Registrar

Job Title: Registrar

Department: Collections

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Supervisor: Head of Collections

Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the Head of Collections, the Registrar is responsible for the preservation, documentation, and care of the Honolulu Museum of Art’s permanent collection as well as the execution of temporary exhibitions and loans. Working with the Head of Collections, the Registrar oversees the Collections Office and implements policies to govern collections care, the acquisition and deaccession of artwork, rights and reproductions requests, and loans.

The Honolulu Museum of Art:

Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.

To learn more about HoMA, please visit our website.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in museum studies, library science, art history, or related field and at least five years of comprehensive related experience.
• Demonstrated experience of proper museum standards and best practices in the care of art collections.
• Demonstrated understanding of preservation needs for various media such as works on paper, paintings, metal, organic materials, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of service users.
• Working knowledge of and competency in use of museum collection management software (TMS) and Microsoft office suite (word, excel, power point).
• Experience and advanced knowledge of copyright laws and regulations related to the reproduction of artwork.
• Ability to be flexible and responsive to an evolving work environment.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, passport, and the ability to pass a Security Threat Assessment as issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
• Honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, perspective, and a strong work ethic supported by commitment and follow-through.
• Ability to build, lead, and develop a driven, diverse team of employees and volunteers.

Desired Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in a related field, such as museum studies, library science, or art history.
• Experience implementing and upholding policies and procedures for art collection care.
• Demonstrated ability to generate agreements and contracts governing international loans and the formal accession or deaccession of artwork.
• Experience with art handling, transport, and installation.
• Understanding of Honolulu Museum of Art’s established identity and dedication to advancing it.

Essential Duties:

• Collections Care Standards of Practice
  • Implements and upholds museum standards of practice for collections care.
  • Implements proactive and preventative collection care measures.
  • Conducts inventory and condition assessment of collection works.
  • Works with Head of Collections to create and implement conservation plans.
  • Oversees collection database and hardcopy object files.
  • Processes new acquisitions and deaccessions. This includes donor or lender communication, drafting of documents, logistical coordination, creation/revision of database records, etc.
  • Objects research related to the accession/deaccession process.
  • Collaborates with conservators to preserve and conserve works in the permanent collection.
• Rights & Reproduction
  • Processes image use requests from internal staff and external parties.
  • Works with the Photographer on collection documentation.
  • Secures and processes image use requests.
  • Researches publication history of artwork to ascertain copyright limitations.
• Exhibitions and Loans
  • Coordinates with Curatorial, Installations, Security, and other necessary departments in the planning and logistical scheduling of exhibitions and incoming/outgoing loans.
  • Plans and executes all packing, shipping, insurance, and documentation for exhibitions and loans.
  • Coordinates and supervises the unpacking, installations/de-installation, condition reporting and repacking of artwork for exhibitions and loans.
  • Supervises volunteers, interns, and professional contractors as necessary to execute many of the tasks described for exhibitions and loans.
  • Collaborates with conservators to preserve and conserve works in the permanent collection.
• Management
  • Supervises the Collections Department Office, providing guidance, support, and administrative oversight to other collections professional colleagues.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through respectful communication and cooperation with others at all times, continuous training and modeling inclusive behaviors.
  • In partnership with HR, supports the leadership team in ensuring equitable experiences, strengthening inclusion acumen, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and belonging that embraces the contributions of all staff.
• Other assigned duties, including but not limited to:
  • Responds to weekend or after hour emergencies related to artwork on premise.
  • Responds to after hour issues arising from artwork in transit.
  • Oversees and/or is present at Museum-related events to ensure safety of artwork.
  • Courier travel.

Compensation

The Honolulu Museum of Art is committed to practicing salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $70,000 per year and the maximum salary is $75,000 per year. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting pay, including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity. This opportunity includes a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee
• 12 paid holidays
• 15 days of vacation accrual in 1st year, increasing to 20 days in 2nd year
• 15 days of annual sick leave
• Group retirement plans with employer matching after 2nd year
• Shop, Museum Café, and Art School discounts
• Onsite parking provided

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:

Works between an office and vault/gallery environment. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm with flexible scheduling as needed. Ability to operate general office equipment including computer, copier, printers, fax machine, etc. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 40 lbs of sensitive and highly delicate materials. Ability to visually assess artwork as necessary. Ability to work some evening and weekend hours.

The employee must be able to fulfil all Essential Duties with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity:

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ community.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record, citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is also prohibited.