Description

Job Title:  Registrar  
Department:  Curatorial 
Classification:  Full-time/Exempt  
Reports to:  Chief Curator  
Manages:  May supervise part-time Registration Technician, Collection  
Volunteers, Interns 
Salary Range:  $60,000 - $64,000  
 
Position Summary 
The Registrar leads registration activities related to exhibitions, installations, loans, and the stewardship of the Kemper Museum’s growing collection of more than 1,500 objects. Working closely with curators, artists, lenders, the Exhibitions Manager, Facilities, and other internal and external stakeholders, the Registrar coordinates art logistics, documentation, movement, and care while ensuring compliance with museum standards and legal requirements. This position plays a critical role in realizing an active exhibitions program, supporting relationships with living artists, and preserving the long-term integrity and accessibility of the collection across all Museum sites. The role balances project management and administrative oversight with hands-on collections care in service to the Museum’s mission and values. 
 
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, as well as developing and monitoring exhibition-related budgets in collaboration with curatorial staff. The Registrar also prepares and submits indemnity applications and other required legal or government documentation.  
 
Standards, Facilities, and Risk Management 
The Registrar helps ensure compliance with museum accreditation standards, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness planning. Working with Facilities and Operations, this includes maintaining the museum’s facility reports, coordinating response plans, and ensuring alignment with institutional policies and professional ethics.  
 
Team Coordination and Collaboration 
The Registrar hires and supervises a part-time technician, interns, volunteers, and contract conservators (as needed) while working closely with colleagues across departments. They contribute to strategic planning, reaccreditation processes, forecast collections-related needs, and support museum-wide projects. The role also requires fostering professional relationships with lenders, donors, artists, external vendors, museum professionals, maintaining clear and consistent communication.  
 
Professional Development Opportunity 
Candidates should possess foundational registrar experience and knowledge of museum registration practices. To support a successful transition into the role, team, and museum, the selected candidate will receive part-time mentorship and hands-on onboarding from an experienced museum professional for up to one year, with training focused on registration standards and institutional best practices. 
 
Qualifications 
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field.  
1-3 years of experience in museum registration, collections management, and exhibition coordination.  
Demonstrated expertise of art handling, storage, transportation, documentation best practices.  
Proficiency with collection management systems and digital asset organization and workflows.  
Familiarity with legal, ethical, and institutional policies government museum collections. 
Demonstrated ability to manage projects, timelines, and collaborative workflows.  
Supervisory and collaborative experience.  
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.   
Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and strategic objectives through responsible stewardship, ethical conduct, and culturally responsive, inclusive museum practices. 
 
Core Competencies 
Accountability & Accuracy: Maintains clear, consistent, and accessible records with attention to detail.  
Communication: Communicates clearly and professionally across teams and stakeholders.  
Adaptability & Flexibility: Responds effectively to changing priorities and operational needs with resilience and creativity.  
Collaboration: Builds positive working relationships and contributes to a respectful, team-oriented culture.  
Initiative: Proactively identifies opportunities, addresses challenges, and takes ownership of responsibilities and improvements.  
Professionalism & Integrity: Exercises discretion, sound judgment, and integrity in all duties. 
 
Physical Requirements  
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., bend, reach, and handle artworks safely.  
Visual acuity for condition reporting and documentation tasks. 
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during installations and related projects.   
Occasional travel as an art courier or reprehensive of the museum.  
 
Additional Notes 
This position occasionally requires evening or weekend hours related to installations, art shipments, or events. The Registrar may also travel to oversee object handling and transport.  

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field.  
1-3 years of experience in museum registration, collections management, and exhibition coordination.  
Demonstrated expertise of art handling, storage, transportation, documentation best practices.  
Proficiency with collection management systems and digital asset organization and workflows.  
Familiarity with legal, ethical, and institutional policies government museum collections. 
Demonstrated ability to manage projects, timelines, and collaborative workflows.  
Supervisory and collaborative experience.  
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.   
Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and strategic objectives through responsible stewardship, ethical conduct, and culturally responsive, inclusive museum practices.