Primary areas of responsibility:
The Assistant Registrar manages the art rental program and rights and reproductions; creates and maintains all related records in the museum’s collections database (TMS) and assists the Registrars with acquisitions and loans; other projects as assigned.
JOB DUTIES:
Art Rental 45% - Working in consultation with the WAM Shop Manager and Registrars
● Manages the Weisman Art Rental Program.
● Processes and oversees new Art Rental Agreements and maintains records of all rental transactions.
● Understands and utilizes business analysis to identify trends and inform selection of appropriate artwork for the program to maximize revenue potential. Communicates regularly with WAM Shop Manager/Buyer to review status, trends and revenue.
● Updates the collections database with current artwork locations and renter information.
● Evaluates and assesses the condition of artworks for framing, unframing or repair. Cleans and hangs returned artwork in WAM shop. Ensures artworks are properly labeled, presented, and photographed.
● Updates and maintains the Art Rental procedure guide, training manuals, and coordinates training of Sales Associates with WAM Shop Manager/Buyer.
● Cultivates relationships with the university community. Assists renters and departments with artwork selections if requested.
● Collaborates with the Shop Manager and Communications staff to develop annual marketing campaigns and related student programs, evaluates results and modifies future efforts accordingly.
● Other duties as assigned, relating to the Art Rental Collection.
Registration 40% - Assists the Senior Registrar and Registrar for Collections in the day to day activities of the Registration Department.
● Assesses condition of objects in the collection and on loan. Ensures that detailed condition reports are documented with photographs. Collaborates with Registrars when condition issues are identified.
● Works with Registrars to ensure artworks are tracked, photographed and cataloged appropriately, adhering to museum cataloging and nomenclature standards.
● Evaluates campus loan requests which includes visiting and assessing locations for suitability and safety of artwork, creating loan forms, invoicing, reviewing inventory and condition reporting of objects in loan locations.
● Acts as a liaison between university administrators participating in the campus loan program and the museum to insure that artworks are properly maintained.
● Collaborates with the Registrars to establish procedures for Art Rental acquisitions.
● Creates content for the database and museum website.
● Other duties as assigned.
Rights and Reproductions 15% - Oversees rights and reproduction of objects in the collection, including issues of copyright and digital distribution.
● Evaluates requests for reproduction, creates and reviews contracts and invoicing, makes sure payment and the final product are received in accordance with contract stipulations, maintains records.
● Arranges new photography if necessary. Evaluates proofs to insure accurate reproduction.
● Processes products: books and other printed materials displaying Weisman collection items, creates and maintains entries in the collections database.
● Researches and processes permission requests for WAM produced catalogs and exhibit related imagery.
● In collaboration with the Registrars, regularly reviews and updates the R&R procedures and fee structure
● Keeps abreast of current issues and legislation regarding copyright and electronic image issues.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
● BA/BS degree in art history, studio arts, anthropology, museum studies, or equivalent training and experience with at least one year of museum registration experience
● Knowledge of and commitment to standard museum registration practices
● Knowledge of and commitment to standard practices for handling objects, storage and care/preservation
● Strong written and oral communication skills
● Strong proficiency, including at least one year of experience, using databases and/or collections management systems and Microsoft Office Software
● Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
● Demonstrate ability to manage numerous projects on discrete timetables and to work cooperatively with staff from multiple departments
● Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
● Ability to lift 40 pounds, climb ladders and stand for long periods of time
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
● MA in Museum studies
● Previous experience processing rights and reproductions
● Knowledge of art history
● Interest in art and design
● Experience with Adobe Photoshop
Pay Rate: $16.34/hr to $17.72/hr, DOQ
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications must be submitted online. Click the link for “External Applicants” at https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job. Search for Job ID: 328999.
