Museum Registrar at University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma

Job Description:

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is looking to hire a Museum Registrar.  This position is critical to our success.  We aspire to be the best stewards of the museum's collections. The postholder will oversee all the ethical and legal use of the collections. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions and Collection Services, this position leads the entire collections management and registration duties of the 20,000-object collection.

Context of the Role: The FJJMA is an integral part of the Norman campus of Oklahoma University.  Founded almost a hundred years ago, the Museum is renowned for the outstanding quality of its collections and is among the best art museums in an American public university, serving both its campus population and its external communities.

Purpose of the Museum: The purpose of the FJJMA is to transform lives through experiences with art.  In the Museum's new Strategic Plan 2024-2029 the team reimagines the organization as a university art museum for all.  Crucial elements of the Museum's Plan include a commitment to developing an excellent working culture grounded in organizational health, a warm and engaging welcome to our diverse visitors, both on- and off-campus, in part by the creation of an exciting Program, repositioning the Museum locally and on the wider stage, and building a strong and sustainable financial framework.

Essential Duties: 

• Responsible for the documentation, maintenance, transportation, and exhibition of the museum's art collection, and loans.


• Conducts periodic collections inventories.


• Ensures artwork entering and leaving the museum is properly appraised and adequately insured.


• Keep current with AAM Best Practices and with international, national, and state laws concerning museum procedure and collections management.


• Maintains and updates all records (both paper and computer) pertinent to the museum's collections, including loans, condition, location, exhibition, and publication records, and insurance values.


• Oversees care and maintenance of galleries and storage areas.


• Periodically liaises with donors when gifts are made and/or to facilitate long-term loans of art.


• Plans, coordinates, and directs collection maintenance by making recommendations for conversations and implements preventative conservation practices.


• Responds to inquiries regarding collections and supervises visitors and volunteers in collections rooms.


• Works with curators and other staff in the production of exhibition labels.


• Works with the preparation staff in the installation and de-installation of exhibits.


• Handles special projects such as storage and database improvements.


• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.


• Inventory and Location Tracking - Conducting regular inventories to verify the physical presence and condition of objects in the collection.  Maintaining accurate records of where each object is located within storage facilities or exhibition spaces.


• Budget forecasting and expense tracking, including developing annual budget preparation and reporting for leadership.


• Coordinate with contractors and assist with vendor management.


• Ensuring digital access to collections records for internal use, research, and public inquiries where appropriate.


• Managing physical archives of historical documentation, including past exhibition records, correspondence, and research materials.


• Assessing risk to the collection and updating documentation accordingly to mitigate potential threats such as environmental hazards or security breaches.

Required Education: Bachelor's degree, AND:

• 24 months of museum registration and/or collection management experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 72 months of related experience.

 

Skills:

• 
  Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information
  
  


• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines


• Strong initiatives to solve problems


• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives


• Knowledge of current museum registration practices


• Knowledge in the area of art handling and installation

Certifications:

• 
   Valid Driver's License to drive university vehicles
  
  

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Ability to engage in repetitive motion.


• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.


• Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.


• May be required to climb, bend, stoop, and carry.

Department Preferences:

• Master's degree in Museum Studies or Art History.


• Three - Five years experience in museum registration and collection management.


• Knowledge of File Maker systems collection database.


• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected situations.


• Prior experience in AAM accreditation/re-accreditation.

Supervision: No supervisory duties

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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