Davison Art Center Registrar and Collections Manager at Wesleyan University

Job Title: Davison Art Center Registrar and Collections Manager

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Middletown, CT

Salary: $50,800 – $59,500

Description

Position Details
The Davison Art Center (DAC) holds Wesleyan University’s collection of over 25,000 artworks, consisting primarily of prints and photographs. It is among the most outstanding print collections at any U.S. university, representing artistic achievements from the fifteenth through the twenty-first centuries. The breadth of the collection is equaled by its quality; exceptionally fine impressions by Rembrandt van Rijn and Francisco de Goya, rare early engravings, and important contemporary artwork by artists including Glenn Ligon and Jasper Johns are only a few highlights.

In 2022, the DAC completed a collection move to newly constructed facilities in Olin Library and is part of Wesleyan University’s Library organization.
Reporting to the DAC Curator, the Registrar and Collections Manager supports the registration, collection management, exhibition, and pedagogical activity at the Davison Art Center.
The Registrar and Collections Manager will take a leadership role during this period of developmental change as the university opens a new art gallery in 2024. The first major projects for the position will be to work with the DAC Curator and Art Preparator to prepare the gallery for exhibitions and launch the DAC’s new exhibition program.

The Registrar and Collections Manager will also be an important partner in supporting teaching and research in the DAC’s recently opened study room in Olin Library. This is a fully in-person role.

In addition to supporting projects noted above, primary responsibilities include:

Collections Management and Registration
  • Ensure the integrity and continuity of DAC collection information.
  • Catalog new acquisitions and enrich cataloging of existing holdings, using the appropriate standards for art-object metadata.
  • Process new acquisitions by preparing Deeds of Gift and corresponding with donors in that regard, and by managing financial accounts for acquisitions.
  • Administer and make recommendations for all incoming and outgoing loans.
  • Administer and maintain the DAC’s collection management system (EmbARK); manage relationship with the collection management system vendor and collaborate with appropriate staff regarding digital collections infrastructure and data management.
  • Maintain physical files for the permanent collection objects, exhibition archives, donors, and incoming and outgoing loans.
  • Update content on the DAC general website and in DAC Collection Search.
  • Together with the Curator and Art Preparator, monitor the health of collection storage and exhibition environments and direct the maintenance of collection objects.
  • Together with the Curator and Art Preparator, determine conservation and framing needs; the Registrar and Collections Manager will schedule treatments as needed.
  • Together with the Curator and Art Preparator, manage access to the DAC Print Reference Library and Study Room, and retrieve, track, and return artwork to storage locations.
  • Manage art insurance information with vendors and other University staff.
  • Maintain DAC facilities reports.
  • Serve as a courier for art transport as needed.
  • Fulfill collections image requests, outgoing image licensing requests, and publication orders.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Exhibition-related Responsibilities
  • Manage exhibition schedules and calendars in collaboration with the Curator and Art Preparator.
  • Generate and maintain exhibition-related documentation, including condition reports, image reproduction agreements, receipts, and other forms as required.
  • Coordinate with security staff on exhibition needs, opening/closing procedures, and condition concerns.
Other Responsibilities
  • Identify needs in office equipment and technology upgrades, and place necessary orders.
  • Together with the Curator and Art Preparator, train and supervise DAC interns.
  • Manage other DAC student employees.
This position is required to work on campus.
(Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify).
IMPORTANT: All applications must be submitted through Wesleyan University’s application portal https://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/9629

 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts and a minimum of 3 years museum experience in art registration or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Experience in art handling (specific knowledge of handling principles for works on paper preferred).
Expertise with one or more museum collections management systems.
Expertise in art collection data management.
Expertise in ethical principles and professional practices in museum registration.
Proficiency in macOS, Microsoft Word, and spreadsheet software such as Excel.
Experience with exhibition logistics.
Strong ability to work in collegial and flexible ways in a highly collaborative setting.
Ability to lift and carry art storage boxes weighing up to 40 lbs., at times using a stepstool or rolling steps to access high shelves with or without reasonable accommodations.
Superior time management and organization skills.

A demonstrated high level of attention to detail.

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications
 
M.A. or higher degree in museum studies, art history, or a related field.
Experience with current technologies and best practices for digital photography of art collections, and/or with digital asset management.