Temporary Associate Registrar, 59th Carnegie International

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

17d

About The Position

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. Founded in 1895, Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States and the Pittsburgh region’s preeminent venue for presenting, collecting, preserving, and interpreting visual art. For 129 years, the museum has been committed to showcasing the art and artists of the current moment, while also building a vital archive of art from the past. Its collection of more than 110,000 objects encompasses a broad spectrum of visual arts with an emphasis on art, architecture, photography, and design from the 19th century to the present. From its ambitious execution of the Carnegie International—the museum’s signature recurring exhibition of global contemporary art established in 1896—to compelling special exhibitions, programs, and publications, to the daily work of the entire organization, the museum seeks to build on its legacy of thought leadership through rigorous research, adventurous and artist-centered programming and partnerships, and forward-thinking contributions to museum discourse and practice. Through its artistic program, Carnegie Museum of Art frequently explores the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives. With its unique history and resources, Carnegie Museum of Art strives to be a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century. Working closely with the Registration department and other museum colleagues, the Temporary Associate Registrar fulfills registration and collections management responsibilities related to the 59th Carnegie International exhibition and major gifts of works to the museum collection. Key responsibilities include the care, handling, processing, and oversight of objects included in the Carnegie International and newly acquired major gifts. Experience with museum registration methods, condition reporting, insurance, contracts and related legal documentation required. The Temporary Associate Registrar works closely and collaboratively with the Art Preparation & Installation, Collections Information, Exhibitions, Conservation, and Curatorial teams in achieving the goals of the museum’s artistic program and the stewardship of the museum’s collection. This is a temporary full time benefits eligible position expected to run from February 2026 to February 2027.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in museum administration, art history, or related field is required.
A minimum of 3-5 years working in museum registration is required.
Experience working with collections management systems is required and experience using Axiell EMu is preferred.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office programs is required.
Knowledge of a foreign language is preferred.
Previous experience working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of attention to accuracy and detail.
Knowledge of fine arts shipping protocols (including governmental regulations) and related record-keeping.
Must be familiar with museum standards for conservation, preservation, and object handling.
Superior organizational capabilities, attention to accuracy, excellent oral and written communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.
Must have proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to regularly lift 40 lbs. and stand or sit for long periods of time, occasionally in inclement weather.

Nice To Haves

Experience using Axiell EMu is preferred.
Knowledge of a foreign language is preferred.
Proficiency in project management systems, such as Asana, preferred.

Responsibilities

Organizes registration aspects for the 59th Carnegie International and major gifts entering the museum’s collection.
Plans and manages packing, crating, and shipping arrangements for objects included in the 59th Carnegie International and major gifts.
Receives and releases works of art and generates accompanying paperwork.
Supervises packing/unpacking, monitors installation/deinstallation, documents packing and handling methods, and assists with physical movement of objects.
Inspects objects and completes condition reports, making notes as needed; prepares condition reports and performs periodic condition checks.
Coordinates couriering of objects including courier schedules, travel, lodging, and per diem; serve as on-site point of contact for visiting couriers.
Assists with tracking object locations on the museum premises and while in transit; assists with associated database activity and data entry.
Manages exhibition, incoming loan, and major gift activity in the collections management system (EMu).
Organizes contractual arrangements, loan agreement forms, review of exhibition contracts, condition reports, facility reports, cataloging information, and other documents related to collections management.
Coordinates with insurance provider to prepare and issue certificates of insurance.
Produces complete documentation for major gift acquisitions, including assigning accession numbers and physically numbering or tagging objects, following established acquisitions procedures.
Assesses on-site and off-site storage needs and planning for major incoming gifts.
Works with Curatorial team to prepare Collections Committee and Advisory Board Meeting reports for major gifts accurately and on schedule.
Oversees exhibition installation photography and assists with image coordination of acquisition objects with the Photography Manager.
Coordinates activity with Art Preparation & Installation and Exhibition teams and communicates Collection and Registration project status updates in Asana.
Monitors budgets, tracks expenditures and processes invoices.
Works closely with Collections Information Manager for projects and assignments as they relate to the collections management system (EMu).
Works closely with Gallery Associates and the Visitor and Museum Services Department to respond and resolve visitor interactions on objects and artworks throughout the museum.
All other duties as assigned.