Associate Registrar at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.
 
Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is based in the San Francisco Bay area and is a 3-year termed full-time exempt position with the possibility of extension.
 
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks an Associate Registrar to join the Museum Services team in Northern California. Reporting to the Head of Registration, the Associate Registrar will supervise the Registration team in Northern California and manage the implementation of all registration aspects for the collection currently based in the San Francisco area. The position holder will work closely with the Head of Registration, Head of Collections Management, and Director of Museum Services to drive the Registration strategy and approach to prepare the collection for acquisition into the Lucas Museum collection and its eventual move from the San Francisco area to Los Angeles. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the physical inventorying, condition inspecting, photo documenting, labeling, and measuring of collection objects; developing and implementing shipping project plans, budgets, and schedules from Northern California to local vendors and to Los Angeles; liaise with the Head of Lucasfilm Archive Research (based in the San Francisco area) for LFA collection valuation, collection research and cataloging, collection review and acquisition approvals into the Lucas Museum collection; liase with the Los Angeles-based Registration Team on collection registration and conservation workflow, policies, and projects as related to object preparation for exhibition and collection move. In collaboration with the Collection Management team, this position will also act as the primary registration contact for anoxia, conservation, and inventory projects as they relate to the Lucas Film Archive in Northern California.
 
Collaborating with the Collections Information and Digital Assets (CIDA) staff and Head of Lucasfilm Archive Research, the position holder will maintain and improve the integrity of the collections data in The Museum System (TMS), the museum’s collections management system, namely by updating collection valuations for insurance, reference images, inventorying and further cataloging of the collection. The position holder will also partner with Collections Management staff to ensure that professional packing, handling, object movement, and storage methods are followed according to best museum practices, in order to prepare the collection for relocation to Los Angeles. This position will work collaboratively with all levels of management and staff on the Los Angeles-based Registration and Collections Management team. The position holder will manage Assistant Registrars, also based in the San Francisco area. The ideal candidate for this position will have strong time management and organizational skills, work well in a team environment as well as be independently motivated, be an excellent communicator and problem solver, and thrive within a fast-paced work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages assistant registrars and registration processes for the Lucas Film Archive (LFA) collection of works on paper, costumes, archival and ephemeral materials, models, large-scale, and small-scale props, including the physical and digital processing, documentation, conditioning, photography, labeling, cataloging, measuring, and inventorying of collection objects
• Manages LFA approvals lists for Curatorial review and approval; Collaborate with CIDA to formally accession and number LFA objects into the LM Collection. Collaborates with CIDA team and Head of Lucasfilm Archive Research to maintain and update data standards and accurate object information within The Museum System (TMS), the museum’s collections management system, and the LFA digital files
• Arranges all fine art shipping logistics related to the LFA collection and works with the Collections Management team to coordinate the rehousing of objects post-processing, in preparation for object relocation to conservators and Los Angeles
• Works with the Collections Management team to track all object movement on and offsite; conducts quarterly audits on locations
• Tracks and provides bi-weekly updates to Head of Registration on all LFA project plans, insurance, and object cataloging updates
• Special projects as designated by the Head of Registration

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Planning & Organizing-Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; must be extremely detail oriented and able to work under minimal supervision; sets clearly defined objectives; plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; manages time effectively; identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; monitors performance against deadlines and milestones; proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office 365; proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office 365; knowledge and experience working in collections management systems, preferably The Museum System (TMS)
• Adapting & Responding to change– Good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and spatial reasoning; adapts to changing circumstances; accepts new ideas and change initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations; shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; deals with ambiguity by making positive use of the opportunities it presents; ability to manage multiple work processes and projects simultaneously and be receptive to changing priorities
• Adhering to Principles & Values– Upholds ethics and values; demonstrates integrity; promotes and defends equal opportunities, builds diverse teams; encourages organizational and individual responsibility; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with colleagues, volunteers, and interns and the ability to professionally represent the Museum to outside colleagues, lenders, donors, and members of the artistic community
• Presenting & Communicating Information– Speaks clearly and fluently; provides accurate information and key points of an argument clearly; proven ability to build relationships, engage with and work effectively and positively with a diverse group of museum colleagues; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; excellent creative problem solver; ability to exercise sound judgement and thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and nimble work environment
• Writing & Reporting-Writes clearly, succinctly, and correctly; writes convincingly in an engaging and expressive manner; avoids the unnecessary use of jargon or complicated language; writes in a well-structured and logical way; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience
• Knowledge of the Field – Skilled in the sensitive handling of delicate or fragile works of art, including the packing, crating, and transportation of objects; proficient in best practices in museum registration methods, techniques, and collection information systems; proficient in best practices in collections management including the proper handling, care, preservation, installation, and storage of art, registration methods, electronic collection records, acquisitions, deaccessions, and fine arts insurance and indemnity; familiarity with laws pertaining to ownership, custody, transfer, and disposition of art objects; tax laws relating to charitable donations; cultural property laws; customs restrictions; repatriation issues; judicial seizures; copyright laws; insurance laws; and fine arts insurance practices; familiarity with basic conservation concepts, procedures, and terms; familiarity with SAP Crystal Solutions for report writing and editing

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Library Sciences or a closely related field
• 5-8 years of verifiable art collection and museum registration experience required
• $69,000 – $86,000 a year

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
 
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
 
 
MISSION AND VISION
We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.
 
 
VALUES
Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.
 
PEOPLE FIRST
We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.
 
INSPIRED
We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.
 
COLLABORATIVE
We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.
 
BRAVE
We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.
 

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
 
ART
Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.
 
COMMUNITY
Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.
 
INCLUSION
Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.
 
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.
 
 
All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.
Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).
Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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