"Museum Registrar - The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 66784"

Hiring Department

University of Missouri - Kansas City
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

Often described as one of the best museums in Kansas City, the Museum is striving to reach new audiences to share its extensive collection of historically significant toys dating from the 18th through the 20th centuries and its world-renowned collection of fine-scale miniatures. The Museum's mission is to educate, inspire, and delight people of all ages by collecting, displaying, and interpreting toys and miniatures that illuminate diverse narratives and cultural heritage. For more information, click here.

Job Description

Working closely with the collections manager and the curator / senior manager of collections, the museum registrar has an integral role in ensuring that the actively growing collection is properly documented and well maintained. They create and maintain appropriate collection documentation, including legal documents, files, and retrieval systems associated with collections, acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, cataloging, loans, packing, shipping, customs, inventory, insurance, and storage. The registrar interfaces with potential donors, collectors, lenders, volunteers, and interns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organizes and maintains record systems to register and control all incoming and outgoing objects pertaining to acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, and loans.
• Co-manages the collections management database, serving as the primary contact with the company.
• Maintains physical files for objects, donors, lenders, and vendors including all information regarding acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, and incoming and outgoing loans.
• Arranges for and participates in the storage, movement, packing, and shipping of all loan and collection objects.
• Prepares loan contracts, maintains a current facility report for the Museum, reviews facilities reports for requesting institutions, and arranges for insurance for all exhibition loans and collections loans.
• Processes and examines all incoming and outgoing objects to determine liability for loss and/or damage; Assesses condition and prepares condition reports.
• Processes gifts to the collection including preparing paperwork, accessioning, and cataloging new acquisitions.
• Works with collections manager to clean objects, exhibits, and storage.
• Follows established collections care standards.
• Manages the Museum's research library, including cataloging new resources.
• Makes arrangements for object photography requests and organizes new photographic assets.
• Assists with the installation of exhibits.
• Collaborate with other staff members in long-range strategic planning.
• Participate in professional development meetings and conferences (local and national).
• Other duties as assigned.

Shift

This is a full-time, benefit eligible staff position working 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm with occasional evening and weekend shifts.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in related/ relevant area or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum BA (MA preferred) in history, art history, museum studies or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience as a registrar, preferably with a collection of 30,000 objects or larger.
• Demonstrated experience with collections management software, preferably PastPerfect.
• Ability to perform independently, with minimal supervision, but also able to work effectively in teams as both leader and follower.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects to successful completion on time, on budget, and according to museum standards.

Attributes:

• Enthusiasm for the museum and its subject matter.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• High level of demonstrated personal accountability.
• Consistency and thoroughness.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$18.87 - $21.63 per hour commensurate with education, experience and internal equity.

Application Deadline

This position will remain open until filled with an initial review of applications to begin on January 12, 2026.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.