Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia seeks an organized, team-oriented individual to lead collections management as part of the curatorial department. Reporting to the Director of Curatorial Affairs, the Chief Registrar plays a key role in overseeing the policies and procedures for Telfair Museums’ permanent collection and loans and is charged with the care, preservation, and risk management of the Museum’s collections. The Chief Registrar works in close collaboration with the Director of Curatorial Affairs and curatorial staff to realize exhibitions and installations of works from the collection, as well as loan and touring exhibitions, including the securing of loans, and the coordination of venues and tours. This position serves as the principal contact for internal and external colleagues on loan procedures, insurance and government indemnities, contracts, and lender negotiations. Working within the overall exhibition schedule and budget as supervised by the Director of Curatorial Affairs, the Chief Registrar supervises registrars and collaborates with the Chief Preparator & Exhibition Designer to create installation and work schedules for art movements and exhibitions. This position works closely with the Director of Curatorial Affairs on forward planning, forecasting, and management of resources.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Oversees the management, preservation, storage, and proper handling of Telfair Museums’ permanent collection, as well as accessioning of acquisitions, including gift documents, IRS forms, and appraisals from donors.  Supervises accessioning process including recording object information, photographing objects, securing proper housing for objects, preparing lists of acquisitions for the annual report, and conducting annual inventories. Supervises the deaccessioning process, including assessment and dispersal, with adherence to legal standards and best practices.  Negotiates and arranges fine arts insurance policies for permanent collection and long-term loans; processes claims; and supervises risk management for all museum buildings.

• Oversees long-term loan partnerships (incoming and outgoing loans); conducts annual condition reporting and processes loan renewal documentation. Assesses lender requirements and fees for loans and negotiates terms in the best interest of the Museum in consultation with appropriate staff.  Communicates terms and special requirements of loans to appropriate staff and staff of participating institutions, and monitors compliance with such terms and conditions.

• Evaluates works in need of conservation treatment, makes recommendations, and initiates opportunities for remedy.

• Supervises the management of the collections database (TMS) and works with staff to ensure data standardization.

·          After Museums’ Collection Committee meetings and Board of Trustees meetings, follow up with documentation and paperwork including loan agreements, deeds of gift and contracts to process acquisitions and deaccessions. 

• Works with curators and preparators to plan and coordinate collection rotations and installations, preparing the overall installation schedule relating to art movements and shipping for exhibitions.

• Collaborates with curators and preparators to plan and manage exhibitions, including reviewing contracts, securing and managing loans, securing U.S. Government Indemnity or other insurance, arranging transportation and tour schedules, planning and monitoring storage, confirming installation requirements, and condition reporting.

• In close coordination with the Director of Curatorial Affairs, exhibition curators, and preparators, creates initial exhibition budgets for planning purposes. Regularly updates, forecasts, and monitors expenses, ensuring performance to budget.

• Ensures performance to standards set by AAM standards, participates in reaccreditation activities on behalf of the Museum.

• Maintains facility reports; in conjunction with Operations / Facilities staff, monitors environmental conditions in galleries and storage at all three sites.

• Liaises with Director of Facilities & Curator of Architecture on emergency preparedness plan and collections evacuation plan.

• Ensures compliance with IRS regulations, copyright laws, NAGPRA laws, and AAMD guidelines.

• Maintains professional relationships within the field.

• Other duties as assigned or needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise Associate Registrar and Rights and Reproductions Assistant Registrar, interns, and contract registration workers and contract conservators. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance and conducting annual performance reviews of direct reports; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Minimum Qualifications and Education:

• Master’s degree in museum studies, art history, or other relevant field
• At least 8 to 10 years progressively complex registration and collections management experience, preferably with a broad range of materials and media

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices and procedures for art handling, installation, storage, condition reporting, preservation, and basic conservation, as well as competency in applicable laws, regulations, and professional guidelines

• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously to meet deadlines, and quickly analyze and solve problems
• Strong experience both as a manager and as a collaborative member of a diverse team, with a commitment to fostering an environment of cooperation and enthusiasm
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to diplomatically engage with internal and external partners
• Proficiency in collections management database software (TMS) and Microsoft Office applications
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. passport due to potential domestic and international travel

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to visually inspect artwork, sit or stand for long periods of time, climb stairs, and lift, pull, or push up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work some late evenings and weekends, especially when supervising art shipments

Salary and Benefits:

• $63,000–$75,000, with competitive benefits

Please provide the following as part of your application:

• Complete CV or resume including references and salary expectations.
• A cover letter addressing both your interest in Telfair Museums and your qualifications for this position.

Application:

• Indicate “Chief Registrar” on the subject line of the email or in the body of the cover letter
• Applications in electronic format preferred and accepted at hr@telfair.org.
• Mailed applications: Telfair Museums, Attn: HR, PO Box 10081, Savannah, GA 31412.
• Applications close April 20, 2026

https://www.telfair.org/about/job-opportunities/chief-registrar/