Assistant Registrar (Exhibitions Loans In & Out)

Assistant Registrar (Exhibitions Loans In & Out)

Imperial War Museum Closing date: Sun, 17 May 2026

Artform: Museums
Role: Research
Contract: Permanent
London
South East

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

By managing the programme of lending and borrowing objects safely and compliantly, you’ll help ensure objects can be shared with audiences across the UK and internationally.

Job Description

This role is central to enabling IWM's exhibitions, displays, loans out programme and external partnerships. By managing the programme of lending and borrowing objects safely and compliantly, you'll help ensure objects can be shared with audiences across the UK and internationally. Your work underpins public programming, loans, partnerships and exhibitions that bring our collections to life.

Job Requirements

We'd love to hear from you if you have:
A degree or equivalent professional or postgraduate qualification in museum studies or a related field
Hands-on experience supporting or delivering loans in and/or loans out
A strong understanding of collections registration standards, compliance and risk management
Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation using databases or collection management systems
Confidence communicating with a wide range of specialists and external partners
Excellent planning, organisation and attention to detail
A clear, professional writing and communication style
Confidence identifying issues and escalating them appropriately when needed

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you'll support and deliver IWM's programme of incoming and outgoing exhibition and long-term loans. You'll work closely with colleagues and external partners to ensure loans are managed safely, legally and to the highest professional standards. Key responsibilities include:
Coordinating incoming and outgoing exhibition loans from initial request through to return
Supporting the assessment of loan requests and preparing recommendations
Supporting the long-term loan renewal programme
Managing Government Indemnity applications, renewals, and insurance arrangements
Overseeing loan agreements, documentation and risk management
Working with exhibitions, curatorial and collections care teams to ensure objects meet security and display requirements
Providing registration support during exhibitions installations and de-installs at IWM and borrowing venues
Advising colleagues on registration best practice, including due diligence, import/export and immunity from sei

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Assistant Registrar (Exhibitions Loans In & Out)
  • Salary: £30k-£40k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Museums
  • Role: Research
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Sun, 17 May 2026
  • Location:
    London
    South East

How to Apply