SENIOR REGISTRAR – Registration Dept. Full Time
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is one of the finest museums on the West coast and is celebrated for the superb quality of its permanent collection. Its mission is to integrate art into the lives of people through internationally recognized exhibitions and special programs, as well as the thoughtful presentation of its permanent collection.
We are seeking a highly qualified Senior Registrar with strong leadership skills and extensive experience in all areas of collection and exhibition management. The Senior Registrar reports to the Deputy Director/Chief Curator and currently supervises one Associate Registrar, one Assistant Registrar, and one Museum Technician for Registration.
The Senior 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.
After the conclusion of a $50 million renovation and the creation of new art storage, the Museum is now concentrating on the customization of its new art storage and the rehousing and return of its permanent collection. The Senior Registrar will play a leading role in the strategic planning and implementation of the reorganization of art storage over the next several years. This will include the digitization of the collection, cleansing of data in TMS, publication online using eMuseum, as well as the consolidation of object files from Curatorial and Registration in one centralized place for professional consultation.
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 are 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. Additional skills and qualities desired: precision attention to detail with the ability to multitask 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 collections management software, particularly TMS. Fluency in at least one modern foreign language is preferred.
- This position is full-time with an exempt, supervisory status
- Must be able to lift art objects up to 50 pounds periodically
- Salary is DOE with competitive benefits including vacation of 15 days in first two years, 13 paid holidays, 8 sick days (plus up to 2 weeks for COVID related illness), and eligibility for medical/dental/vision/long term disability/life insurance participation, retirement plan eligibility with up to 5% match after a year of service, and more… All while working in beautiful Downtown Santa Barbara, CA.
- Successful Background Check and proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster is required.
Submissions: Please include Applications (located below), resumes, and cover letter.
E-mail: (preferred)
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
1130 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Fax: (805) 966-6840
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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