Part-Time Registrar (Temporary)

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York’s Hudson Valley, where visitors experience large-scale sculpture, site-specific commissions, and groundbreaking temporary exhibitions under open sky. Storm King’s unique landscape offers opportunities for the public to experience time outdoors and engage with art in an open and accessible environment, while artists create some of their most ambitious works in conversation with the natural world.

As a member of the Storm King team, you will be part of our mission to protect and celebrate both the creative and the natural world around us. Our team is committed to fostering a diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace, where every employee can thrive and grow.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Curator, the part-time (16-24 hours per week) Registrar  will support all aspects of a dynamic exhibition program for 2027, as well as Storm King’s permanent collection of large-scale modern and contemporary sculpture, situated in an expansive landscape. As custodian of the collection, which also includes site-specific earthworks, small-scale sculptures, drawings and photographs, they will be responsible for the routine care, preservation, and documentation of the collection, adhering to industry’s best practices for collections management, conservation, and exhibition preparation. They will work in close collaboration with the Curatorial, Facilities & Conservation, Archives, and Visitor Experience teams to ensure that Storm King’s mission is supported through a robust collection strategy specifically designed for its primarily outdoor program. The Registrar will also facilitate the execution of all acquisitions, and permanent commissions.

Responsibilities

The Part-Time Registrar responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Curatorial Support

• Weekly summary email of movement and condition of artworks onsite.
• Manage Collens Building Calendar (onsite building devoted to conservation, fabrication, and maintenance).
• Maintain Storm King’s collection database (Collective Access) in collaboration with the Archives team—regularly updating object records and overseeing long-term database projects to ensure the integrity and accessibility of object files.
• Managing physical object files, in close coordination with Archivist and Curatorial team, including printing emails, filing, and transferring materials to the Archive.
• General administrative support as required.

Exhibitions and Long-Term Loans

• Oversee packing and shipment of all inbound temporary exhibition artworks in coordination with Curatorial and Facilities & Conservation.
• Assist Director of Facilities & Conservation with the realization of any site-specific artworks, handling shipments of materials to site that will enable that production as necessary.
• Participate in the logistical planning of exhibitions: compiling shipping, packing, and storage estimates, facilitating the shipping and packing, maintaining budgets, drafting schedules, and assisting with all other aspects of exhibition preparation and installation.
• Request Certificates of Insurance and maintain fine arts insurance for collection as well as for incoming, outgoing, and long-term loans; liaise with Director of People, Culture, and Museum Experience on all related needs.
• Organize, manage, and archive exhibition paperwork and registration records, including loan agreements, long term loan agreements, artist contracts, and external service agreements, among others.
• In tandem with Curatorial and Facilities & Conservation, instruct staff on art safety—draft and distribute reference guides for each exhibition to share with Visitor Experience team, and instruct Visitor Experience on processes and procedures for generating Condition and Sculpture reports.
• Coordinate between Visitor Experience and Curatorial/Conservation to review, assess, delegate and prioritize sculpture cleaning or treatment in response to Condition and Sculpture reports.

Collection Management

• Perform monthly condition checks on all artworks as they are installed throughout the grounds, notifying key staff of changes, and documenting condition.
• As part of condition checks, make note of relevant landscape changes or hindrances to the viewing or experience of any work of art; work to remedy these in collaboration with the Facilities and Conservation Team.
• Document, both visually and in written form, all conservation procedures conducted, and file the documentation appropriately.
• Oversee the incoming and outgoing shipment for all collection artworks, reviewing Bills of Lading and creating receipts as well as directing trucking teams onsite.
• Prepare loan agreements and review lender terms of agreements as well as Facility Reports in collaboration with Curatorial and Facilities & Conservation, maintaining accompanying records.
• Oversee collection storage in collaboration with the Director of Facilities & Conservation, acting as the liaison for all deliveries.
• Obtain and oversee appraisals and art insurance values, as needed.
• Assist Curatorial in preparing, receiving, and cataloguing new acquisitions.
• Coordinate and manage process for deeds of gift, bequests, donations, and purchases.
• Help facilitate all aspects of Rights and Reproductions requests for Storm King’s collection and other relevant works of art, liaising both with internal colleagues and external entities.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of registrar experience, preferably in a collecting institution, with a demonstrated focus on art from 1960 to today. Experience with large-scale outdoor sculpture preferred.
• Strong understanding of and ability to implement best practices regarding collection stewardship.
• Excellent project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• A demonstrated passion for the visual arts, with a strong commitment to making art collections more accessible and meaningful to the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact with all levels of staff as well as artists, the public and visitors in a positive, professional, and friendly manner.
• Proven capability to work on multiple projects simultaneously meeting deadlines; making sound judgments and decisions.
• Experience with safeguarding confidential information and performing with a high level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Valid Class D driver’s license with a clean record, without driving restrictions

Working Environment

• Works in an office environment 
• Ability to maneuver outdoors, in all weather conditions, on 500 acres of hills, grass, and gravel pathways
• Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time during events or tours 
• Frequently sits for long periods of time
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard 
• Occasional lifting, stooping, or bending 
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Requires some time outside of normal business hours, including weekend work, special events and exhibition openings
• This role is represented by the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Storm King and CSEA Local 720 (Unit A)
• Requires travel to the tri-state area and NYC, and on occasion nationally and internationally

Hours/Schedules

This position is part-time, non-exempt, temporary.

Typical work hours include two eight-hour shifts onsite from 9am-5pm during weekdays, along with one four-hour shift to be fulfilled remotely. Schedules may vary based on seasonality and organizational needs. Exact schedule to be determined with your direct supervisor.

Benefits and Salary

Storm King Art Center offers a collaborative and supportive environment where employees can thrive. Our benefits package reflects our commitment to work-life balance and includes retirement savings and resources to support your well-being.

• Salary Range/Hourly Rate: $35.00 per hour
• Work Environment: Hybrid

Why Join Us?

At Storm King, we believe in nurturing our people as much as we do our art and land. Here’s what you can expect:

• Collaborative and Inclusive Culture:  Work in an environment that values each team member’s perspective and fosters a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration.
• Professional Growth: With a focus on innovation, we support your development through ongoing training, mentoring, and opportunities to enhance your skills.
• Flexibility and Balance: Enjoy a work environment that promotes work-life balance, with flexibility to meet both professional and personal needs.

How to Apply

To be considered for this role, please submit your cover letter and resume. We’re excited to meet individuals who are passionate about creating a positive impact in the workplace and contributing to Storm King’s legacy of art and nature. Only those being considered will be contacted. No phone inquiries, please.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

Storm King Art Center is dedicated to creating a workplace that reflects our values of accessibility, inclusion, and respect for all. We are an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on merit, without regard to protected characteristics.

Storm King Art Center does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other related consideration.