Director of Registration, Full Time

Seattle Art Museum • Seattle, WA

398d • $115,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Director of Registration at the Seattle Art Museum leads a six-person department responsible for maintaining comprehensive records of all artworks owned or entrusted to the museum. This role involves overseeing the safety, movement, and transport of artworks, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, and minimizing risks associated with the collection. The Director also plays a key role in strategic planning and collaboration across departments to support the museum's mission.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Liberal Arts, Art History, or Museum Studies.
• 10+ years of experience in a museum environment, with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Thorough knowledge of museum techniques, practices, and standards regarding registration and exhibitions.
• Expert knowledge of fine arts insurance, U.S. indemnity regulations, and customs procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with foreign languages such as French, German, Spanish, or Italian.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, and Slack.
• Experience with TMS (The Museum System) for collection management.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the Department of the Registrar, overseeing a team of six registrars.
• Maintain accurate documentation for all artworks entering, leaving, or in storage with SAM.
• Act as the Museum's fine arts risk manager, managing insurance policies and compliance with indemnity regulations.
• Supervise the preparation of indemnity applications and ensure compliance with conditions imposed by indemnity panels.
• Oversee the collection management computer system (TMS) and ensure accurate collection information.
• Coordinate with security and facilities staff to safeguard galleries and storerooms.
• Lead the creation and monitoring of the department budget, adjusting as necessary.
• Ensure timely opening of exhibitions and fulfillment of deadlines for collection management.
• Manage the development of policies regarding couriers and courier training for staff.
• Facilitate the determination of suitable off-site storage for artworks.

Benefits

• Paid jury duty
• AD&D insurance
• Paid holidays
• Disability insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Access to onsite fitness facility
• Discounts at SAM Museum Shop and MARKET cafe
• Paid floating holiday of choice
• Subsidized unlimited Orca card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: Master's degree