Registrar/Collections Coordinator

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Curator, the Museum Registrar / Collections Coordinator is a knowledgeable and experienced art museum professional who implements the highest stewardship standards for works of art entrusted to theMuseum of Nebraska Art. The Registrar ensures continuity of care for works of art owned by and lent to the Museum, and manage both acquisition and deaccessioning procedures for the Museum’scollection of over 6,000 works of art. The Registrar / Collections Coordinator plays a vital role in the stewardship and management of the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. This position ensures the proper documentation, care, handling, storage, and movement of artworks in accordance with professional museum standards. The Registrar works collaboratively with the Curator, outside conservators, exhibition staff, and external lenders to support the Museum’s mission of preserving and presenting its collection.

• Produce and maintain documentation of all exhibitions, incoming, and outgoing loans in collections database system and hardcopy files
• Manage the collections database system, ensuring that standards for data entry are maintained
• Establish object conservation priorities for works of art in the Museum’s collection. Provide annual conservation recommendations and budgets, and manage conservation initiatives or treatments to assure preservation of artwork
• Plan, oversee, and implement packing, shipping, couriers, customs, and insurance for exhibitions. Perform condition checks and monitor condition of objects while on display. Assist with installations, de-installations, and exhibition rotations in galleries.
• Review and follow Collection Management policies and procedures
• Work with Museum Curator to ensure appropriate permanent collection and exhibition insurance coverage, and to process claims as needed
• Research and maintain copyright records for works in the collection. Manage and negotiate copyright permissions for publications, publicity, marketing, and related uses. Process requests for reproduction of images of works in collection.
• Organize and maintain exhibition checklists and exhibition project files, including exhibition labels and photo documentation. Issue and maintain legal documents pertaining to temporary exhibitions including loan agreements, receipts, condition reports, and certificates of insurance
• Coordinate outside services related to collections care and management as needed, including contracting for collection photography, conservation, packing, crating, and shipping.
• Arrange for periodic system upgrades and migrations. Manage all digital and hard copy collections records, object files, and digitization of images
• Support the Museum’s curricular and co-curricular initiatives by providing collections research and interpretation, sharing information about the collection, and facilitating various forms of access to the collection
• Assist with collection-focused grant proposals/applications; implement and track grant-funded initiatives.
• In conjunction with Museum Preparator, act and assist as courier for traveling exhibitions as needed
• Train and supervise student staff, graduate assistants, interns, and volunteers performing work related to the collection and/or in the Museum’s galleries
• Implement Museum’s disaster preparedness and emergency response policies

Required Qualifications:

B.A. in Museum Studies, Art History, Library Science, or related subject required

3-5 years minimum of working in a museum, gallery, or archive.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in related field

Experience with conservation and collections care preferred

About Us:

The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is the official art museum of the state of Nebraska, located in Kearney and housed in a beautifully restored 1911 former U.S. Post Office building. MONA celebrates Nebraska’s visual art for diverse audiences, preserving and promoting the work of Nebraska artists from the past and present.

Home to a permanent collection of over 6,000 artworks, MONA also features rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. As a cultural hub for the region, MONA is committed to fostering creativity, scholarship, and engagement with the arts in all its forms.