Head Registrar
14 days ago
New York
Job DescriptionJob 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 & Qualifications Education: Bachelors degree required; Masters 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