Assistant Registrar

Oct 14 2026
Honolulu Museum of Art |Honolulu|Full Time, $51,000 - $56,000 / year
Job Description

TO BE CONSIDERED APPLY DIRECLTY TO https://honolulumuseum.org/opportunities-m1xn


A cover letter is required to be considered for this position.


Job Summary:

Under the general direction of the Registrar and in coordination with other Collections Department staff, the Assistant Registrar ensures the proper care, documentation, handling, storage, security, and environment of all permanent collection and loan objects.

 

The Honolulu Museum of Art:

Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.

To learn more about HoMA, please visit our website.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in information/library science, Museum Studies, Art History, or a related degree; 2 years’ experience working in a museum, special collection, or collection repository.
  • 2 years’ experience in collection care and management. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the proper handling and care of artwork.
  • Knowledge of best practices in collections management.
  • Must have the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of service users with demonstrated success in multiple locations and work environment.
  • Cataloguing experience, and knowledge of TMS software.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to pass a Security Threat Assessment from the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Able to pass TSA training requirements.
  • Possess valid Driver's License in the State of Hawai'i.
  • Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic supported by commitment, enthusiasm, and follow-through.
  • Ability to work within and support a diverse community of visitors, artists, and employees.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Strong database and computer skills, including Microsoft Suite.
  • Familiarity with and willingness to learn International fine art copyright law and limitations.
  • Ability to conduct detailed visual examinations and produce thorough object condition reports.
  • Intelligent self-starter who is committed to the museum’s mission.
  • Strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through.
  • Working experience in museum/non-profit environment.
  • Problem solves creatively and quickly, while always keeping the safety of the artwork and best interests of the Museum in mind.
  • Highly adaptable, organized, detail oriented, flexible, and professional. Able to analyze data, draw conclusions, and create methodologies.
  • Sensitivity and tact regarding communication with donors and lenders. Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding details of donor/lender portfolios.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects independently and as a team member.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and complete projects in a timely manner without compromising accuracy.
  • Willingness and ability to travel, both domestic and international.
  • Understanding of and dedication to advancing the Honolulu Museum of Art’s identity, vision, and values.

Essential Duties:

  • Maintain collections care and art handling standards in accordance with AAM best practices.
  • Data entry of object information and assist with maintenance of collections database (TMS).
  • Data entry of loan and collection objects into TMS.
  • Preparation of loan agreements for incoming and outgoing loans.
  • Assist with communication with lenders, contractors, and government agencies.
  • Produce condition reports of incoming and outgoing artworks.
  • Assist with collection-related projects.
  • May occasionally act as courier for collection loans.
  • Process and complete rights and reproductions inquiries for the permanent collection.
  • Assist with general department support as needed.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to fostering cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility through respectful communication and cooperation with others, continuous training, and the modeling of inclusive behaviors.
  • In partnership with HR, supports the leadership team in ensuring equitable experiences, strengthening inclusion acumen and promoting a culture of belonging that embraces the contributions of all staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Compensation:

HoMA is committed to practicing salary transparency. The pay range for this position is $51,000 to $56,000 per annum with final compensation based on experience, education, market date, and internal equity.

 

Benefits Include:

  • Employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Vacation: 15 days in Year 1, increasing to 20 days in Year 2
  • 15 days of annual sick leave
  • Retirement plan with employer matching after Year 1
  • Employee discounts (Museum, Shop, Café, and Art School discounts)
  • Onsite parking provided.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:

General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with flexible scheduling as appropriate. Usually works in an air-conditioned office or gallery; however, may be required to work in an air-conditioned basement, outside in courtyards, or loading dock. Air quality can sometimes be dusty during de-installation of exhibitions. Sound level is usually quiet to moderate; ability to hear normal conversation in person and on the telephone, and ability to speak clearly. Ability to sit and/or stand for extended time periods at a computer, ability to walk on uneven surfaces, use stairs, stand on a step stool, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead with arms and hands. Good hand/eye/foot coordination. Able to look up with head and neck while hanging artwork. Able to use hands to manipulate large and small objects, tools, and keyboards. Vision requirements are the ability to see close and at a distance; the ability to discern color variations of hue, variance, and value. Ability to push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Good manual dexterity.

Ability to operate general office equipment including computers, copiers, printers, etc. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 25 pounds of general office material or equipment. Ability to work some evening and weekend hours.

The employee must be able to fulfill all Essential Duties with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

 

EEOC Statement:

HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record (except as legally applicable), citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is prohibited.

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

TO BE CONSIDERED APPLY DIRECLTY TO https://honolulumuseum.org/opportunities-m1xn