Museum Registrar

The Trustees of Reservations

. Support exhibitions, outdoor commissions, and the permanent collection at deCordova and occasionally other Trustees sites .

Posted 10/31/2026full-timeLincoln • Massachusetts • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $59,500 - $76,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in museum registration procedures, collections management, and art handling, with a strong focus on collaboration and communication. Proficient in managing collection management systems and ensuring compliance with best practices in collection care and conservation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Museum Registration ProceduresCollections ManagementArt HandlingCollection Management SystemsExcellent Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Registration ExperienceCollection CareCondition ReportingAccessioningInventory Management

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailOrganizational SkillsCollaborativeProblem-SolvingAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

MimsyQiElectronic Collection Files

Certifications & Qualifications

B.A./B.S. in Museum StudiesMaster of Arts in Museum Studies (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Cultural OrganizationArt and the Landscape SeriesFine Art InsuranceOutdoor SculptureMuseum Best Practices

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support exhibitions, outdoor commissions, and the permanent collection at deCordova and occasionally other Trustees sites
Implement and maintain registration procedures for outdoor sculpture and exhibitions
Oversee collections management and care of deCordova’s permanent collection
Provide registration oversight and consultation for the Art and the Landscape series
Coordinate with collections curators and archivists for select Fruitlands Museum exhibitions
Handle incoming and outgoing loans, including loan agreements, loan forms, condition reports, packing, shipping, and art handling
Liaise with artists, artist representatives, and the Curatorial team regarding care and security
Provide registration and planning support for the Museum’s 2028 gallery reopening
Negotiate fine art insurance renewals and maintain insurance coverage and records
Manage electronic and paper collection files, legal paperwork, TC logs, and accession logs
Manage collection management systems and continue migration from Mimsy to Qi
Enter accessions and loans, update object locations, and oversee the Collection Specialist
Support development of the Collections Management Plan
Arrange and manage exhibition and storage of artwork at off-site storage
Manage storage operations, including HVAC, security, utilities, temperature, and humidity
Organize annual maintenance of outdoor sculpture with the preparator
Manage permanent collection inventory and perform reconciliation
Support department budget development and manage relevant expenses
Advise on museum best practices for collections management, art handling, storage, object tracking, conservation, and framing

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.A./B.S. required in Museum Studies, Art History, Arts Administration, or a related field
Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or Arts Administration preferred
Minimum of 3 years of registration experience in a museum, gallery, or other cultural organization
Strong knowledge of best practices for museum registration procedures and collection care
Familiarity with museum collection management systems
Experience with QI is a plus but not required
Excellent written, verbal communication, and research skills
Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
Highly collaborative and diplomatic; able to problem-solve and adapt to change; responsive and open to feedback
Interest in working outdoors and on artist-driven projects responsive to place and environment
Willingness to be flexible under changing conditions
Primarily onsite at deCordova, with some travel to other sites in Massachusetts
Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment
Satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Sick time: 15 days per year
Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated)
12 observed holidays and 3 floating holidays
Health insurance via Mass General Brigham Health Plan (MGB)
Fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
Dental and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment
Employee Assistance Program with mental health support, counseling, and financial advice
Free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions
Free entry to all Trustees properties
Discounted event tickets, merchandise, and stays at Trustees inns
Day of Wonder: one workday per year exploring a Trustees property
Day of Service: one workday per year helping with a project at a Trustees property