Registrar/Collections Manager, Artech Fine Art Services, Seattle WA. Posted 1/21/13

Please apply by 2/1/13.
Send resumes to recruiting@artechseattle.com

Registrar/Collections Manager
The Registrar/Collections Manager is responsible for the overall tracking, management, and care of all artwork stored at or transiting through Artech Facilities. This includes: managing all commercial activities, contracts, and associated documentation; managing the ongoing accuracy of the database containing over 7,000 artwork records; drafting, implementing, and managing policies and procedures to ensure that all artwork movement is tracked between multiple locations; and providing on-going metrics. Acting as the in-house expert in the fields of Registration and Collections Management, the Registrar/Collections Manager will provide knowledge and guidance to client as well as to other employees working on client projects. The Registrar/Collections Manager is also responsible for setting facility environmental standards. The Registrar/Collections Manager may manage art handlers and temporary/part time assistants. This role requires detailed knowledge of: the fields of collections management and registration, copyright and art law, and collections management databases.

Responsible for the following areas relative to the artwork entrusted to our care.

• Manage and oversee commercial activities in consultation with client

o Oversee storage contracts and accounts
o Monitor legal and ethical compliance to contractual obligations and collection activities
o Manage client artwork insurance policies including reporting activity

• Manage, track and record internal and external artwork records and movement including permanent, temporary and current location of all artworks, catalog, condition and conservation reports.

o Design, manage, and organize artwork storage areas
o Manage cataloging of artworks
o Oversee photography and digital imaging of the artworks as requested by client
o Conduct physical inventories at all locations
o Develop, implement and maintain physical and digital artwork activity records including storage and movements between multiple facilities and locations
o Manage and implement artwork inventory projects to comply with insurance requirements

• Provide Registration services within client projects, documenting artwork information, condition, location, and movement
• Facilitate care and maintenance of artworks

o Determine artwork storage methods, manage re-housing and artwork storage projects
o Identify issues related to the condition of artworks and advise client on remediation
o Facilitate third-party artwork conservation or framing as necessary

• Manage and mitigate risks to artworks in our care

o Monitor and control the environment in all artwork storage facilities
o Ensure implementation of security and emergency response plans to minimize risk of theft or damage
o Ensure quality of care and handling of artwork during storage, packing, crating and shipping
o Train staff in proper artwork handling procedures
o Coordinate with Operations and Logistics staff to implement artwork care and maintenance standards
Other Responsibilities:

• Provide consulting services to clients, assist with the development of proposals relevant to areas of expertise
• Drive continuous improvement of artwork movement, receiving, shipping, care and maintenance
• Initiate, draft and implement collections management policy and procedures that are tailored to business needs
• Additional projects as required

Required Skills:

• 5 or more years working experience in registrar or collections manager role
• Proficiency in collections management databases
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
• Proficiency in photo editing software
• High level knowledge of museum storage, art handling and transportation best practices
• Post-graduate degree in Museum Studies or similar program preferred
• Proficiency in Gallery Systems TMS 2010/2012 and Crystal Reports preferred
• High level knowledge of Lean principles (process improvement, 5S, Kaizen, measurement systems, etc.) preferred