Job Summary
The Curator & Registrar / Exhibit Coordinator is responsible for the care, documentation, and interpretation of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum's (JFGM) collection, and for planning and executing a year-round schedule of exhibitions and cultural programming. This role combines the technical rigor of museum registration and collections management with the creative and scholarly work of curation, and serves as JFGM's primary point of contact for cultural partnerships with master artists, artisans, and cultural institutions in Japan. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of Japanese art and culture, professional Japanese language ability, and the relationship-building skills needed to sustain JFGM's Japan-based partnerships.
Duties
Curation & Exhibition Development
- Conceive, research, and curate rotating and permanent exhibitions that reflect JFGM's mission and connect authentically with Japanese art, history, and culture.
- Develop exhibition concepts, narratives, and interpretive frameworks; write label copy, didactic panels, and gallery guides.
- Plan, prepare, and coordinate year-round exhibitions and public programming, including design, layout, cost estimates, and construction of exhibits and displays.
- Evaluate completed exhibitions and displays for effectiveness, visitor engagement, and areas for improvement.
- Develop interpretive plans for the collection that enhance the visitor learning experience.
- Ensure all curatorial work reflects cultural authenticity and follows appropriate curatorial and safety guidelines.
Collections Management & Registration
- Maintain accurate records of the object collection and oversee artifact conservation.
- Register and assign accession and catalog numbers to all objects, following established registration procedures; compose concise object descriptions for file and catalog records.
- Accept and examine artifact donations; maintain records of storage, exhibit, and loan locations for all objects in the collection.
- Prepare acquisition reports for curatorial and administrative review; periodically evaluate the registration and catalog system for consistency and efficiency.
- Recommend improvements to recordkeeping procedures to maximize accessibility and efficient retrieval of collection objects.
- Arrange insurance coverage for objects on loan or in special exhibitions, and recommend coverage for the broader collection.
- Prepare objects for exhibition, including matting, framing, and storage/space designation for installations.
Japanese Cultural Partnerships & Artisan Relations
- Serve as JFGM's primary liaison with master artists, artisans, and cultural organizations in Japan, cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships that support loans, commissions, and collaborative exhibitions.
- Communicate directly and fluently in Japanese with partner artists, artisans, and institutions, in both written correspondence and in-person or virtual meetings.
- Coordinate visits, exchanges, and logistics for Japanese artists and cultural delegations, including translation and cultural protocol support as needed.
- Draft and issue calls to artists and requests for proposals; review submitted proposals, portfolios, and materials; select exhibit proposals for approval by the Arts and Culture Committee.
- Coordinate all communications with artists, artisans, and community arts organizations, and manage installation and de-installation of exhibits.
- Apply and stay current on knowledge of Japanese art history, craft traditions, and cultural practice to ensure JFGM's programming is presented with authenticity and respect.
Education, Outreach & Administrative Support
- Assist in designing educational programming related to the JFGM artifacts collection and support the Garden's broader educational programs.
- Direct and supervise volunteers and interns supporting collections and exhibition work.
- Perform clerical and administrative support tasks, including creating, typing, and editing program brochures and other publications.
- Represent JFGM at Balboa Park meetings and community events; engage with the public via social media and other outreach channels.
- Assist with fundraising and cultural events, including the annual auction, and support Garden and office operations as needed.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including coverage of Garden events and gatekeeper duties as needed.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Asian Studies, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 3–4 years of professional experience in a museum, gallery, or cultural institution setting, with direct experience in collections management, registration, and/or curatorial work.
- Demonstrated experience curating or coordinating exhibitions from concept through installation.
Language & Cultural Knowledge
- Professional proficiency in Japanese (speaking, reading, and writing) required; ability to conduct business correspondence and in-person communication with Japanese partners.
- Strong working knowledge of Japanese art, history, and cultural traditions, including familiarity with traditional crafts and the artisan community in Japan.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain professional relationships with master artists and artisans in Japan, with sensitivity to cultural protocol and etiquette.
- Prior experience living, studying, or working in Japan is a plus.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent research, writing, and interpretive skills for exhibition and label copy development.
- Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in collections documentation and recordkeeping.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, exhibitions, and deadlines independently.
- Proficiency with collections management databases, Microsoft Office, and social media platforms.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills; comfortable representing the organization publicly and internationally.
- Ability to lift and safely handle museum objects and exhibit materials, and to work occasional evenings/weekends for events and openings.
Schedule:
- This is a full time position Tuesday-Saturday
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Weekends as needed
Pay: $22.00 - $27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
