Goldstein Museum of Design Registrar/Exhibition Coordinator; Museum Associate 3 – University of MN Twin Cities

Position Overview

The Goldstein Museum of Design in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Registrar/Exhibition Coordinator. This position is responsible for registration and exhibition operations for the museum. This position reports to the Museum Director.

The Registrar/Exhibition Coordinator is responsible for supervising collections staff and volunteers, establishing and implementing policies and procedures for record-keeping (both paper and electronic), packing, handling, storage, display, and security of objects on loan to and in the collection of GMD. Responsible for the coordination and installation of five exhibits annually; three McNeal Hall exhibitions and two exhibitions at Rapson Halls, HGA Gallery. This hands-on position has limited availability of remote hours, requiring onsite work at least 4 days per week.

Appointment Details

This is a 100%-time, 12-month civil service appointment, with a job classification title of Museum Associate 3, job code # 8415A3.

Salary Range: $49,920 to $53,000

Job Responsibilities

Collections Management:  40%

• Maintain all digital and physical records associated with the 35,000+ object collection
• Maintain digital collection database including trouble shooting and serving as primary contact with software company, as well as outside contractors working on database/web interface
• Process 200-300 objects annually for accession and/or de-accession, including preparing paperwork associated with acquisitions, database entry, application of identification numbers and housing in storage
• Design and control collection storage areas and establish storage methods and standards
• Identify funding opportunities and write grants to support collections care and storage projects.
• Facilitate loans to and from other museums including shipping, handling, insurance & condition reports
• Courier objects as needed
• Compile year-end inventory of recent donations and purchases including object value and maintain contact with the appropriate UMN offices regarding insurance
• Develop and maintain budgets of all grant and non-grant funded collections related projects
• Oversee logistics of digitization project, including issues related to data storage and onsite supply needs
• Manage requests for images, reproduction rights and licensing agreements

Exhibition Management: 40%

• Coordinate exhibition design with curators and install exhibitions at McNeal Hall and Rapson Hall galleries (five total per year: 3 in the Goldstein Gallery at 241 McNeal Hall and 2 in HGA Gallery in Rapson Hall).

• Preparation of a wide variety of objects for exhibition including dressing and styling of garments and/or textiles.
• Maintain exhibition gallery, refurbishment, and upkeep
• Research, identify, and procure parts and supplies for installation

Supervisor: 15%

• In collaboration with GMD staff, hire, train, and supervise photographer and preparator positions for digital database project; including conducting performance reviews
• Interview, hire, and structure job duties for collections volunteers
• Supervise gallery staff (undergraduate students) during exhibition installation
• Supervise graduate students with respect to collection projects and exhibition installation

Other duties:  5%

• Participate in short- and long-range planning, addressing needs and concerns of collections management, including but not limited to collections policies, procedures, disasters plans, facilities report and long-range preservation plans.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to

provide professional service to constituents.

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies or related fields and four years of museum operations experience; or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 8 years.
• Knowledge of museum registration methodology.
• Knowledge of guidelines and standards for safe object handling, exhibition, storage, and transport of a wide variety of artifacts.
• Knowledge of exhibition coordination and methodology.
• General working knowledge of accepted museum standards related to exhibit maintenance and construction.
• Knowledge in the use of basic carpentry techniques, audio-video equipment, paints and adhesives, and associated safety practices.
• Basic understanding of museum lighting standards.
• Skill in use of computer collection database software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in design history, decorative arts, costume history, library science, museum studies or a discipline-related field (art, archeology, etc.)
• Skilled in effective management and planning of staff resources.
• Previous supervisory experience or experience working with volunteers
• Commitment to customer service; organized and detail oriented.
• Evidence of effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities and experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing or walking 2-4 hours at a time up to 8 hours per day
• Sitting at a computer 2-4 hours at a time, up to 8 hours per day
• Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 35 lbs
• Pushing and/or pulling heavy carts, crates, and other containers.
• Bending squatting, reaching, and lifting overhead, kneeling, and climbing ladders.

About the Goldstein Museum of Design

GMD is devoted to advancing the understanding of design through exhibitions, research, preservation, and education.  Founded in 1976, GMD’s emphasis on design that touches people’s lives is based on the teaching and collections of Harriet and Vetta Goldstein, professors in the University’s Design Department from 1910 to the late 1940s.

About the College of Design

The College of Design is situated within the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota, which hosts an unusually broad range of disciplines, faculty, and students. The College of Design includes programs in apparel design, architecture, graphic design, human factors and ergonomics, interior design, landscape architecture, product design, and retail merchandising. The College offers rich opportunities for interdisciplinary research and public engagement through research and engagement centers, including Wearable Product Design, Digital Design, the Goldstein Museum of Design, Metropolitan Design, and Sustainable Building Research.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

To be considered for this position please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). For any questions about the search process, please contact Austin Voigt, HR generalist, at [email protected].

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.