Job Details

Assistant Registrar

Position Number: 6902819
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Registrars

Assistant Registrar

Job Summary

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) at the University of Utah seeks a highly motivated and well-organized professional to support the Collections team while working closely with colleagues across the Museum in an energetic and collaborative environment.

The UMFA is the state's and the University's fine arts museum, serving as a vital cultural resource for Utah and the broader region. Established in 1914, the Museum stewards an encyclopedic collection of more than 22,000 objects representing 5,000 years of human creativity across the globe. Through its exhibitions, programs, and collections, the UMFA advances understanding of the visual arts and their role in shaping and reflecting the human experience.
Under the supervision of the Registrar, the Assistant Registrar's (AR) primary responsibility is to support the Museum's registration team in management, care, documentation and logistics for artworks within the museum. This position works in close collaboration with the Museum's Executive Director and members of the Museum's Collections, Curatorial, and Development departments to facilitate coordination of and adherence to Museum-wide policies, procedures, and priorities.

Responsibilities
Documentation and Records Stewardship

Assist with the creation and maintenance of manual and digital records and retrieval systems.
Records include forms, legal documents, and other documentation associated with acquisitions, accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, loans, packing, shipping, location control, inventory, insurance, and object storage.
Participate in developing, updating, and maintaining the Museum's collections management system (Argus) and physical records archive in coordination with the Registrar.

Collections Management & Object Care

Assist with the preservation and care of objects in the Museum's custody to ensure long-term accessibility for visitors and researchers.
The AR is responsible for maintaining a high professional standard in the physical care, storage, transportation, and exhibition of objects.
Assist with physical handling, moving, packing, and unpacking of objects and shipping crates.
Participate in ongoing permanent collection inventories and maintain systematic documentation.
Update, organize, and archive documentation related to the physical locations of objects in the UMFA's custody.

Loans and Exhibition Support

Assist with the processing of incoming and outgoing loans, including preparation of legal forms, correspondence, condition reporting, and packing/unpacking of objects.
Participate in arranging transportation for new acquisitions and loans as assigned.
Support exhibition installation and deinstallation as needed.

Access & Information Management

Assist in facilitating physical access to the Museum's collection for staff, faculty, students, researchers, and other approved visitors when requested.
As needed, assist with provenance, legal, and administrative research.

Insurance & Risk Management

As assigned, assist the Registrar in maintaining appropriate insurance coverage for the permanent collection and objects on loan.

Administrative & Institutional Participation

Serve as an important member of the Collections department, contributing to planning and implementation of policies, procedures, and departmental priorities aligned with the Museum's mission and strategic goals.
Participate in cross-departmental projects and museum-wide initiatives as assigned.
Assist part-time staff, volunteers, or interns assigned to projects, and delegate tasks with approval from the Registrar.
Maintain confidentiality regarding all sensitive museum information.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Registrar.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in History, Art, Humanities, Library or Museum Sciences, related field or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Ability to prioritize work and demonstrate excellent organizational skills; knowledge of computer tracking systems and databases; ability to apply storage and shipping conservation methods; demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are required in order to effectively work with volunteers, employees and the public. An advanced degree and additional experience may be preferred in some areas of assignment.

Preferences
Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related discipline required.
At least 2 years of experience in museum registration or collections management preferred.
Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of academic credentials.

Collections Stewardship & Records Management

Broad knowledge of collections documentation, registration methods, database management, and records stewardship.
Familiarity with NAGPRA, AAM, and ARCS guidelines and best practices.
Interest and ability to work collaboratively within a small but dynamic team of museum professionals.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Strong practical writing skills; proficiency with collections management systems, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Problem Solving & Judgment

Strong organizational skills and ability to perform long-range planning.
Ability to set and accomplish goals, meet deadlines, and prioritize effectively.
Flexibility in a fast-paced and changing environment; able to work under pressure and navigate shifting priorities.
Demonstrated problem-solving ability and analytical thinking.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift at least 40 lbs. from floor level to approximately 50 inches.
Must be able to safely carry up to 50 lbs. for a distance of 30 feet.
Ability to climb ladders up to 12 feet and operate hand and power tools as needed.
Excellent vision (corrected if needed).

Must pass a criminal background check.
Valid driver's license and good driving record required.
Ability to operate a delivery vehicle with a 15-foot box.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44190B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: M-F 8-5
Department: 00073 - Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $45,000-$48,000
Close Date: 2/13/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/196026