TN Visa Registrar Jobs
Registrar roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA treaty when the position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field such as education administration or information management. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry; Mexican citizens follow the consular route. No lottery, no cap headaches.
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Get Access To All JobsOPEN DATE: April 27, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 4, 2026 (This job will close once 50 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Trust Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to SI only applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
* Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview
This position is located in the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations (SITES | Affiliations), Under Secretary for Education, Smithsonian Institution (SI). SI is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The Smithsonian has locations in the Republic of Panama, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and 19 large buildings and the National Zoo in Washington, DC. SITES | Affiliations creates connections between the Smithsonian and museums and other organizations across the country and beyond. We expand the reach and impact of the Smithsonian and our network of collaborators by widely sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise. We envision the Smithsonian in every community, and every community engaged with the Smithsonian. The purpose of this position is the coordination of exhibitions and related loans, the safe handling and care of the traveling exhibitions and loaned objects and collaborating with fabrication houses and exhibition designers to develop exhibit concepts. The incumbent serves as Registrar for SITES in the Exhibition Department is supervised by the Head Registrar, under the overall unit direction of the Associate Director for Exhibits.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibition Development and Maintenance Responsibilities (40%)
The Registrar is responsible for tracking and handling objects, artworks and accompanying materials in exhibitions that are borrowed from other Smithsonian Institution (SI) museums and external lenders. Creates records for the objects and materials, inspects for damages, evaluates structure, and prepares exhibitions for multi-venue shipping. Corresponds with borrowers and lenders regarding packing and shipping requirements. Ensures professional packing, shipping, handling, and storage methods. Assists in moving items to and from museum storage to ensure proper handling.
In accordance with SITES' Exhibition Roadmap, the Registrar works with a Project Director to determine technical requirements for all objects and structure of exhibitions which includes; the generation of plans and methods necessary for the planning and fabrication of exhibitions; supervises and assists with installation or de-installation of exhibitions; inspects and evaluates the condition of current exhibitions; maintains the integrity and security of insured objects and materials; and oversees contractors work when appropriate. Establishes and nurtures relationships with both internal and external project members.
Reviews facility reports from potential host venues to ascertain facilities and staff to meet SI Risk Management and specific exhibition standards. For organizations whose facilities do not meet these requirements, incumbent is charged by SITES Associate Director of Exhibits to consult with Head Registrar and exhibitors on ways to meet standards and/or consult with lenders about meeting the requirements to resolve outstanding issues and enable exhibitors to display the exhibition whenever possible.
Offsite Work and Travel (30%)
Travels to ascertain the registrarial and conservation requirements of objects during exhibition development, to produce condition reports, to oversee contractors work when appropriate, to supervise and assist with design and fabrication of exhibitions, to inspect and evaluate the condition of current exhibitions, to oversee installation and de-installation work at exhibitors, and to courier fragile and/or high-value loan objects and exhibitions as needed.
Prepares personal travel authorizations and utilizes SITES digital technology as appropriate to work requirements.
Resource Management (15%)
The Registrar oversees binding contracts that include any necessary museum policies to guarantee legal compliance. The incumbent may also draft loan agreements, insurance coverage, conservation requirements, exhibition standards, receipts of delivery, dispersal records, and contracts that include written specifications. Maintains electronic and hardcopy of all files using File Maker Pro, Microsoft Word, Excel and/or PowerPoint as appropriate.
Budget (15%)
The Registrar estimates projected costs associated with packing, shipping, conservation, storage needs, and exhibition travel for inclusion in exhibition budget. Monitors and reports expenditures and target budgets for projects. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor which may fall outside of the registrarial scope.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Example: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience required for this position is as follows:
Advanced knowledge of and skill in applying museum loan procedures including standard facility reporting, insurance and transport methods, documentation and procedures, and standards of object condition reporting in order to manage incoming and outgoing loans in accordance with SI and NMAH policies and procedures.
Advanced knowledge of collections management practices to include the proper handling, storage, movement, shipping, preservation, and inventory management of objects and materials of varying sizes and compositions in order to effectively prepare, document, and facilitate loans.
Knowledge of and ability to develop concept plans and specifications for exhibition development and production (i.e., exhibit design & structure, and display cases).
Knowledge of and skill in applying the principles and practices of museum collections management with an emphasis on loans, including current ethical, legal, and technological components of collections care and documentation, in order to generate, maintain, and oversee records related to object collections, loans, and un-accessioned objects in museum custody.
Knowledge of standard museum procedures surrounding the lending and borrowing of objects within a museum context to perform the full range of incoming and outgoing loan registration activities.
