Contract Registrar

This position will remain open until filled, applications submitted on or before July 7, 2025 will receive full review.

COMPENSATION & TERMS

This is a contract non-employee position within the Collections Department of Forge Project that reports to the Collections and Exhibitions Director. The contract term will be for approximately 6-months, with the potential to extend, for 16 to 24 hours per week at a rate of $30-45 per hour depending on experience. This is ideally a hybrid remote/in-person position with potential for fully-remote work, further details below.

ABOUT FORGE PROJECT 

Forge Project is a Native-led non-profit organization whose mandate is to cultivate and advance Indigenous leadership in arts and culture. We are guided by the leadership of the Indigenous Steering Council, the Board of Directors, Executive Director and Chief Curator Candice Hopkins (Citizen of Carcross/Tagish First Nation), and Director of Indigenous Programs and Relationality Sarah Biscarra Dilley (yaktitʸutitʸu yaktiłhini [Northern Chumash]).

Forge is located near Taghkanic, New York (not accessible by public transportation). Forge is situated on the unceded, traditional and ancestral lands of the Moh-He-Con-Nuck, The Peoples of the Waters that Are Never Still. Today the Moh-He-Con-Nuck reside in Wisconsin and are known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans. Further details on working locations and conditions below.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Contract Registrar will support the stewardship, care, and lending of a 180-artwork collection of contemporary art by living Indigenous artists. In consult with the Collections & Exhibitions Director, the role will oversee key registration work for the inventory, conservation, and documentation of artwork; an active North American lending program; the maintenance of collection records and their interface with Forge Project’s website; and for the public presentation of artworks at Forge Project’s sites. 

It is a detail-oriented position with regard to the registration of the collection and a collaborative relationship management-oriented position with regard to working with artists and their representatives, borrowers, contractors, and vendors. The position is structured as 16 to 24 hours per week, with exact working schedule determined by the Contract Registrar, for approximately six months from date of hire, with potential to extend. 

The Contract Registrar role is a part-time, temporary position reporting to the Collections & Exhibitions Director and working closely with a contracted fine art services company. Ideally, this role is a remote role with occasional in-person work to be performed at the Forge Project site as well as partner or vendor site, throughout the Mahicannituck (Hudson River) Valley and Lenapehoking (New York City), with the candidate having a driver’s license. However, for the right fit, the position can be fully remote with the Collections & Exhibitions Director serving as a proxy for in-person projects. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Artwork files and collection database audit:

• Review and ensure complete records for artworks, including file management and data entry for professional photography, frames, digitization of Certificates of Authenticity, etc.  

• Clean and organize extant report templates in database 

Conduct an audit of packing methods, materials, and dimensions for each artwork in and out of  storage

Review, and if necessary, create installation instructions for each artwork in the collection; consulting with the contracted fine art services company and artist as needed

Review condition reports on an on-going basis, flagging any conservation needs, and seeking treatment proposal and estimates from conservator; coordinate with fine art services company to stay informed about new reports 

Develop light exposure tracking system for materially sensitive works

Contract and facilitate outgoing loans of artworks to borrowers throughout North America:

• Complete paperwork and provide necessary materials to borrower

• Ensure facilities reports and COIs are received

• Notify the insurance company

• Liaise with the contracted fine art services company to manage and monitor shipping deadlines, as well as any other needs, such as deinstallation from a Forge Project site, crating, or condition checking 

• Track overall lending program numbers and details for year-end reporting

Review monthly storage inventory reports; evaluate current storage arrangements and develop a storage approach that meets the current needs of the collection

Arrange transit, as needed, ensuring the safe and secure handling of works of art 

Submit associated invoices to Collections & Exhibitions Director for processing 

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Collections & Exhibitions Director

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS NEEDED

Thorough knowledge of registration practices within a contemporary art setting, and an openness to adapt processes to center Forge Project’s values

Knowledge of museum collection management systems required, familiarity with Collector Systems preferred

Experience with outgoing loan administration 

Experience with domestic and international fine art shipping and logistics, including packing; knowledge of and experience with CITES is a plus

Understanding of customs and tax regulations for international shipping, mainly between the U.S. and Canada

Familiarity with various artistic media; understanding of conservation techniques is a plus

Ability to collaborate and liaise with a contracted fine art services company 

Proficient in Google Suites

Self directed, with the ability to work independently

Familiarity and experience with contemporary artwork by Native artists is a plus

HOW TO APPLY 

Please send a resume or CV and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Registrar.” Please reach out with any questions. This position will remain open until filled, applications submitted on or before July 7, 2025 will be reviewed.

Studies show that people from certain underrepresented groups, including women and disabled people, are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't meet all of the criteria. If this is you, we encourage you to apply anyway! 

Forge is developing a model for carefully considered ethics of relation that disrupt the often extractive and transactional status quo. As such, we are committed to expanding the presence of Indigenous, disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+, and BIPOC individuals in nonprofit communications, and we are seeking candidates who are excited about this opportunity for growth within this values framework.

Forge Project is an equal opportunity employer, committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.

Forge Project is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please email Amelia Russo at [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.