Description

Job Summary
The Head Registrar provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all registration, art logistics, loans, exhibitions, acquisitions, and risk management functions. This role leads a large multidisciplinary team responsible for the care, movement, documentation, and compliance of an encyclopedic collection of over one million objects, as well as a dynamic temporary and touring exhibitions program.

The position ensures adherence to best practices in collections management, international art law, risk mitigation, and logistical planning, while maintaining strong relationships with global lenders, borrowers, insurers, government agencies, and logistics providers. The Head Registrar serves as a key institutional leader, contributing to long-term strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, and policy development.

 
Primary Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight of all logistical aspects of collections, acquisitions (gifts, purchases, bequests), exhibitions, loans, and risk management
Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of 30+ professionals across exhibitions, outgoing loans, touring exhibitions, collections registration, packing and crating, storage, logistics, risk management, and administration
Oversee departmental planning, organizational structure, staffing, budgets, hiring, and performance management
Establish and maintain best practices, policies, and procedures governing art handling, shipping, storage, documentation, and compliance
Advise on policies related to import/export regulations, provenance, cultural property, CITES, Fish and Wildlife regulations, foreign assets regulations, and immunity from seizure
Develop and maintain relationships with peer institutions, lenders, borrowers, insurers, shipping agencies, storage facilities, and government entities
Oversee loan administration, budgeting, insurance coverage, and risk assessment for domestic and international exhibitions
Review and negotiate exhibition and loan agreements in collaboration with legal and exhibitions teams
Manage outgoing loan approvals, risk assessments, and reporting to senior leadership and trustees
Oversee insurance and risk management programs, including annual renewal negotiations and indemnity applications
Contribute to long-term storage planning, including oversight of offsite facilities, relocations, and space planning for large acquisitions or bequests
Maintain oversight of archives, records, and legal documentation in accordance with institutional retention policies
Develop and manage annual departmental budgets in collaboration with finance teams
Evaluate vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and cultivate long-term supplier relationships
Conduct short- and long-range planning to balance exhibition schedules, staffing, and space allocation
Ensure technology systems effectively support registration and logistics functions
Lead sustainability efforts within registration and logistics operations
Perform additional duties as assigned
 

Requirements

Requirements & Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Museum Administration, or related field preferred

Experience:

Minimum 15 years of senior-level experience in a major museum, auction house, or significant collection
Extensive leadership experience managing large teams, high-volume activity, complex projects, and negotiations
Knowledge & Expertise:

Deep understanding of collections management, exhibitions, loans, and registration best practices
Comprehensive knowledge of international art law, including antiquities legislation, CITES, customs regulations, foreign asset controls, and immunity from judicial seizure
Strong knowledge of art logistics, risk management, and global exhibition operations
Skills & Abilities:

Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills
Proven ability to foster a high-performing, collaborative team environment
Strong strategic planning and organizational capabilities
Financial acumen and budget management experience
Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously
Willingness to travel domestically or internationally as required
Knowledge of labor relations and union contracts preferred
Foreign language proficiency helpful
Ability to complete required security assessments