Exhibition Manager, Art and Design Specialist

Exhibition Manager Working closely with the Director of Exhibition Operations and the Senior Exhibition Manager, the Exhibition Manager serves as a full-time staff member of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) Department of Exhibitions and works closely with all departments to facilitate events and exhibition activity organized by the SAIC Department of Exhibitions. With a special focus on art preparations and gallery logistics, the Exhibition Manager is responsible for the preparation, installation, maintenance, and de-installation of exhibitions at SAIC's galleries.
Responsibilities include:
Executing and directing procedures including matting, framing, glazing, stretching, hinging, mounting, storage, packing, handling, and installation of works of art.
Designing, fabricating, installing, maintaining and overseeing hanging/mounting hardware for artworks.
Demonstrating and sharing art-handling/preparations knowledge and techniques to student exhibitors and student staff.
Designing and maintaining infrastructure and spaces for the storage of artworks.
Hiring and scheduling of student staff, independent contractors, and temporary employees.
Departmental purchasing.
Payroll/timesheet oversight.
Facilities scheduling.
Overseeing, training and assisting work-study students hired to prepare, maintain, and de-install the exhibition site.
Sharing responsibility for monitoring catering, security and guests, and for ensuring that occupancy and safety/security procedures are followed.
Maintaining and updating training manuals for student staff.
Maintaining opening and closing of the gallery as required.
Maintaining daily log of temperature and humidity levels in the gallery.
Maintaining and inventories tools and materials.
Assisting exhibiting artists with their installations, troubleshooting and problem-solving art hanging methods, electrical, and equipment issues.
Handling works of art and supervising the transportation and installation of art in the galleries, storage, etc.
Preparing artwork for shipping to other museums, galleries, and lenders after exhibitions.
Corresponding with artists for exhibition planning as required.
Laying out and implementing gallery configurations.
Coordinating schedules and duties with the Senior Exhibition Manager.
Positioning signage and lights in the exhibition space and office area.
Participating in department staff meetings as required.
Other duties, as assigned by the Director of Exhibition Operations and the Senior Exhibition Manager.
Qualifications include:
Bachelor's in Fine Arts or related field preferred
Two years of demonstrated expertise, art handling and art installation experience in a museum or gallery required; experience and interest in working with and mentoring students; knowledge and interest in works of art; mount making a plus; follow instructions precisely, work well under pressure and meet deadlines; sensitivity to needs of curatorial staff.
Ability to communicate effectively with people and other departments
Knowledge of policy and ability to apply that to unique situations
Ability to make objective decisions using sound judgment
Basic math skills
Knowledge of construction techniques, carpentry, and supervisory experience in an academic environment desirable
Gallery lighting design/experience desirable
CAD, Adobe Creative Suite and MAC OS experience highly desirable
Registration experience highly desirable.
Physical requirements include:
Capable of stooping, bending, stretching, and lifting
Must be comfortable working on ladders and at heights
Requires a demanding level of concentration
Requires regular lifting of objects weighing up to thirty pounds
Comfortably and work with basic tools
Compensation & Benefits:
The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.
Hiring Range
Benefits
PTO Overview
Job Classification: Exempt
Employment Category: Full time
Grade Level: 5
Application Instructions:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Union:
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.
Accessibility:
If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:
Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants
Equal Opportunity Statement:
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.