Job Description

Reporting to the Curator, the Museum Registrar / Collections Coordinator is a knowledgeable and experienced art museum professional who implements the highest stewardship standards for works of art entrusted to the Museum of Nebraska Art. The Registrar ensures continuity of care for works of art owned by and lent to the Museum, and manage both acquisition and deaccessioning procedures for the Museum’s collection of over 6,000 works of art. The Registrar / Collections Coordinator plays a vital role in the stewardship and management of the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. This position ensures the proper documentation, care, handling, storage, and movement of artworks in accordance with professional museum standards. The Registrar works collaboratively with the Curator, outside conservators, exhibition staff, and external lenders to support the Museum’s mission of preserving and presenting its collection.

• Produce and maintain documentation of all exhibitions, incoming, and outgoing loans in collections database system and hardcopy files
• Manage the collections database system, ensuring that standards for data entry are maintained
• Establish object conservation priorities for works of art in the Museum’s collection.
• Provide annual conservation recommendations and budgets, and manage conservation initiatives or treatments to assure preservation of artwork
• Plan, oversee, and implement packing, shipping, couriers, customs, and insurance for exhibitions
• Perform condition checks and monitor condition of objects while on display. Assist with installations, de-installations, and exhibition rotations in galleries.
• Review and follow Collection Management policies and procedures· Work with Museum Curator to ensure appropriate permanent collection and exhibition insurance coverage, and to process claims as needed
• Research and maintain copyright records for works in the collection. Manage and negotiate copyright permissions for publications, publicity, marketing, and related uses. Process requests for reproduction of images of works in collection.
• Organize and maintain exhibition checklists and exhibition project files, including exhibition labels and photo documentation. Issue and maintain legal documents pertaining to temporary exhibitions including loan agreements, receipts, condition reports, and certificates of insurance.
• Coordinate outside services related to collections care and management as needed, including contracting for collection photography, conservation, packing, crating, and shipping. Arrange for periodic system upgrades and migrations. Manage all digital and hard copy collections records, object files, and digitization of images
• Support the Museum’s curricular and co-curricular initiatives by providing collections research and interpretation, sharing information about the collection, and facilitating various forms of access to the collection
• Assist with collection-focused grant proposals/applications; implement and track grant-funded initiatives.
• In conjunction with Museum Preparator, act and assist as courier for traveling exhibitions as needed
• Train and supervise student staff, graduate assistants, interns, and volunteers performing work related to the collection and/or in the Museum’s galleries.
• Implement Museum’s disaster preparedness and emergency response policies

Required Qualifications:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in professional museum collections care, in art museums, history museums, or other collecting institutions, with special preference given to candidates who have worked with fine arts collections
• B.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, Library Science, or related subject required
• Strong cross-cultural competence.
• High emotional intelligence and proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, donors, artists, collectors, scholars, museum and gallery colleagues, community leaders, and decision makers.
• Knowledge of and experience with best practices and museum standards for the handling, packing, storage, and transport of a variety of object types and exhibitions.
• Strong organizational/problem-solving skills; detail-oriented; skilled in organizing work and managing time; Ability to complete tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Expertise in museum digitization processes and storage/retrieval of data.
• Knowledge of Past Perfect museum software or other digital asset management software.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Ability to develop and monitor annual operating and multi-year project budgets.
• Ability to analyze and assess risk, and to communicate options.
• Knowledge of federal and state policies and procedures relating to collections and exhibition ethics, and legal regulations relating to the collection.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to manage complex situations with agility, flexibility, and professional courtesy and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.A. preferred, ideally with focus or concentration in collections management.
• Art Handler/Preparator experience.
• Experience working across academic departments and administrative units in a university setting and/or as a university partnered organization

HOW TO APPLY : To ensure full consideration, please submit all application materials before review date November 15, 2025. For more information and to apply visit  UNK Employment Opportunities . For more information about the position contact: mona@unk.edu . For more information about the online application process contact: 308-865-8516 or employment@unk.edu .

SALARY AND BENEFITS: With contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate. Salaries at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive. The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care. The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees. Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney, serving over 6,200 students, is one of four University of Nebraska campuses. Established in 1905, the University has a tradition of emphasis in scholarly teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a variety of disciplines. Kearney, a progressive city of over 33,000, is the educational, medical, cultural, commercial, and agricultural center of a large mid-state area.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs