Museum Assistant Registrar
Southern Methodist University Inc

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University's entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world - and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

The Meadows Museum is a leading U.S. institution focused on the study and presentation of the art of Spain. In 1962, Dallas businessman and philanthropist Algur H. Meadows donated his private collection of Spanish paintings, as well as funds to start a museum, to Southern Methodist University. The museum opened to the public in 1965, marking the first step in fulfilling Meadows's vision to create "a small Prado for Texas." Today, the Meadows is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. The collection spans from the 10th to the 21st centuries and includes medieval objects, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, and major paintings by Golden Age and modern masters.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

Working closely with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, the Museum Assistant Registrar will primarily support the museum's exhibitions efforts. The Museum Assistant Registrar will have additional responsibilities for the coordination of the SMU's University Art Collection (UAC) and Master of Fine Art's Collection (MFA) as well as the Meadows Museum's incoming and outgoing long-term loans.

Essential Functions:

• Exhibitions Management - Coordinates logistics for exhibitions, including corresponding with lenders and their agents, coordination of packing/shipping arrangements, and preparation of loan agreements. Schedules mounting, framing, and conservation. Facilitates courier arrangements (hotel, per diem, airline tickets, itineraries, etc.). Works with Museum Security to oversee overtime deliveries. Coordinates exhibition construction and graphics production. Coordinates sharing exhibition timelines. Produces object labels for installations. Assists with installation and deinstallation of exhibitions in galleries. Archives assigned exhibitions at completion.
  
• University Art Collection - Oversees new acquisitions to the UAC, including coordination with donors, packing and shipping, incoming condition reports, and liaising with University and Museum staff. Coordinates on-campus loans, meeting with perspective borrowers and arranging installation. Enters, tracks, and maintains inventory records in EmbARK. Creates and manages physical object records
  
• Long-term Loans - Updates and performs condition reports. Prepares and mails new and renewal loan agreements. Coordinates all packing and shipping arrangements. Prepares and mails updated certificates of insurance, correspondence, etc. Enters, tracks, and maintains incoming loan records in EmbARK. Archives long-term loans upon completion.
  
• Collections Management - Coordinates photography of exhibitions and new acquisitions. Assists with object cataloging and physical file management. Assists with gallery rotations.
  
  
• Art Handling - Receives or releases incoming or outgoing shipments. Assists with matting and framing of works on paper. Prepares crates, pedestals, and mounts for exhibitions or gallery rotations.
  
• Travel - Acts as courier for Meadows' collections and exhibitions as assigned. This includes knowledge of packing, art handling, condition examinations, installation, customs documentation, etc.
  
• Other Job Functions - Represents the museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism. Adheres to museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner. Conforms to the code of ethics governing the museum and museum registrar profession set forth by the American Association of Museums and the Registrar's Committee of the AAM. Performs other duties and special services as assigned by the Director of Collections and Exhibitions.
  
• Occasional evening/weekends hours will be required for shipment or installation needs.
  
• Occasional domestic and international travel will be required.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

An Associates degree is required. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.

A minimum of four years' experience working in museum registration is required.

Experience with art handling, database computer skills, and record keeping are essential. Experience with digital photography and archiving is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must possess highly developed organizational skills that include multi-tasking and the ability to manage multiple forms of information in an orderly fashion.

Candidate must demonstrate steady hands, a vigilant attention to detail, and a professional demeanor and communication skills.

Candidate must be prepared to work in both office and gallery settings, have the ability to adjust to new situations rapidly, and travel for up to two weeks at a time.

Candidate knowledge of museum standards and practices of registration, art handling, conservation, and collections storage requirements and procedures are essential.

Candidate ability to maintain confidentiality within or outside the Museum is crucial.

Candidate ability to work with curators, donors, vendors, other museum professionals, the public and co-workers professionally and communicate effectively is essential.

Candidate ability to read, write and speak Spanish is preferred.

Candidate must demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, collections management systems, and EmbARK or TMS is preferred.

Candidate ability to use power tools and knowledge of museum quality matting and framing is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, crawl, stand, climb, squat, kneel
• Walk for long distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift over 50 lbs
• Push/pull

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by November 22, 2024.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

---