Skill in oral communication to provide guidance to team members, museum staff, museum borrowers, resolve conflicts, participate in leadership and other departmental meetings, and deliver professional presentations or training sessions.
Skill in written communication to effectively compose and create a wide range of documents, including email to internal and external audiences, memoranda, correspondence, reports, and professional presentations.
Skill in using software for word processing and database management to complete required museum work.
* Ability to work on a team in a fast-paced environment with regularly changing priorities.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact ReynoldsW@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
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Application Deadline
May 04, 2026
Department
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Washington, DC
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$85,447 - $111,087 / year
Reporting To
Head Registrar
OPEN DATE: April 27, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 4, 2026 (This job will close once 50 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Trust Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to SI only applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
* Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview
This position is located in the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service | Smithsonian Affiliations (SITES | Affiliations), Under Secretary for Education, Smithsonian Institution (SI). SI is a diverse museum and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The Smithsonian has locations in the Republic of Panama, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and 19 large buildings and the National Zoo in Washington, DC. SITES | Affiliations creates connections between the Smithsonian and museums and other organizations across the country and beyond. We expand the reach and impact of the Smithsonian and our network of collaborators by widely sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise. We envision the Smithsonian in every community, and every community engaged with the Smithsonian. The purpose of this position is the coordination of exhibitions and related loans, the safe handling and care of the traveling exhibitions and loaned objects and collaborating with fabrication houses and exhibition designers to develop exhibit concepts. The incumbent serves as Registrar for SITES in the Exhibition Department is supervised by the Head Registrar, under the overall unit direction of the Associate Director for Exhibits.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibition Development and Maintenance Responsibilities (40%)
The Registrar is responsible for tracking and handling objects, artworks and accompanying materials in exhibitions that are borrowed from other Smithsonian Institution (SI) museums and external lenders. Creates records for the objects and materials, inspects for damages, evaluates structure, and prepares exhibitions for multi-venue shipping. Corresponds with borrowers and lenders regarding packing and shipping requirements. Ensures professional packing, shipping, handling, and storage methods. Assists in moving items to and from museum storage to ensure proper handling.
In accordance with SITES' Exhibition Roadmap, the Registrar works with a Project Director to determine technical requirements for all objects and structure of exhibitions which includes; the generation of plans and methods necessary for the planning and fabrication of exhibitions; supervises and assists with installation or de-installation of exhibitions; inspects and evaluates the condition of current exhibitions; maintains the integrity and security of insured objects and materials; and oversees contractors work when appropriate. Establishes and nurtures relationships with both internal and external project members.
Reviews facility reports from potential host venues to ascertain facilities and staff to meet SI Risk Management and specific exhibition standards. For organizations whose facilities do not meet these requirements, incumbent is charged by SITES Associate Director of Exhibits to consult with Head Registrar and exhibitors on ways to meet standards and/or consult with lenders about meeting the requirements to resolve outstanding issues and enable exhibitors to display the exhibition whenever possible.
Offsite Work and Travel (30%)
Travels to ascertain the registrarial and conservation requirements of objects during exhibition development, to produce condition reports, to oversee contractors work when appropriate, to supervise and assist with design and fabrication of exhibitions, to inspect and evaluate the condition of current exhibitions, to oversee installation and de-installation work at exhibitors, and to courier fragile and/or high-value loan objects and exhibitions as needed.
Prepares personal travel authorizations and utilizes SITES digital technology as appropriate to work requirements.
Resource Management (15%)
The Registrar oversees binding contracts that include any necessary museum policies to guarantee legal compliance. The incumbent may also draft loan agreements, insurance coverage, conservation requirements, exhibition standards, receipts of delivery, dispersal records, and contracts that include written specifications. Maintains electronic and hardcopy of all files using File Maker Pro, Microsoft Word, Excel and/or PowerPoint as appropriate.
Budget (15%)
The Registrar estimates projected costs associated with packing, shipping, conservation, storage needs, and exhibition travel for inclusion in exhibition budget. Monitors and reports expenditures and target budgets for projects. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor which may fall outside of the registrarial scope.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Example: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience required for this position is as follows:
Advanced knowledge of and skill in applying museum loan procedures including standard facility reporting, insurance and transport methods, documentation and procedures, and standards of object condition reporting in order to manage incoming and outgoing loans in accordance with SI and NMAH policies and procedures.
Advanced knowledge of collections management practices to include the proper handling, storage, movement, shipping, preservation, and inventory management of objects and materials of varying sizes and compositions in order to effectively prepare, document, and facilitate loans.
