REGISTRAR

Location: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock, AR

Department: Collections

Reports To: Director of Collections and Exhibitions

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts seeks a skilled professional for the position of Registrar. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Collections and Exhibitions and will be responsible for the coordination and management of incoming and outgoing loans, traveling exhibitions, and the care and documentation of the permanent collection in a fast-paced, exhibition-focused environment. The Registrar will work closely with the Curatorial Department, Preparators, Exhibition Designer, and other departments to ensure the successful and timely opening of each exhibition.

We know that skills and experience come in many forms. If you're excited about this role and believe your background has prepared you in different ways, even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply, especially if your perspective or background is underrepresented in the field, or shaped by non-traditional paths.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Collections Stewardship:

The Registrar leads the care, storage, documentation, and movement of the Museum's collection, ensuring accurate records and ethical practices. Responsibilities include maintaining the collection management system, coordinating acquisitions and cataloguing, overseeing inventories and condition assessments, and working with conservators to assess and treat artworks. The Registrar also manages rights and reproduction and ensures compliance with copyright, donor agreements, and legal standards, including NAGPRA and IRS guidelines.

Exhibitions and Loans:

From concept through deinstallation, this position manages all registration duties related to incoming and outgoing loans, exhibitions, and collection rotations. This includes coordinating agreements with lenders, shipping, insurance, storage, condition reports, and loan documentation. The Registrar also prepares and submits indemnity applications and other required legal or government documentation.

Standards, Facilities, and Risk Management:

The Registrar works with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions to help ensure compliance with museum accreditation standards, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness planning. This includes maintaining the museum's facility reports, coordinating response plans, and ensuring alignment with institutional policies and professional ethics.