Registrar and Collections Assistant - Midland Center for the Arts

Posted on 7/13/26

Position Description/Announcement

Midland Center for the Arts

Midland, MI

Position Title: Registrar and Collections Assistant

Supervisor: Archives & Collections Manager

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Salary: $21.15/hour

Last Updated: June 2026

POSITION CONCEPT

Under the supervision of the Archives and Collections Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the registration and care of permanent collections objects, archival materials, and objects on temporary loan. The Registrar and Collections Assistant will be responsible for objects within the Midland County Historical Society Collection and Archives and the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art collection.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

Registrar Responsibilities

Collection Documentation

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for the permanent art collection, and Historic Collections including accessioning, cataloging, and deaccessioning.
• Maintain Collections Management Systems, ensuring digital records are current.
• Photograph collections for inclusion in database.
• Oversees Rights and Reproduction requests and processes to ensure proper licensing of images of artwork in collections.
• Coordinates and monitors movement of objects.

Exhibitions and Loans

• Coordinate and document incoming and outgoing loans in accordance with Center policies.
• Assist Curators and Exhibits Coordinator in the installation and safe handling of loans and collections objects.
• Schedules and coordinates shipping and receiving of art, including insurance, condition reporting, registration, shipping, and courier arrangements.

Collections Assistant Responsibilities

Collections Care

• In collaboration with the Archives and Collections Manager establish procedures to monitor proper environment and care of the Art Collection and History Archives and Historic Collections including in permanent storage and galleries.
• Routinely inspects and monitors artwork in gallery.
• Assist the Archives and Collections Manager to organize and maintain inventory of appropriate supplies.
• In collaboration with the Archives and Collections Manager, coordinates movement of objects in offsite temporary storage and return to permanent collections storage.

General

• Conduct research on collection and in support of exhibitions.
• Train and supervise volunteers in support of collections activities including handling, cataloging and photography.
• Assist Archives and Collections Manager with archive projects as needed, including supporting public research hours and processing reproduction requests.
• Attend departmental meetings including the Collections Committee and Museum Team Meetings.
• Other Tasks as needed.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND ABILITIES:

Qualifications:

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access, and a desire to work with people across many lines of difference.
• Strong Organization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.
• Self-starter with a demonstrated ability to perform tasks independently and as part of a team.
• Competencies in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and working on multiple projects.
• Experience with Collections Management Systems (i.e. PastPerfect and Catalog it)

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in art, history, museum studies, arts management, library science or related field.
• One to two years’ experience in museum registration, collections management or related field.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to move easily up and down stairs.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Email Cover Letter and Resumé to:

HR@midlandcenter.org

kanyo@midlandcenter.org