ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Met's Modern and Contemporary Art department studies, collects, and exhibits art from 1890 to the present. The collection encompasses modernist movements and contemporary practices from across the globe. Featuring important holdings of European modernism, American art and modern design, and contemporary art, the department continues to expand its collection through strategic acquisitions, with a focus on artists and works from Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and African diasporas. With strengths in painting, sculpture, and works on paper, the collection also includes international decorative arts, design, installation art, and time-based media. In addition to its gallery displays, the department engages in mission-driven activities such as special exhibitions, site-specific commissions by contemporary artists, and collaborations within and beyond the museum. It also prioritizes collections care through maintenance, cataloging, research, and the support of fellows and interns.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
As the Collections Specialist, Registrar, you will assist in the assessment and movement of the art collection during the enabling work & renovations of the Tang Wing. In partnership with the Registrar, Collections and Conservation teams, you will coordinate art movement with contract staff and ensure proper collections documentation including locations, dimensions, components and condition in physical and digital databases.
This is a position with an established end-date or time frame. Time frames will begin upon hire: 1 Year
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Works with Senior Manager, Collection Specialist, Collections Managers-Registrars, Collections and Conservation teams on the assessment of the collection.
Works with the collections team and registrar department to move artworks on and offsite during the enabling phase for the new Tang Wing.
Coordinates and works with contract staff hired to assist in the assessment and packing of the collection and the move offsite.
Monitors and updates collection-move data, such as dimensions, locations, components, etc., into The Museum System (TMS), collection management software while working with other members of the collections team.
Performs basic post-production on images for upload to the NetX Digital Asset Management System.
Compiles and maintains collections documentation associated with the project, both digitally and in physical files.
Coordinates the packing and rehousing of collection works.
Will be required to work in multiple locations.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
BA degree required; MA in Museum Studies, Collections Management, or Information Studies preferred.
3 years working with museum collections preferred.
Strong interpersonal skills
Flexibility and ability to work in a changing landscape.
Organizational, proactive task management, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to adapt and produce high-level results on multiple projects with shifting priorities.
Ability to work independently and in collaboration/coordination with collections, conservation, technical, curatorial, and administrative staff.
Collections management database experience; proficiency with The Museum System (TMS) strongly preferred.
Familiarity with Adobe imaging software, particularly, Photoshop, and Bridge desirable.
Comfort with Microsoft Office suite.
Intermediate knowledge of archival materials, art packing techniques, and best practices in collections care.
Formal or on-the-job training and experience in handling and moving 2- and 3-dimensional artworks required; familiarity with fragile composite objects and Contemporary art preferred.
COMPENSATION RANGE:
Pay Range: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 / Annually