Figge Art Museum
Position Description: Assistant Registrar or Associate Registrar (Dependent on Qualifications)     
Full-time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Co-Senior Curators
Work Schedule: M-F 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Job Summary: 

The Figge Art Museum seeks an Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar to assist the curatorial department in the stewardship of collections. This position maintains and updates the museum’s collection database system (Vernon) and monitors the museum’s collection website for completeness of information and accuracy. This individual maintains the permanent and temporary collection galleries checking the galleries daily to make sure all exhibitry (graphics, platforms, cases, and pedestals) and artwork are in sound condition and reports any issues should they arise. The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar helps manage email correspondence related to acquisitions, exhibitions, and loans; releases and receives shipments of artwork when needed and answers inquiries from Figge staff and researchers in support of the museum’s mission. Art handling and installation is required of this position. Reporting to the Co-Senior Curators, the Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar plays an integral role in tracking object movement and updating and adding new object records to Vernon.

The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar’s responsibilities include cataloguing new acquisitions and incoming loans, assisting with the creation of acquisition files and folders and verifying the uniformity of existing collection data (e.g., confirming completeness, accuracy, accessibility) within Vernon. The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar attaches digital media—including digital images, audio, and video files—to the object records in keeping with Vernon’s role as the central archive of the museum’s fine art collection data. Working closely with the curatorial team, the Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar will maintain the database ensuring consistency with national and international fine art collection data standards and nomenclature. The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar provides registrarial support to the curatorial team in the tracking, handling, movement, installation, and storage of collection objects; creates incoming and outgoing object receipts; perform daily checks of permanent collection and temporary exhibition galleries; maintains the galleries with periodic light cleaning of objects, platforms, and cases as well as assists with the installation and dismantle of exhibitions, and permanent collection exhibits on a regular basis.  Photographing works in the Figge collection for publication, publicity, or the database is also the responsibility of the position.  The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar coordinates the packing and shipping of objects to and from the museum. This individual will work with the Co-Senior Curators to create a plan for the storage of new acquisitions, as well as the re-allocation of collection storage space.  

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

• Administers and updates Vernon’s day to day functionality and assists in the cataloguing of the museum’s collection of approximately 5000 works of fine and decorative art.
• Tracks and logs the movement of collection objects.
• Revises existing and/or enters new object data into Vernon
• Writes and/or updates training materials and implements best practices for the use of Vernon by interns.
• Provides statistical reports on collection data for grant funded projects and for the City of Davenport Art Collection upon request.
• Performs audits of Vernon to verify accuracy of location data and to monitor object condition.
• Oversee biennial collection inventories to ensure all collection and loan objects are in the location noted in the database. 
• Photographs works in the collection for the database, publicity, and publishing purposes.
• Consolidates and associates other digital media and links to the database.
• Daily: Performs gallery checks Monday-Friday, verifying the presence and condition of works on view, and also checking the temperature and relative humidity of exhibition and storage spaces. 
• Weekly: performs light dusting/cleaning in the museum’s galleries.
• Assists curatorial staff with the handling, movement, care, and installation of objects.
• Assists with wall patching and gallery painting during exhibition changes as needed
• Installs exhibition graphics including object labels, text panels and general signage.
• Generates receipts for incoming and outgoing objects.
• Assists with maintaining the object files (paper files)
• Organizes packing and shipping of collection works and loans, including for large traveling exhibitions organized by the museum.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Assistant Registrar Qualifications include: 

• Minimum B.A. in Museum Studies, Library Science, Art History, or related field.
• At least one years’ experience working directly with a museum collection information management system / database such as Vernon; PastPerfect; or EmbARK.
• Experience with the handling, cataloguing, movement, and care of fine and decorative artworks
• Discretion in the use and handling of sensitive and/or personal information.
• Knowledge of data standards for fine art museum collection management and for accessible, culturally inclusive data best practices
• Knowledge of established vocabularies, standards, and linked data tools
• Experience with collection management and digital asset management is preferred.
• Experience working with digital cameras and image editing software including Adobe Bridge and Photoshop.

Associate Registrar Qualifications include: 

• Minimum B.A. in Museum Studies, Library Science, Art History, or related field, Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three years’ experience working directly with a museum collection information management system / database such as Vernon; PastPerfect; or EmbARK.
• Expertise in the handling, cataloguing, movement, and care of fine and decorative artworks
• Discretion in the use and handling of sensitive and/or personal information.
• Knowledge of data standards for fine art museum collection management and for accessible, culturally inclusive data best practices
• Knowledge of established vocabularies, standards, and linked data tools
• Experience with collection management and digital asset management is preferred.
• Experience working with digital cameras and image editing software including Adobe Bridge and Photoshop.

Requirements: 

Requires working indoors in an office environment. High attention to detail and accuracy. The job requires considerable time sitting or standing, often for 2 -3 hours at a time, as well as reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, and moving objects 40 pounds or more. The post will require time communicating by email and in person. The position also requires occasional use of tools, including screw guns, tape guns, and utility knives as well as the use of cleaning agents. 

About Us:

The Figge Art Museum brings art and people together and enriches our community with the experience of art through education, collections, exhibitions, and preservation. Located on the Mississippi River in Downtown Davenport, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its 110,000-square-foot landmark glass building, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections and combines collection and exhibition galleries, education studios, an auditorium, a café, and a bustling lobby. The Figge has a professional staff of 30 and presents over 20 rotating exhibitions of historical and contemporary art each year as well as art classes, educational programs, special events, and outreach sessions that inspire and attract regional, national, and international audiences of all ages.

The Figge offers a competitive package of salary, benefits, paid holidays and vacation, and the opportunity to work with a dynamic team at one of the leading cultural institutions in the Quad Cities.

The Figge is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. We aim to attract and retain talented people from all backgrounds. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable, accessible, and safe environment and value varied ideas, perspectives, insights, skills, and experiences within our workplace. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.  

How to Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to info@figgeartmuseum.org. Please indicate “Assistant Registrar” or “Associate Registrar” in the subject line. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. All applications will be kept confidential.