The Getty Research Institute (GRI) seeks an experienced registrar to lead all registration activities for GRI Special Collections and the J. Paul Getty Trust corporate art collection.  Reporting to the Head, Special Collections Management within the GRI Research Library, the Senior Registrar plays a vital role in developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures based on professional best practices for collection care. The Senior Registrar oversees administration of the GRI’s robust outgoing and incoming exhibition loan program; collaborates with curatorial colleagues and others on acquisitions, in-house and traveling exhibitions, and special projects; and liaises with General Counsel and Risk Management on collections-related legal, ethical, and risk-management issues.

The Senior Registrar supervises a staff of 5 FTE responsible for a broad range of activities including, but not limited to: documentation, tracking, safe storage and display of Special Collections objects; packing and shipping logistics; import/export documents; fine arts insurance details; and courier arrangements. The Senior Registrar will perform the more complex registration functions while providing direction and guidance to staff and interns. The Senior Registrar will serve as a member of the Library Management Team and contribute to institutional initiatives.

Located at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the Getty Research Institute is dedicated to furthering knowledge and advancing understanding of the visual arts and their histories. Serving an international community of scholars, the Research Library is one of the largest art and architecture libraries in the world, with holdings of more than one and one half million books and periodicals. Special Collections include rare books and journals, rare photographs, prints and drawings dating from the 15th century to the present, architectural drawings and models, art multiples, Film, audio and video recordings, digital content, and extensive archives and manuscript collections.

• Supervises the activities of the section, sets staff goals, reviews performance, and fosters professional development
• Develops and documents policies, workflows, and procedures in consultation with colleagues throughout the Getty
• Collaborates with internal and external entities to ensure that registration policies and procedures are followed and that legal requirements are fulfilled
• Manages and supervises the appropriate documentation of Special Collections, exhibitions, and loans through the use of the collections information system
• Manages traveling exhibition shipping arrangements including budget estimates, packing and crating plans, and Immunity from Seizure as needed.
• Manages packing and shipping arrangements for acquisitions, including site visits to plan and supervise movement of large collections as needed 
• Compiles and produces reports for tax, insurance, and statistical purposes, and facilitates biannual audits of Special Collections and the Trust Art collection
• Ensures compliance with standards and best practices in the field
• Contributes to space planning and collection storage initiatives
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with local, national, and international colleagues
• Serves as a member of the Library Management Team and as a resource for the GRI

• Bachelor's degree in art history or a related field; Master's degree in art history or a related field preferred
• 7-10 years experience covering all aspects of registration or rights and reproductions

• Expert knowledge of best practices in registration methods and collections management
• Expert knowledge of collection documentation standards and best practices
• Proven supervisory and project management experience
• Superior knowledge of database systems, collection management systems, and database reporting mechanisms; experience with The Museum System by Gallery Systems preferred
• Expert knowledge of best practices in lending and borrowing collection materials, including packing methods and the various means of local, national and international transport
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be diplomatic and have strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of staff and outside professionals
• Proven experience dealing with confidential information
• Strong administrative skills and proven ability to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of library and archival best practices and systems preferred
• Must have means of transportation to work sites at the Getty Center in Brentwood, the Getty’s off-site facility approximately 30 miles to the north, and other local sites as needed