Head Registrar

Job Description:Job SummaryThe Head Registrar provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all registration, art logistics, loans, exhibitions, acquisitions, and risk management functions. This role leads a large multidisciplinary team responsible for the care, movement, documentation, and compliance of an encyclopedic collection of over one million objects, as well as a dynamic temporary and touring exhibitions program.The position ensures adherence to best practices in collections management, international art law, risk mitigation, and logistical planning, while maintaining strong relationships with global lenders, borrowers, insurers, government agencies, and logistics providers. The Head Registrar serves as a key institutional leader, contributing to long-term strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, and policy development.Primary ResponsibilitiesProvide leadership and oversight of all logistical aspects of collections, acquisitions (gifts, purchases, bequests), exhibitions, loans, and risk managementLead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of 30+ professionals across exhibitions, outgoing loans, touring exhibitions, collections registration, packing and crating, storage, logistics, risk management, and administrationOversee departmental planning, organizational structure, staffing, budgets, hiring, and performance managementEstablish and maintain best practices, policies, and procedures governing art handling, shipping, storage, documentation, and complianceAdvise on policies related to import/export regulations, provenance, cultural property, CITES, Fish and Wildlife regulations, foreign assets regulations, and immunity from seizureDevelop and maintain relationships with peer institutions, lenders, borrowers, insurers, shipping agencies, storage facilities, and government entitiesOversee loan administration, budgeting, insurance coverage, and risk assessment for domestic and international exhibitionsReview and negotiate exhibition and loan agreements in collaboration with legal and exhibitions teamsManage outgoing loan approvals, risk assessments, and reporting to senior leadership and trusteesOversee insurance and risk management programs, including annual renewal negotiations and indemnity applicationsContribute to long-term storage planning, including oversight of offsite facilities, relocations, and space planning for large acquisitions or bequestsMaintain oversight of archives, records, and legal documentation in accordance with institutional retention policiesDevelop and manage annual departmental budgets in collaboration with finance teamsEvaluate vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and cultivate long-term supplier relationshipsConduct short- and long-range planning to balance exhibition schedules, staffing, and space allocationEnsure technology systems effectively support registration and logistics functionsLead sustainability efforts within registration and logistics operationsPerform additional duties as assignedRequirements & QualificationsEducation:Bachelors degree required; Masters degree in Museum Studies, Museum Administration, or related field preferredExperience: Minimum 15 years of senior-level experience in a major museum, auction house, or significant collectionExtensive leadership experience managing large teams, high-volume activity, complex projects, and negotiationsKnowledge & Expertise: Deep understanding of collections management, exhibitions, loans, and registration best practicesComprehensive knowledge of international art law, including antiquities legislation, CITES, customs regulations, foreign asset controls, and immunity from judicial seizureStrong knowledge of art logistics, risk management, and global exhibition operationsSkills & Abilities: Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skillsProven ability to foster a high-performing, collaborative team environmentStrong strategic planning and organizational capabilitiesFinancial acumen and budget management experienceAbility to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneouslyWillingness to travel domestically or internationally as requiredKnowledge of labor relations and union contracts preferredForeign language proficiency helpfulAbility to complete required security assessmentsWorking Place:New York, New York, United StatesCompany :2026 Virtual March 26th - Metropolitan Museum of Art