Registrar or Associate Registrar
/Job Title:
Registrar or Associate Registrar
Organization:
Vancouver Art Gallery
Deadline:
Mar. 16, 2026
Organization Description:
The Vancouver Art Gallery believes creativity is fundamental to an open and engaged world. Bring your experience in Registration and exhibitions to one of Canada’s leading arts institutions in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Our Values
The Vancouver Art Gallery commits to five core values that guide all that we do:
We are respectful of the unceded Indigenous territory upon which we are situated
We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment
We believe that curiosity is a pathway to innovation
We establish clear goals and expectations to cultivate a culture of accountability
We foster successful collaboration through thoughtful communication and active listening
The Vancouver Art Gallery is situated on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. We offer a welcoming, team-based office culture, and we are committed to providing equitable access to everyone. We actively support accessibility, anti-racism, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, and encourage diversity in our staff, volunteers, visitors, and programming. We cultivate a safer space where all voices are heard, valued and represented.
Website:
Job Description:
Reporting to the Director of Museum Services, the Registrar – Exhibitions & Loans is a leadership role within the Registration Department. Working collaboratively with the Registrar of Collections, this position oversees all registration activities related to exhibitions, touring exhibitions, and incoming loans.
The Registrar – Exhibitions & Loans is responsible for the safe, timely, and professional coordination of the movement, documentation, insurance, and care of artworks both locally and internationally. The role works closely with Curatorial, Conservation, Preparation, and external partners to ensure the highest professional standards are met.
Responsibilities:
Exhibitions
Plan, coordinate, and oversee all logistical arrangements for artworks associated with exhibitions, incoming loans, and touring exhibitions
Prepare and administer all incoming loan documentation, including loan agreements, approvals, correspondence, estimates, invoices, crate lists, and shipping and customs documentation
Coordinate packing, shipping, courier, and customs arrangements with lenders, shippers, and external partners
Oversee condition reporting, artwork monitoring, and damage management in collaboration with Conservation
Act as a courier or escort for shipments and as needed, travel to tour venues to oversee installations
Collaborate with exhibition teams on the planning and delivery of in-house and touring exhibitions
Provide and assist with workflow direction and supervision of exhibition installation teams
Prepare and manage exhibition budgets, including tracking costs related to crating, shipping, loan fees, couriers, and invoice processing
Registration
Supervise Registration staff, interns, and volunteers
Support collection-related registration projects as required
Contribute to the development and implementation of integrated registration policies, procedures, and information management systems
Serve as backup to the Registrar of Collections during short-term absences
This role contributes to the overall success of the Museum Services team and ensures alignment with the Gallery’s strategic goals.
Qualifications:
As a successful candidate you hold a university degree in Art History or Museum Studies, preferably at the master’s level, plus a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of senior-level registration experience in a medium to large art gallery or museum. You have demonstrated experience managing incoming and outgoing loans and exhibitions at local, national, and international levels and have related supervisory experience leading teams. In addition, you bring:
Thorough knowledge of professional registration standards, collections management, preventive conservation, and art handling
Expertise in art transportation, shipping regulations, insurance, and customs processes
Proficiency with collections databases, integrated information management systems, and Microsoft Office
Strong budget management and financial tracking skills
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
Ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines and strong ability to work effectively under pressure and with minimal supervision
Proven leadership skills, including staff supervision, and team coordination
Strong research skills and working knowledge of art history, contemporary art, and museum practices
Ability to model respectful and inclusive workplace behaviour through a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, including Indigenous ways of being, ensuring these principles are embedded in all the work we do
How to Apply:
Please submit your application through our careers portal on our website by March 16, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Please note that only applicants with Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or a valid work permit will be considered.
Remuneration:
$33.11 - 38.76 per hour
