Registrar jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

The Registrar is responsible for the recordkeeping and other collection management responsibilities for the Hardy Family Collection (‘the collection”), which consists of more than 1,300 works of fine art, decorative art, furniture, memorabilia, automobiles, etc., located on the premises of Nemacolin Resort (“the resort”) and within private homes of the Hardy Family. This position directly administers and implements policies and procedures regarding the collection’s on-going care, storage, safety, handling, and exhibition of the artwork and objects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(The following statements are intended as general illustrations of the work in this job class and are not all-inclusive for this position.)

• Responsible for the documentation and records of the collection through the daily upkeep of the art database.
• Conducts the research necessary to facilitate proper recordkeeping, care, and procurement of new pieces.
• Records the collection purchases, sales, and related provenance.
• Performs a yearly inventory and periodic audits of the artwork for accuracy and completeness of the art records, which includes every piece having complete and accurate location detail and clear pictures, so works are easily identified and located Assists in documentation of works on display (signage/labeling).

• Oversees use and access, handling, security, and environmental monitoring of objects within the collection.
• Coordinates the movement and proper storage of pieces within the collection between the resort, satellite locations and outside storage locations, including developing a system to track and record timely the movement into the art database

• Assists with the location and placement of works to complement overall property aesthetic at the resort with responsibility for ensuring safe movement of the pieces, proper security, and updating locations details in the art database
• Manages all art storage locations through the art database Collaborates with the conservation resources and HFAC Director to produce condition assessment and maintenance recommendations.
• Develops, documents, maintains, and continuously improves the collection policies and procedures for the movement, disposal, collection care, maintenance, etc.
• Supports the education of associates about the collection including the policies and procedures over proper handling, cleaning, security, etc.
• Responds timely and in a courteous manner to any resort guest questions
• Acts as a liaison between various parties contributing to the exhibition, valuation, conservation, and safety and protection of the works (i.e., resort engineering and security teams, insurance brokers, appraisers, interior designers, conservators, etc.)
• Contributes or leads assigned special projects such as collection appraisals, new system implementations, and any management approved projects initiated for the benefit of the collection.
• Assists with monthly tracking and updates as to the status of the collection to management on projects, security, conservation treatments, etc.
• Works with resort security team and HFAC Director to determine new or improved security systems or methods to protect the collection.
• Acts as a liaison between various parties contributing to the exhibition, valuation, conservation, and safety and protection of the works (i.e., resort engineering and security teams, insurance brokers, appraisers, interior designers, conservators, etc.)
• Contributes or leads assigned special projects such as collection appraisals, new system implementations, and any management approved projects initiated for the benefit of the collection.
• Assists with monthly tracking and updates as to the status of the collection to management on projects, security, conservation treatments, etc.
• Works with resort security team and HFAC Director to determine new or improved security systems or methods to protect the collection.
• Other job duties as prescribed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Administration with a specialty in collections administration or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of collection care, registrar, or equivalent work experience Preference given to those with membership in the Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists, or similar affiliations.
• Some travelling may be required. Ability to travel for 2-3 days at a time for offsite projects.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends as requested, in line with owner’s requests or the resort’s exhibition needed.
• Valid driver’s license and able to drive for work purposes as needed.
• Strong administrative skills to create and manage meticulous documentation.
• Able to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Must be diplomatic and have strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of staff, resort guests and outside professionals.
• Extensive knowledge of appropriate care, handling, and storage for a wide range of materials
• Careful and deliberate to handle fragile art objects.
• Skillful with cameras and other technologies to document, record, and catalogue works.
• Commitment to the use of technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness of registrar and collections management processes and procedures.
• Strong technology skills to effectively use collection management software.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, OneDrive, Outlook, and Teams
• Adept in creating, planning, and proactively delivering on a departmental budget.
• Ability to be a strong team member and self-directed in order to balance multiple projects, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Proven problem-solver with excellent oral and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to lead a project and work with colleagues and management from diverse backgrounds in a flexible and transparent manner.
• Ability to sit at a desk and to use a computer for extended periods.
• Position requires bending and lifting, sitting and/or standing for long and varying periods of condition reporting and supervising, directing, or guiding others to move, pack, and unpack works of art.
• Ability to complete tasks that require light to moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light to moderate weight (10-50 pounds)
• Occasional ladder and aerial lift work may be required. Ability to work at heights over twenty feet and operate hand tools.

This job description cannot possibly include a complete comprehensive listing of all the activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required by the organization and/or members of management. It reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, but it does not prescribe or restrict the additional tasks that may be required.