Associate Registrar, Exhibitions

Institution: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Type: Full-time, On-site (35 hours/week)
Salary: $36.94 – $44.32 per hour
Contract: Union position

The Associate Registrar, Exhibitions plays a key leadership role within the Registration department, overseeing all registration aspects of exhibitions, including temporary and touring exhibitions. The role ensures the safe movement, documentation, and stewardship of artworks across complex exhibition projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead registration activities for major exhibitions and touring projects
• Coordinate safe packing, shipping, and handling of artworks
• Communicate with lenders, artists, galleries, vendors, and institutions
• Prepare, review, and manage loan agreements and exhibition contracts
• Issue certificates of insurance and manage insurance documentation
• Oversee installation and deinstallation of artworks
• Conduct condition reporting and coordinate conservation treatments
• Organise courier activity and international shipping logistics
• Ensure risk management and compliance with museum standards
• Coordinate storage, inventory, and collections management processes
• Support exhibition budgeting and invoice processing
• Maintain registration records, databases, and documentation systems
• Write and update standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Supervise and mentor assistant registrars and support staff
• Represent the museum in professional and institutional contexts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field
• Minimum 4 years of registration experience in a museum or similar institution
• Experience with exhibitions, touring logistics, and artwork handling
• Strong knowledge of contemporary and modern art practices
• Familiarity with conservation principles and museum ethics
• Experience with collections management and digital systems
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines under pressure
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools (e.g. Asana)
• Strong attention to detail and risk assessment capabilities
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility