Description
Collections Manager/Registrar
Reports to: Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art
Location: Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC)
Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) is a multidisciplinary arts organization in Manchester, VT, with a mission to promote and nurture the arts. We provide opportunities for local and regional artists, introduce the wider community to artwork and performances of national relevance, and engage diverse audiences. Through exhibitions, performances, classes for children and adults, and access to our 100+ acre campus and sculpture park, SVAC serves as a welcoming community space for the arts. As we prepare to open a new building with galleries and art storage, professionalize our collections and exhibition program, and receive a major collection gift, this role will play a key part in supporting that growth.
Position Summary
The Collections Manager/Registrar plays a key role in the care, documentation, and management of artworks at SVAC. This position oversees the registration and handling of incoming and outgoing loans for exhibitions and the stewardship of SVAC’s Permanent Collection. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience with museum registration practices to ensure the safe, professional management of all artworks in SVAC’s care.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage collection of approximately 1,350 objects, including major incoming gift, overseeing collections care, inventories, conservation, and art storage.
- Manage registration for deaccessions, disposition, shipments, gifts, acquisitions, accessions, and loans.
- Manage incoming and outgoing loans, including preparation of loan agreements, lender correspondence, shipping arrangements, condition reporting, facility reports, and insurance documentation.
- Maintain accurate exhibition checklists, lender information, credit lines, and tombstone details.
- Serve as the primary liaison with lenders, artists, collectors, and institutions regarding loan logistics and requirements.
- Including the management of exhibition projects, timelines, installation, and budgets, Collections Manager/Registrar oversees safe handling, packing, transportation, and installation of loaned and permanent collection works.
- Manage collection database (Past Perfect) and maintain object and artist records, files, and database entries. Document SVAC exhibitions. Work with the Director of Marketing to maintain a collection presence on the website.
- Support the Curator with exhibition planning, including image rights/permissions, fact-checking, proofreading, and preparation of interpretive and marketing materials.
- Provide content from files to researchers, visiting scholars, students, and the public as needed.
- Assist with donor and constituent files, Deeds of Gift, and temporary custody forms.
- Monitor collections storage and galleries, ensuring proper care, organization, and environmental conditions.
- Lead exhibition installation and deinstallation, and assist with related special events.
- Provide administrative, research, and clerical support to the Curator as needed.
Requirements
Qualifications
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Archives Management, Public History, Art History, Fine Arts, or a related field, with relevant professional experience required. A Master’s degree in one of these areas is preferred.
- Minimum of three years of experience in a museum or gallery setting, with direct experience in registration and exhibition loans.
- Knowledge of museum registration standards, loan agreements, and collections management practices.
- Knowledge of collection databases, Past Perfect preferred
- Experience with fine art insurance.
- Excellent organizational, research, and communication skills.
- Ability to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to climb ladders and lift up to 40 lbs.
- Collegial and collaborative team member
