Registrar, Collection Relocation

MISSION

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Hiring Range: $57,400 - $70,00
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Special Projects Salaried Staff
• Grade Level: 8

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The department of collections and loans (C L) oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, defining the processes that ensure compliance with the museum’s collection and loan policies as well as legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and/or sellers. 

In four distinct areas, C L implements policies that govern the day to day application of museum best practices regarding documentation and record keeping; collection database and metadata management; logistics and shipping; art handling and packing; storage; insurance; and, risk management.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The registrar,  collection relocation, will coordinate the inventory and relocation to offsite storage of parts of the museum's collection. Working closely with the director, collections, the collection relocation registrar will be the primary liaison for art preparation and logistics, conservation and science, curatorial and capital programs, and creating and adjusting work schedules based on evolving project timelines set by capital programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Planning and Scheduling 

• Develop, adapt, and coordinate schedules for moving objects from the museum campus to offsite storage based on internal and external timelines, setting achievable milestones.
• Determine the sequence of locations for the moves based on institutional priorities.
• Estimate and allocate resources.
• Assess, prepare, and organize the database information required to facilitate the relocation working collaboratively with the director, collections; manager, collection systems; conservators; and collection managers.
• Work with the manager, art shipping, to request and update packing and shipping quotes as needed.
• Work with the manager, art handling and packing for relocation to ensure sufficient art handling support is available.

Project management

• Manage two inventory technicians, setting and monitoring work product, timelines and goals.
• Track project progress, monitor budget, and manage changes. Pivot as needed. 
• Communicate clearly and provide regular updates to stakeholders. 
• Make recommendations to the director, collections regarding resources and timelines to achieve the goals.

Registration and record-keeping

• Gather and compile the confirmed list of objects to relocate offsite, including any special handling, storage, or photography requirements.
• Coordinate the return shipment of loans not being relocated to offsite storage, working with collections registrars and manager, art shipping.
• Confirm and verify that all objects are accounted for physically and in the collections database (CITI).
• Disseminate lists and reports to parties involved as needed.

Data and project analytics

• Work with C L staff and Enterprise Software and Analytics on identifying:
  • Reports needed to plan for and complete each move. 
  • Reports to track project progress and metrics.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects, including art, weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Wear PPE as required.
• Prolonged periods walking and standing as well as sitting in front of a computer.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required, BA highly desired.
• Demonstrated experience and competence with fine art handling, packing, shipping, storage, condition reporting, data entry and data maintenance required. Minimum 3-5 years highly preferred.
• Demonstrated project management skills, leading teams, preferably with a museum collection move, required. Previous direct management experience preferred.
• Proven knowledge of museum collection care policies and procedures, fine arts insurance and database management required.
• Exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, ability to adjust in the moment and professional initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and communication skills to implement workflows in a complex environment and represent AIC in all interactions with external parties.
• Knowledge of Google Suite and ability to learn and self-train in new digital platforms required.
• Proven ability to manage multiple staff members.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.