Ability to drive 15′ box truck (standard license+medical card) or willingness to be trained.

7. Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed and scheduled.

8. Demonstrated ability to work with office software and online social media.

9. Proficiency with manual and power tools.

10. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Physical Demands 

1. Stand or walk 2-4 hours at one time, up to 6 hours per day

2. Sit for 2-4 hours at one time, up to 6 hours per day

3. Lift or carry up to 50 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday)

4. Lift or carry up to 10 pounds frequently (34-66% of the work day)

5. Lift up to 50 pounds to waist height and up to 25 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead

6. Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34-66% of the workday)

7. Occasionally bend, squat, reach overhead, kneel, climb ladders up to 12 feet high, lift overhead, weld, push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds (less than 33% of the work day)

8. Work in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions

9. Possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance

10. Very good visual acuity
About Bucknell 

Bucknell University, an equal opportunity employer, believes that students learn best in a diverse, inclusive community and is therefore committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who will be committed to Bucknell’s efforts to create a climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body. We welcome applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. 

Bucknell University is a private, highly selective, national liberal arts institution that also offers strong professional programs in engineering, business, education, and music. Located in Central Pennsylvania along the Susquehanna River, Bucknell is nestled in the Borough of Lewisburg, an appealing Victorian-style town ranked as one of America’s best small towns. Lewisburg and the surrounding region offer a unique combination of outdoor recreation opportunities, small-town charm, and appealing amenities such as restaurants, art galleries, an art deco theater, museums, and boutiques. In addition to the many cultural and athletic events offered by the University and the Borough, the surrounding region offers outstanding schools, medical facilities, and an affordable cost of living. For those who crave the city, Bucknell is within an easy three-hour drive to Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. 

PI89440242