Registrar and Collections Manager

Published on 29 May 2024

About Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Art Museum, the longest-serving art museum in Southern California, has connected the public with California art and artists since 1918. Located above the Pacific Ocean, the museum draws inspiration from Laguna Beach’s natural environment. Under new leadership since 2021, the museum focuses on audience education, community relations, collection enhancement, revenue growth, and donor support. The museum aims to be locally loved and nationally recognized, engaging people of all ages through California art.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Collection Management: Assess, catalog, store, document, pack, ship, and rehouse the permanent collection.
• Database Maintenance: Upkeep of the museum’s collections management database.
• Loan Management: Register and install loaned works, assess conditions, and plan logistics.
• Installation Planning: Collaborate with the Exhibition and Graphic Designer on artwork installations.
• Storage Maintenance: Ensure clean and safe environments for artwork storage.
• Digitization: Digitize and document all works in the museum’s care.
• Access Management: Manage access to the permanent collection and research library.
• Acquisitions: Prepare new acquisitions for the Collections Committee.
• Accessioning and Deaccessioning: Implement processes per the museum’s policy.
• Budget Management: Set and manage the budget for exhibitions and collections.
• Conservation: Identify works needing conservation.
• HVAC and Pest Control: Maintain HVAC systems and work with pest control for museum and storage areas.
• Courier Duties: Perform occasional courier duties as needed.
• Compliance: Stay updated on industry best practices and laws.

Job Requirements

• Experience: Seven years in museum collections management/registration and three years in a supervisory role.
• Skills: Proficiency in collections management databases, confidentiality, tool knowledge, task prioritization, organizational skills, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and social media management.
• Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, good judgment, creative problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Language: Ability to read and interpret complex documents and write creatively.
• Math: Calculate figures for artworks and space.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervision of employees and volunteers, including hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work. Responsibilities include rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to use hands, talk, hear, stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs/ladders, and lift/carry items up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

Varied environments including museum spaces and project sites. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Compensation

$67,000-$90,000 per year, depending on experience.

To Apply

Email cover letter and resume to Victoria Gerard, Deputy Director, at vgerard@lagunaartmuseum.org. Use “Registrar and Collections Manager” as the subject line.