registrar

The Museum of Danish America, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), seeks a full-time Registrar.  This position is responsible for the care and professional management of all artifacts and related materials belonging or loaned to the Museum.  The Registrar maintains accurate, comprehensive and current records for all aspects of artifact management including registration, condition, location, loan, exhibition and conservation records.

Job Summary: The Registrar is responsible for all aspects of care and documentation for the museum’s artifact, fine art, and photography collections, in paper-based records and in the museum’s database.  This position manages both acquisition and deaccessioning processes, and acts as project manager for projects that significantly impact collections – such as improving storage conditions, and maintaining the museum’s two historic houses.  The Registrar convenes monthly Collections Review Committee meetings at which decisions regarding new acquisitions and deaccessioning recommendations are made by a committee of staff members and community volunteers; this position also serves as an ex officio member of the Museum’s Board of Directors Mission Delivery Committee.  A complete job description can be found at www.danishmuseum.org

Established in 1983, the Museum of Danish America (formerly known as The Danish Immigrant Museum) is located midway between Des Moines, IA and Omaha, NE on 35 acres of recreated prairie in the heart of the largest rural settlement of Danes in the United States. The museum’s mission is to “explore the Danish-American experience, the historic and modern influences of Denmark on the United States, and the continuing story of how a nation of immigrants shape American identity.” It is the only accredited national museum dedicated to collecting and interpreting the Danish-American experience. The museum has a collection of nearly 25,000 artifacts, an active traveling exhibit program, and a membership of over 3,000 from across the United States, Denmark and seven other countries.  Guidance is provided by a twenty-five-member Board of Directors from across the United States and Denmark. It has a staff of eleven full-time employees, four part-time employees and an active internship program hosting Danish and American graduate students annually.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, with preference given to a Master’s degree, in Museum Studies or a related field;
At least 2 years of experience in collections and/or registration is desirable;
Experience with immigration studies is preferred, but not required;
Excellent writing, project management, interpersonal and team building skills are essential;
Strong computer skills required for research and administrative skills and experience in PastPerfect is helpful.

Salary:  Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and experience (range of $40,000 to $45,000).  Benefits package includes paid health insurance, paid short/long term disability insurance, paid vacation, and paid sick leave.

Interested individuals may learn more about the Museum of Danish America by visiting our website: www.danishmusem.org

Applications will be accepted through August 26, 2024. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references via email: info@danishmuseum.org; via mail: Terri Johnson, Administrative Manager, Museum of Danish America, 2212 Washington Street, Elk Horn, Iowa 51531.