Registrar

Role overview

The Registrar will manage the safe movement, care, and documentation of traveling exhibitions for the Smithsonian Institution. This role covers shipping coordination, framing, mounting, conservation support, crating, installation, and condition reporting to ensure artworks and objects are handled properly throughout the exhibition lifecycle.

Key duties

• Coordinate and oversee the handling of objects, artworks, and exhibition materials borrowed from other Smithsonian museums and outside lenders.
• Manage loan documentation and related contracts while ensuring museum policy requirements and legal compliance are met.
• Maintain and organize exhibition records in both physical and digital formats.
• Use the unit’s archival finding aid to file records and respond to individual information requests.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants should bring at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in federal service. The background expected for this position includes exhibition and loan coordination, processing loan paperwork, ensuring the secure handling of traveling exhibitions, and working with fabricators and designers in a museum environment.

Applications must demonstrate actual experience clearly and should not reuse wording from the vacancy notice. The resume must be no longer than two pages.

Education options

Applicants may also qualify through education, including a master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of graduate study leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. if related. Foreign education must be supported by transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation where applicable. Education and experience may also be combined to meet the requirement.

Conditions of employment

• A pre-employment background investigation is required.
• A probationary period may be required.
• A bank account must be maintained for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Qualification requirements must be satisfied by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

• This position is part of a bargaining unit.
• Recruitment incentives may be available, but any award depends on availability and approval. If granted, an associated service agreement may be required.
• Applicants may be considered for similar openings across the Smithsonian Institution in the locations named in the announcement.
• Candidates are expected to support the mission of effective public service, respect the rule of law, and uphold the United States Constitution.

Benefits

The Smithsonian provides a broad benefits package that may include vacation and sick leave, holidays, health and life insurance, accident insurance, flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and retirement options.