Sr. Research Asst., Loans- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

Under the direction of the Associate Curator, the Coordinator, Loans, is responsible for administration of all loans, including The Costume Institute’s special exhibition loans, outgoing loans and interdepartmental loans. Main point of contact for all loan inquiries and correspondence related to day-to-day operations and long-term projects.
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Special Exhibition Loans – Facilitate all incoming loan requests:
  
  • Provide administrative and object research assistance to Curatorial, Conservation, and Installation through correspondence with lenders about objects, treatments, special display requirements, catalogue photography, etc.
  • Act as the primary point of contact to request loans from lenders with the curator's approval
  • Organize and maintain accurate records regarding lender contacts and the status of all exhibition loan requests
  • In collaboration with Registrar and Conservation, coordinate and oversee loan unpacking / packing, shipment plans to / from the museum, and courier schedules
  • In collaboration with Registrar and Conservation, facilitate and retrieve loan arrivals; including object data-entry, research and processing incoming loans for the exhibition and/or catalogue photography
  • In collaboration with Registrar and Conservation, notify lenders of any problems with loans upon arrival or during the run of the exhibition; initiate the damage / loss report process
  
  
• Outgoing / Interdepartmental Loans – Facilitate all outgoing loan requests:
  
  • Act as the primary point of contact for all informal borrowing requests, and formal borrowing requests received by the Director's Office; including interdepartmental loans
  • Facilitate outgoing loans processing, including related paperwork--such as borrowing guidelines, CITES, damage, etc.--communication with Registrar, and coordination with Curatorial, Conservation, Collections, and Installation
  • Correspond with potential borrowers to gather updated exhibition dates and venues, object display requirements, facility reports, publication plans, photography, etc.
  • Maintain workflow efficiency through use of TMS report system in collaboration with Registrar, Digital team and the Department's TMS representative
  • Generate and maintain an outgoing loans calendar with exhibition dates, venue(s), objects / components, etc.
  • Schedule and lead bi-weekly meetings with Curatorial, Conservation, Collections, and Installation for loan request review; notify potential borrowers of loan status in a timely manner
  • Enforce outgoing loan rules, regulations and deadlines as implemented by the Curatorial, Registrar and Director’s offices
  • Assist with collection, packing, and delivery of loans to Registrar as needed
  
  

• Other tasks:
  
  • Act as curatorial/loans liaison to Registrar, Counsels, Communications, Director's office, etc.
  • Collaborate with Registrar and Counsel on resolving legal issues such as lender contracts, long-term loans, CITES, damage, immunity from seizure, etc.
  • Work closely with Manager of Special Exhibitions and Projects to maintain loan timelines, expenses, and installation requirements
  • Cultivate lender relationships and facilitate lender benefits including complimentary catalogue requests, special press invitation list, pre-exhibition gathering announcements, designer lists for press-related materials, etc.
  • Maintain object research records on CITES, customs, loan class, materials, dimensions, and other specialized information
  • TMS maintenance, including updating loan records regularly
  • Other related duties and research support as needed
  
  

RequirementsRequirements and Qualifications:
Experience and Skills:

• Related experience in an art museum or other non-profit setting required
• Must be a proactive, personable, communicative team player with proven follow-through and ability to work independently
• Must demonstrate superior organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
• Must have an understanding of curatorial and registrar processes
• Related experience in costume handling preferred

Knowledge and Education:

• A. in Costume, Art History, Design History, or related field required
• Knowledge of costume history and the contemporary fashion industry required
• TMS/collections database proficiency required
• PC/Apple platform and Microsoft Office proficiency required
• Knowledge of textiles/fabric science preferred
• Knowledge of a second language preferred