Assistant Registrar of Collections

Job Description:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

The Assistant Registrar of Collections supports the care, documentation, access, and stewardship of the permanent collection of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art / the Momentary. The position supports collections management activities, including collection documentation, intake and cataloguing, condition reporting, packing and transportation, and the care and storage of collection objects.

The Assistant Registrar of Collections maintains accurate collection information and records in the Museum’s collections management database, The Museum System (TMS), and supports digital asset management, rights and reproductions, conservation activities, and other collections-related initiatives. The position collaborates with colleagues across the Museum and with external partners to support the proper care, preservation, documentation, and accessibility of the collection.

Success in this role requires knowledge of museum registration and collections management practices, strong attention to detail, sound judgment, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Support the proper display, care, storage, preservation, and accessibility of collection objects in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Assist with the intake and cataloguing of new acquisitions, including documentation, condition reporting, storage, and inventory activities.
• Maintain collection object records in digital and physical formats and support the accuracy and completeness of collections documentation.
• Collaborate with internal partners to update and expand collection information in object files and The Museum System (TMS).
• Facilitate internal and external research access to collection files and information.
• Support artwork rotations in permanent collection galleries, including identifying rotation needs, preparing art movement requests, and proofing object labels.
• Track conservation examination and treatment needs and coordinate visits by contract conservators, including agreements, travel arrangements, and processing conservation reports.
• Coordinate regular condition checks of collection objects on display.
• Support integrated pest management activities by monitoring pest traps and identifying insects found in art spaces.
• Support monitoring of environmental conditions in art spaces, including placement, removal, and calibration of data loggers and maintenance of environmental data records.
• Prepare reports and statistics related to the collection as requested.
• Stay current with registration standards, collections management practices, and conservation guidelines related to the care and handling of artworks.

• Enter, review, and proof collection information in TMS to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Upload documentary images of collection objects to the Museum's digital asset management system (DAMS) and maintain related information as assigned.
• Secure non-exclusive copyright licenses for works in the permanent collection and maintain copyright status, permissions, and crediting requirements in TMS and the DAMS.
• Respond to internal and external reproduction requests and coordinate image licensing agreements with external parties.
• Communicate licensing terms and proof materials to support compliance with established permissions and requirements.

• Process all requests for domestic and international loans including reviewing facility reports, providing recommendations to the Art Committee, preparing loan agreements and condition reports, and updating TMS.
• Track photography needs for the permanent collection and coordinate photo shoots. Process all new images and upload to TMS and the DAMS. Coordinate access to images by other staff.

• Support packing, unpacking, transportation, condition reporting, and other activities associated with the movement and care of collection objects.
• Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany collection objects, exhibitions, and loans domestically and internationally.
• Provide support for special projects and other Registration activities as assigned.
• Provide guidance and support to interns and volunteers as assigned.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.

• Bachelor's degree in art, art history, museum studies, or a related field required.
• 2–3 years of experience in museum registration, collections management, or a related field, with experience in collections and records management preferred.
• Experience supporting collections management activities, including collections documentation, intake, cataloguing, condition reporting, or related registration functions.
• Experience using a relational collections database required; experience with The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
• Experience using a digital asset management system (DAMS) preferred.

• Knowledge of museum registration and collections management practices, including museum object cataloguing and information management standards.
• Knowledge of American art and familiarity with artists' materials preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to effectively use specialized collections management and digital asset systems.
• Strong organizational, writing, proofreading, and analytical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and initiative while contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to accountability and high ethical standards in Museum practices.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Work Environment: Work is performed on-site in office environments, galleries, art storage areas, and other museum spaces and may include extended periods outdoors during the installation of outdoor art. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires regular interaction with both the public and internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. Periodic domestic and international travel is required as a courier accompanying collection objects, exhibitions, and loans. A flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening, weekend, and overnight work.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, the employee must provide proper identification verifying eligibility to work in the United States.