What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Registrar Incoming Loans position at MFAH?
Responsibilities:
- Coordination of shipment to and from the museum of artworks requested for loan for potential acquisition or extended loan to the museum. (Not including shipment of artworks specifically for an organized exhibition.)
- Initial data entry into the museum’s collection database (TMS) of information relating to the incoming loan of artworks and preparation of initial loan agreements with lenders.
- Serve as primary point of contact with lender throughout incoming loans process as it relates to loan paperwork, shipping, and artwork condition.
- Document unpacking process of loaned artwork alone, or when necessary, in coordination with the Preparations and Conservation Departments. Conduct initial condition examination.
- Initial cataloguing of loaned artworks in accordance with museum data standards.
- Create, update, and maintain organized physical and digital loan files.
- Assist with other Collections projects as needed.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Solid computer skills combined with sound, proven organizational and clerical skills.
- Structured, calm approach and personality - can effectively manage numerous projects at once.
- Team player who can work well with others - Registration, Preparations, Conservation, and Curatorial departments.
- Previous experience with "The Museum System" (TMS) preferred.
- Previous experience with art handling preferred. Must be comfortable with handling artwork unsupervised after receiving training by Conservation staff.
Education and Experience:
- 1-3 years of Registration or Collections Management experience in a professional art gallery or museum required.
- Bachelors degree in a related field - arts, education or humanities - strongly preferred OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600 employees and 1,000 docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 65,000 works of art in a wide range of media.
Work will primarily be performed in an office environment but some physical labor will be required for unpacking and packing artwork. Physical demands may vary. Work may involve extended sitting, standing, and computer use.
Work and Culture at the MFAH - Benefits Offered
- Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance
- Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
- MFAH Retirement Savings Plan (403b)
- Flexible Spending Plans
- Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Volunteer Time Off, Holiday Pay
- Museum Membership and Discounts
Equal Opportunities for All
At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and to our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org