Job Summary Table of Museum Registrar

Museum Registrar Role: Your Chance to Preserve Art History

Job Description Summary

The Assistant Registrar at Cantor Arts Center will organize and perform professional registration duties supporting the museum’s collection, with special emphasis on works on paper, reporting to the Assistant Director of Collections while collaborating with conservation and curatorial departments.

Museum Registrar Responsibilities

• Collections Management: Create and maintain detailed object and creator records for new acquisitions, loans, and promised gifts. Conduct research on titles, dates, and creators while assessing condition and creating conservation records in the collections information system.

• Database Administration: Maintain proficiency with collections databases, ensuring consistency and completeness of records while monitoring compliance with data dictionary standards. Provide guidance on legacy data fields and train new database users.

• Works on Paper Specialty: Lead coordination of daily workflow and storage of collection works, with specific emphasis on works on paper. Collaborate with the Matter/Framer and Preventive Conservator to determine custom housing requirements and monitor storage supply needs.

• Research Support: Facilitate class and researcher requests to view collection pieces and object files, making the museum’s resources accessible for academic purposes.

• Art Handling & Training: Under direction of the Assistant Director of Collections and Preventative Conservator, oversee proper object handling and develop handling training for staff. Assess object requests to determine special handling requirements.

• Gallery Maintenance: Participate in regular gallery walkthroughs as part of a four-person team, documenting tasks for conservation and preparator attention.

• Location Tracking: Assist with data entry of location changes for collection works, ensuring accurate tracking of all items.

• Conservation Coordination: Coordinate and document conservation treatments for collection works, collaborating with curatorial staff and contract conservators while maintaining precise records in the museum’s information system.

• Image Management: Assist the Associate Registrar with all aspects of imaging new acquisitions to maintain complete visual records.

• Exhibition Support: Provide requested works for exhibition and loan, assist with condition assessment and display needs determination, and return works to proper storage locations upon exhibition conclusion.

Museum Collection Management: Benefits and Perks

Benefits and Perks

• Professional Development: Access to career development programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and the ability to audit university courses.
• Cultural Enrichment: Attend TedTalks, film screenings, and lectures by renowned authors and global leaders on campus.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Excellent retirement plans, generous time-off policies, and extensive family care resources.
• Health and Wellness: Access to world-class exercise facilities, hundreds of health and fitness classes, and a rock climbing wall.
• Commuter Advantages: Free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts, and additional perks.
• Cultural Access: Enjoy Stanford’s historic sculptures, trails, and museums as part of your everyday work environment.

Company Overview

Stanford University stands among the world’s premier academic and research institutions, dedicating tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks individuals committed to excellence and improving our world, while offering support for employee career development and enrichment.

Museum Work Environment

The Cantor Arts Center provides outstanding cultural experiences for Stanford’s campus, the Bay Area community, and global visitors. With an encyclopedic collection spanning five millennia and including over 40,000 artworks from around the world, the Cantor serves as an established teaching and research resource. The museum consistently ranks among America’s most-visited university museums and offers free admission and year-round programming.

Art Conservation Career Growth Opportunities

The Cantor Arts Center is actively expanding its team, making this an exciting time to join the museum. Team members can expect to build capacity to achieve institutional goals within an equitable, collaborative, and creative work environment with opportunities for professional advancement in museum registration, art conservation, and collections management.

Museum Registrar Diversity Statement

The Cantor Arts Center is dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply and explain in your cover letter how your experience makes you a good fit. Stanford values diverse perspectives and is committed to fostering and supporting an inclusive environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stanford University provides equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Hybrid Work Policy

This position is based on Stanford’s campus and considered a hybrid role requiring three or more days per week on-site. The role may occasionally require extended or non-standard hours, including weekends and holidays, based on museum business needs.

Paper Conservation Job Application Process

Application Process

1. Submit your complete application materials through Stanford Careers before May 9, 2025 (for priority consideration)
2. Include required materials: Cover Letter, Resume
3. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews
4. Anticipated start date: August 4, 2025

Application Deadline

For priority consideration, submit applications before May 9, 2025.

How to Apply

Apply directly through the Stanford Careers website with all required materials.

Museum Registration Requirements

To succeed in this museum registrar position, candidates should possess:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience (or equivalent combination)
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusive environments
• Two years professional experience in museum collections or similar environment
• Knowledge of professional museum practices including registration methods, safe object handling, art preservation, packing and shipping, insurance, storage, security measures, and object numbering
• Proficiency with collections management databases, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Photoshop (EmbARK or TMS experience preferred)
• Professional experience overseeing paper works collections
• Experience with museum exhibitions
• Knowledge of museum copyright practices (Open Access experience preferred)
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure

Art Conservation FAQ

What makes Stanford University a unique place to work?

Stanford offers an environment where you can contribute to world-changing research and education while enjoying exceptional benefits, career development, and a vibrant campus community.

Is this position eligible for visa sponsorship?

Please contact Stanford Human Resources directly for information about visa sponsorship eligibility for this position.

What does a typical day look like for the Assistant Registrar?

Daily activities include database management, coordinating storage and handling of artwork (especially works on paper), facilitating research requests, assisting with exhibitions, and collaborating with conservation and curatorial teams.

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