Registrar

REGISTRAR
FULL-TIME
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POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Registrar, is a full-time, exempt-status position, working within the Historic Preservation and Collections Department under the supervision of the Director of Exhibitions and Collections Management (“Director”). In addition to supporting the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Department to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association’s historical and cultural resources, the Registrar is charged with primary responsibility for all written and photographic data for Mount Vernon’s fine and decorative arts collections, including permanent holdings and demonstration items. He/She plays a key role in stewarding Mount Vernon’s collections and maintaining and making accessible the associated information.  The Registrar also works with the Director on exhibition planning, installation and maintenance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Ensures prompt and accurate registration of all incoming curatorial objects, including documentation of receipt, processing, condition assessment, insurance, storage, and movement of items in the collection. This includes items being considered for acquisition, whether by purchase or donation.
  • Works closely with Curatorial and Collections Management staff to ensure that all incoming objects are fully processed in a timely manner, including accessioning, numbering, condition reporting, photography, and storage.
  • Work with Curatorial staff on all aspects of incoming loans including legal agreements, shipping, insurance values and coverage, and the coordination of installation if required.
  • Assists in administering the collections database (TMS); develops effective and efficient procedures and protocols to effectively manage and make available object information.
  • Creates and maintains all object records, both digital and hard copy, for items in Mount Vernon’s fine and decorative arts collections, both permanent and demonstration; works closely with Curatorial and Collections Management staff to develop and implement procedures to update records and files with new information (including locations, publications, exhibitions, attributions, provenance, and other research).
  • Inputs cataloging information and works closely with Curatorial staff to populate, review, and approve object records for inclusion in online collections database (eMuseum).
  • Oversees photography and digitization of collections objects, in collaboration with Curatorial, Collections Management, and Conservation staff.
  • Directs regular collection inventories.
  • Coordinates processing and documentation of all deaccessions.
  • Assists Director with exhibition planning, installation, and maintenance as appropriate.
  • Conducts research in object histories, provenance, and other areas as needed.
  • Answers collection inquiries as assigned.
  • Collaborates as appropriate with the Curator of Preservation Collections, Curator of Special Collections, Archivist, and Manager of Visual Resources.
  • Assists with Historic Area (Mansion and outbuildings) and exhibition spaces as needed.
  • Oversees contract, full-time, part-time, intern, and volunteer personnel as needed.
  • Undertakes other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Collections Management, Art History, Decorative Arts, Material Culture, or a related field required, with additional professional museum experience of at least 2 years.
  • Solid knowledge of registrarial and collections documentation responsibilities and procedures.
  • Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing, image management, and collections databases.
  • Knowledge of American fine and decorative arts preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
  • Ability to work beyond a normal work week.
  • Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally.
  • Successful completion of security background check.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to climb and balance on ladders, for example.
All staff, volunteers, and contractors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives.  All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.