Current Opportunities

The American Federation of Arts (AFA), the leader in traveling exhibitions internationally, is seeking a full-time Registrar. AFA is a non-profit organization founded in 1909, and is dedicated to enriching the public’s experience and understanding of the visual arts through organizing and touring art exhibitions for presentation in museums around the world, publishing exhibition catalogues featuring important scholarly research, and developing educational programs. More information about the AFA and its exhibitions and programs can be found at amfedarts.org.

General Duties and Responsibilities:
• Organize packing/crating/installation requirements with lenders as well as courier logistics, per diem, and transportation; coordinate all object transit arrangements, including domestic and international ground and air shipments. Create initial condition reports for tour and monitor all art work for the duration of the exhibition tour. Update lenders as requested with condition notes and venue climate readings.
• Liaise with venue institutions to ensure that lender requirements are met and that exhibition contracts and timelines are adhered to. Provide venues with installation instructions and related documentation. Coordinate and arrange shipping arrangements between venues. Supervise unpacking/packing and installations/deinstallations at venues.
• Work closely with in house curatorial and exhibitions staff on forward planning for exhibitions including review of venue facilities; vetting tour schedules; exhibition contract review; and assist in negotiating and securing loans from museums and private lenders.
• Negotiate and maintain insurance coverage for exhibitions as assigned, including writing and collating applications for indemnity; issue insurance certificates to lenders.
• Work with Director of Exhibitions and Registration to develop high-level budget estimates. Monitor actuals versus budget through the life of assigned exhibitions. Code and process all related invoices as pertains to assigned projects.
• Coordinate day-to-day administrative operations within the registration department; archive materials from closed exhibitions; collaborate with Head Registrar on new initiatives as assigned.
• Act as courier for domestic and international shipments as necessary.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
• There are no direct reports associated with this position. However, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the work of contract art handlers, couriers, and conservators as well as for managing installations at venues.

Qualifications:
• BA required, MA preferred, with a background in one of the following areas: Art History, Museum Studies, Library Science, or Arts Administration.
• Minimum of three years of prior museum or gallery experience in a registrarial or exhibitions management capacity, or comparable experience.
• Knowledge of fine arts packing standards and international shipping of complicated and high-value goods, including customs requirements and CITES; a keen understanding of the handling and packing needs or a wide variety of objects.
• Experience condition reporting various types of objects.
• Aptitude with detailed budget preparation and management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complicated projects simultaneously; an ability to set and meet deadlines is essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, including vendors, venues, and co-organizers both collaboratively and diplomatically.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for long periods of time, must maintain a valid passport.

Salary Range: Low 60’s

To apply: Submit a cover letter and resume, by: February 10, 2023 via email: hr@amfedarts.org

The AFA is committed to equity and inclusion in its staff and welcomes applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds who share these interests and commitment.