Museum Registrar - National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

University of Missouri - Kansas City The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Often described as one of the best museums in Kansas City, the Museum is striving to reach new audiences to share its extensive collection of historically significant toys dating from the 18th through the 20th centuries and its world-renowned collection of fine-scale miniatures. The Museum's mission is to educate, inspire, and delight people of all ages by collecting, displaying, and interpreting toys and miniatures that illuminate diverse narratives and cultural heritage.

The museum registrar works closely with the collections manager and the curator/senior manager of collections to ensure that the actively growing collection is properly documented and well maintained. They create and maintain appropriate collection documentation, including legal documents, files, and retrieval systems associated with collections, acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, cataloging, loans, packing, shipping, customs, inventory, insurance, and storage. The registrar interfaces with potential donors, collectors, lenders, volunteers, and interns.

• Organizes and maintains record systems to register and control all incoming and outgoing objects pertaining to acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, and loans.
• Co‑manages the collections management database, serving as the primary contact with the company.
• Maintains physical files for objects, donors, lenders, and vendors including all information regarding acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, and incoming and outgoing loans.
• Arranges for and participates in the storage, movement, packing, and shipping of all loan and collection objects.
  
  Prepares loan contracts, maintains a current facility report for the Museum, reviews facility reports for requesting institutions, and arranges for insurance for all exhibition loans and collection loans.
• Processes and examines all incoming and outgoing objects to determine liability for loss and/or damage; assesses condition and prepares condition reports.
• Processes gifts to the collection including preparing paperwork, accessioning, and cataloging new acquisitions.
• Works with collections manager to clean objects, exhibits, and storage.
• Follows established collections care standards.
• Manages the Museum’s research library, including cataloging new resources.
• Makes arrangements for object photography requests and organizes new photographic assets.
• Assists with the installation of exhibits.
• Collaborate with other staff members in long‑range strategic planning.
• Participate in professional development meetings and conferences (local and national).
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a full‑time, benefit eligible staff position working 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm with occasional evening and weekend shifts.

A Bachelor’s degree in related/relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Minimum BA (MA preferred) in history, art history, museum studies or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience as a registrar, preferably with a collection of 30,000 objects or larger.
• Demonstrated experience with collections software, preferably Past Perfect.
• Ability to perform independently, with minimal supervision, but also able to work effectively in teams as both leader and follower.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects to successful completion on time, on budget, and according to museum standards.

Attributes:

• Enthusiasm for the museum and its subject matter.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• High level of demonstrated personal accountability.
• Consistency and thoroughness.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence.

$18.87 – $21.63 per hour commensurate with education, experience and internal equity.

This position will remain open until filled with…