Registrar at the Museum of the Cherokee People
Job Title: Registrar
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Cherokee, NC
Salary: $30,000 – $42,000
About the Museum of the Cherokee People
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee People is one of the longest-operating tribal museums in the country. Located in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Qualla Boundary, the sovereign land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and ancestral homelands of all Cherokees, the Museum shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections, and programs. Learn more at MotCP.org.
Salary and Hiring Range
Total Salary Range: $30,000-$50,000
Hiring Range: $30,000-$42,000
The Museum of the Cherokee People also offers a comprehensive benefits and retirement package.
Purpose/Role
The Registrar will ensure archival and object collections are cataloged, maintained, documented, stored, and accessible in accordance with AAM standards, while following and maintaining Cherokee protocols. Will also provide support to the Museum of the Cherokee People (MotCP) Collections Department within the Collections and Exhibitions Division.
Responsibilities/Tasks
- Maintains archival policies, and procedures including professional American Alliance of Museums (AAM) standards in relation to cataloging, archiving, organization, maintenance, storage, digitization, and any additional related actions.
- Accommodates and provides access to Cherokee tribal citizens, MotCP guests, researchers, and outside organizations who may need to view or duplicate MotCP archival collections, including but not limited to manuscripts, electronic records, websites, photographs, maps, etc.
- Assists the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Manager of Collections and the Genealogist in coordinating and facilitating research appointments and providing support to researchers.
- Assists with the MotCP object collection, which includes managing the logistics of moving objects, documenting each object piece, and preparing an object collection for display.
- Notes and documents the condition of each object displayed or stored in the MotCP.
- Logs information on each object into the museum’s collections management system and digital asset management system.
- Coordinates loan logistics such as insurance, loan agreements, object shipments.
- Categorizes and classifies archival materials in accordance with the Library of Congress subject heading policies.
- Ensure all materials can be retrieved conveniently using standardized methods.
- Perform original and copy cataloging and adapt online records according to guidelines in all subject areas.
- Completes cataloging, maintenance, preservation and storage of archival materials and object collections.
- Assists Director of Collections and Exhibitions, and Director of Education with research for exhibitions.
- Assists with organizing the physical archives and objects collections.
- Provides information on area of expertise to MotCP staff, community members, and visitors.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in History, Library Science, Archives, Museum Studies, Native American/Indigenous Studies or related field and museum or archival related experience is required.
- Experience working with Cherokee or other Federally Recognized Native American tribal communities, and knowledge of Cherokee protocols and cultural practices is desirable.
- A demonstrated commitment to preserving the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people.
- Knowledge of object care and archival handling practices of historic and fragile collections.
- Experience in and commitment to working in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, including the ability to competently compose correspondence and lead public presentations.
- Self-driven initiative and performance of the highest quality, with keen attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritize the urgency of competing requests and meet deadlines.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong computer literacy skills, including but not limited to Microsoft office suite and related software.
- Knowledge of Collections Management Software and Digital Asset Management preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of archival concepts, theories, methods, and trends.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Must comply with all MotCP policies and procedures.
- Must stay current with any applicable laws, regulations, or industry best practices regarding museum archival collections.
- Must be willing to attend workshops or educational courses as determined by direct supervisor.
Other
- Reports directly to the Manager of Collections.
- Work may be performed in a variety of settings, including climate-controlled museum or archival settings, office settings, or scholarly settings. Interaction with guests and the public is required.
- Work may require lifting and carrying materials up to 50lbs.
- May require limited travel, including overnight stays.