Registration and Preparation Assistant

The Institute of Contemporary Art seeks an enthusiastic and organized Registration and Preparation Assistant to join the Curatorial team. Under direct supervision of the Senior Registrar, the Preparation and Registration Assistant will perform tasks associated with installing and maintaining exhibitions and assisting the Registration and Preparation teams with the management of the ICA’s temporary exhibitions and permanent collection. The Registration and Preparation Assistant will handle multiple tasks at once, requiring excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritize work and resolve unexpected issues. The work will need to be completed independently and in partnership with a team, and strong communication skills are essential. The schedule includes some nights and weekend hours for maintenance and in response to time-sensitive exhibition needs. The primary work will be conducted at museum site(s) or at ICA’s offsite storage facility.
The position contributes to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work. This is a full-time, hourly position.

WORKING AT THE ICA:

1. All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.
2. This position requires onsite presence.

Responsibilities:

• Follow up on incident reports throughout the week & communicate findings and resolution to curatorial and gallery staff
• Perform twice-weekly condition checks on all works currently on view
• Maintain objects and dust exhibition furniture in the galleries on a regular schedule and as required in conjunction with the Preparators and Facilities department
• With Preparators, maintain galleries, including lighting, walls, and didactics, workshop, and other preparation spaces
• Produce and maintain exhibition models, materials, and work area
• With the Senior Registrar, prepare and organize stanchions or other protective mechanisms needed for objects on view
• Assist the Senior Registrar as needed in the management and care and storage of the ICA’s permanent collection
• Participate in packing, installation, and condition reporting of artworks and in the movement of packed artworks and empty crates as directed by Senior Registrar and Preparators
• Perform administrative duties associated with registration and preparation, including ordering and organizing supplies

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of related experience in a museum or art organization setting, preferably in registration or exhibition installation
• Experience with fine arts packing, shipping, handling, and condition reporting desired
• Familiarity with common equipment and tools used during installation, including lifts, painting, and hardware
• Ability to identify and implement actionable steps to resolve unexpected issues based on prior gallery experience
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work
• Excellent communication skills
• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment
• Must be flexible, work well under pressure
• Must also be willing to work flexible hours and be on-call when necessary and with advance notice

Physical Requirements:

• Possess mobility to work in an office setting and use office equipment; move about throughout the museum, and travel offsite to different locations
• Ability to see, listen and talk for extended periods in person, over the telephone and computer, and understand printed materials; Ability to follow protocols in handling works of art with care
• Fine motor skills, keen eyesight, and an ability to stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to carry, lift and/or move at least 50 pounds

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of position-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While the above is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

The ICA offers an excellent benefit package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, disability/life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement plan, and paid time off. 

Starting Rate: $25.00 per hour

Starting rate is based on meeting minimum qualifications. 

ICA Compensation:

Each ICA position has a job grade based on the position’s evaluated job responsibilities, required education and experience, needed skills to perform the job, and professional knowledge.  

The position’s grade and respective compensation range is determined by the position’s overall responsibilities, including decision making, supervisory/management requirements, resource management and budgeting duties. 

Compensation is ultimately determined by the scope of the position and responsibilities, the candidate’s relevant experience, and internal equity, with starting salaries typically falling in the lower half of the compensation range. 

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@icaboston.org . When applying, please include “Registration and Preparation Assistant” in the subject line.