The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward.

The Registrars Office at The Henry Ford has a full-time Associate Registrar opening. This position is a cross-functional role that will facilitate workflow between the Registrar, Curatorial, Experience Design, Exhibits, Collections Management, Conservation, Archives and Library and others on exhibitions, programs, special projects, deaccessioning and as well as ongoing institutional initiatives. Responsible for assisting departments in the design, planning and implementation process. Reports to the Registrar, with a strong functional reporting relationship to the Curatorial Department.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manages workflow by coordinating with Curatorial, Experience Design, Exhibits, Collections Management, Conservation, Archives and Library and others for developing project requests and schedules related to the development and implementation of exhibitions, programs, special projects, and the processing of collections.

• Leads in creating, managing and maintaining artifact work requests. Monitors progress against project schedules and makes decisions in adjusting work requests and or schedules as necessary to optimize performance and make the project as efficient as possible.

• Assists Curatorial and Registrar with research and creation of object lists/collection reports.

• Proofreads exhibit label text to ensure standards are met in the areas of donor recognition (credit lines).

• Assists Registrar and Curatorial in the proposed deaccessioned phase of deaccessioning artifacts. Works with Registrar and Collections Management in the coordination of the disposal of deaccessioned artifacts. Assists in possible transfers of deaccessioned artifacts to other museums or institutions. Ensures that accurate information regarding deaccessioning and disposition are recorded.

• Maximizes intellectual access to collections information through the timely creation and/or modification of electronic catalog information, ensuring quality control through associated lexicon, thesauri, and metadata standards following museum field practices and approved by the institution. Work includes final review/approval of catalog records for digital collections.

• Practices a high standard of advance research using primary and secondary resources to accurately interpret and catalog collections.

• Understands and applies relevant professional standards and guidelines. Responsible for keeping up-to-date on revisions in cataloging; including inclusive description practices.

• Assists in development and maintenance of procedural guidelines for artifact processing and cataloging, thereby facilitating the coordination of Registrar office activities with those of Archives, Library, Conservation and Collections Management.

• Assists in researching, testing, and the implementation of technology, standards, workflows and procedures to meet ongoing stewardship needs for digitization of the collections.

• Manages projects, supervises and trains paid staff, volunteers, and interns. Monitors progress against schedules and deadlines and adjusts resource assignments as necessary to optimize department performance.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Your Qualifications

• Requires undergraduate degree, preferably in American History, Information Studies, Museum Studies or related field.

• Advanced certificate or degree in Material Culture Studies, Museum Studies or Public History desirable.

• Two years training or experience in museum registration, collections management, archival management or related area preferred.

Special Skills

• Experience with computerized applications (particularly collections management, library or archival management, or database management systems) is required.

• Familiarity with exhibition development and implementation.

• Must have strong organizational, decision-making and communication skills.

• Excellent research skills and ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources.

• Strong attention to details, thoroughness and ability to proofread.

• Ability to work independently.

• Must have ability to work well with a variety of people and excels in a team-based environment.

• Familiarity with standard cataloging theories and practice required.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

Physical:

Sitting, Walking, Keyboarding, Handling, Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently. Standing, Climbing, Reaching: Occasional. Lifting, carrying, pushing: Occasional, up to 40lbs. Unless noted here, other physical requirements are minimal or not applicable.

Mental:

Gathering, synthesizing, and interpreting information. Attention to detail/concentration. Simultaneous handling of multiple projects. Time management skills should be well developed.

Environment:

Occasional exposure to chemicals, dust and mold.

This job description is subject to change at any time.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity (including but not limited to recruitment, hire, employment, program participation, promotion, salary, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment or service as a volunteer) based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability. Marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, height, weight or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.