Knowledge of and ability to develop concept plans and specifications for exhibition development and production (i.e., exhibit design & structure, and display cases).
Knowledge of and skill in applying the principles and practices of museum collections management with an emphasis on loans, including current ethical, legal, and technological components of collections care and documentation, in order to generate, maintain, and oversee records related to object collections, loans, and un-accessioned objects in museum custody.
Knowledge of standard museum procedures surrounding the lending and borrowing of objects within a museum context to perform the full range of incoming and outgoing loan registration activities.
Skill in oral communication to provide guidance to team members, museum staff, museum borrowers, resolve conflicts, participate in leadership and other departmental meetings, and deliver professional presentations or training sessions.
Skill in written communication to effectively compose and create a wide range of documents, including email to internal and external audiences, memoranda, correspondence, reports, and professional presentations.
Skill in using software for word processing and database management to complete required museum work.
* Ability to work on a team in a fast-paced environment with regularly changing priorities.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact ReynoldsW@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and 14 education and research facilities. There are more than 6,500 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.
Apply Now
Application Deadline
May 04, 2026
Department
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Washington, DC
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$85,447 - $111,087 / year
Reporting To
Head Registrar
See all 41+ Registrar jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Registrar roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Registrar
Match your credentials to the role definition
TN classification requires your degree field to align directly with the registrar position. A degree in business administration or library science typically supports this; a general arts degree alone often does not. Confirm the connection before applying.
Target institutions with recent visa filing experience
Universities, hospital systems, and large school districts regularly sponsor TN visas for registrar staff. Prioritize employers with recent visa sponsorship experience, as their HR teams will already understand the TN visa process and documentation requirements for this role.
Request a specialty occupation letter from your employer
Ask the hiring institution to prepare a detailed support letter explaining why the registrar role requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. CBP officers at the border or consular officers review this closely for TN approval.
Search TN-eligible roles at visa-sponsoring employers
Filter registrar job listings by employer visa sponsorship experience using Migrate Mate. This surfaces employers with recent work visa filings, helping you identify companies familiar with sponsoring international professionals under USMCA categories. You can then confidently approach HR knowing they have existing visa sponsorship infrastructure in place.
Confirm TN eligibility requirements with your employer early
Your employer must prepare a support letter documenting your job offer and qualifications. Registrar roles typically qualify for TN status under the professional category, based on your degree and job responsibilities. For Canadian citizens, you'll present this support letter at the U.S. border or port of entry; Mexican citizens apply at a U.S. consulate. There's no prevailing wage requirement or government filing process for TN visas.
Prepare for the Canadian port-of-entry application process
Canadian citizens apply for TN status directly at a U.S. land border or preclearance airport. Bring your job offer letter, degree transcripts, and an employer support letter outlining the role and your qualifications. CBP can approve or deny on the spot, so documentation completeness is critical.
Registrar jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Registrar JobsRegistrar TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a registrar role qualify for TN visa status under USMCA?
Yes, registrar positions can qualify under the TN category when the role requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as education administration, information management, or a closely aligned discipline. The employer's job description must clearly articulate that degree-level knowledge in that specific field is a requirement, not just a preference. CBP or a consular officer makes the final determination.
How does the TN visa compare to the H-1B for registrar positions?
The TN visa has no annual lottery and no cap for Canadian citizens, which means you can apply and receive status in a single day at a port of entry. H-1B requires a lottery selection, an April registration window, and an October 1 start date at the earliest. For registrar roles with a willing employer, TN is a faster and more predictable path. Mexican citizens have a separate TN allocation but still avoid the H-1B lottery entirely.
What documents does a registrar job seeker need for TN sponsorship?
You need a signed employer offer letter specifying your title, salary, and that the role requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. You also need your original degree transcripts or credential evaluation, and your employer must provide a support letter confirming TN eligibility and job details. Canadian applicants bring these documents directly to a U.S. port of entry; Mexican applicants attend a consular interview.
Where can I find registrar jobs that already offer TN visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking U.S. jobs with TN visa sponsorship. You can filter listings by role and visa type, so you're only seeing employers who have committed to sponsoring TN candidates. This avoids the common frustration of applying to registrar positions only to learn that the employer is unfamiliar with USMCA professional visa categories.
Can a registrar on TN status change employers without losing status?
Yes, but you must start a new TN authorization with the new employer before or at the time of the transition. TN status is employer-specific, so your current TN authorization does not transfer. The new employer will need to prepare a support letter for your TN application. Canadian citizens can present this letter at a U.S. port of entry; Mexican citizens typically apply at a U.S. consulate with the support letter.
See which Registrar employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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