ABOUT THE ROLE
The Assistant Registrar for Exhibitions & Loans supports the preparation and management of SAM’s special exhibitions and incoming loans to the permanent collection, providing administrative support to the Registrar for Exhibitions & Loans, coordinating logistics, preparing documentation, and ensuring safe handling of artworks.
The successful candidate is highly detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable balancing logistics, documentation, and communication with both internal and external stakeholders.
ABOUT SAM
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with organizing incoming loans for special exhibitions and temporary loans to the permanent collection
- Support the review and execution of SAM and lender loan agreements
- Coordinate logistics with lenders, shippers, and partners for safe wall-to-wall transport of artworks
- Prepare documentation including condition reports, shipping receipts, crate lists, and pro forma invoices
- Oversee unpacking and deinstallations of loans as assigned, maintaining related records
- Support the development of exhibition and incoming loan budgets
- Ensure accurate data entry in The Museum System (TMS), including object, loan, and shipping records
- Participate in occasional art handling and courier duties as assigned
- Maintain working knowledge of Registrar’s Office procedures
- Assist in establishing and maintaining the Exhibitions and Loan In Policy and Procedures in consultation with supervisor, along with other exhibition-related policies and procedures necessary for inclusion in the Collections Management policy
- Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for visitors, every time
- Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow in our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies or related field, or equivalent experience
- 1-3 years of art museum experience, preferably with a focus on exhibitions registration
- Working knowledge of museum standards and best practices for art handling, conservation, loan documentation, and collections data
- Some experience coordinating local and/or national fine arts transportation
- Working knowledge of fine arts insurance and general risk management principles
- Professional verbal and written communication skills
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Discretion in handling confidential information
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Zoom, Asana, Slack, and TMS (Gallery Systems) preferred
- Ability to pass and maintain background check clearance
FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Registrar for Exhibitions & Loans
Work Location: Seattle Art Museum - Downtown Location
BENEFITS
Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.
Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.
Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.
ACCOMODATION
The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@seattleartmuseum.org. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.
SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic
Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply! 
