Exhibition Management Adjunct Professor

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for an Adjunct Instructor to teach 93-808 Exhibition Management, a required graduate course in the Master of Arts Management (MAM) program. The Master of Arts Management Program is a joint degree offered by Heinz College and the College of Fine Arts that prepares future leaders for careers across museums, performing arts organizations, galleries, public art initiatives, cultural nonprofits, and the broader creative sector. We welcome applications from experienced professionals with demonstrated expertise in exhibition planning, design, implementation, and management. This graduate course introduces students to the planning, development, and implementation of exhibitions across museums, galleries, cultural institutions, festivals, immersive experiences and other exhibition-based experiences. Students examine the complete exhibition process - from concept development through installation and evaluation - while considering the roles of curators, artists, designers, educators, registrars, preparators, community partners, and organizational leadership. The course also explores exhibition budgeting, project management, interpretation, audience engagement, logistics, and ethical considerations, including current trends and controversies within the field. We are particularly interested in practitioners with substantial experience managing exhibitions who can integrate current professional practice into the classroom. The final project in this course should reflect the standards, expectations, and collaborative processes students will encounter in the field. Because this course is taken during the second year of the MAM program, students enter with a foundation in nonprofit management, finance, marketing, and organizational leadership. The instructor should build upon that knowledge by emphasizing practical application, current professional practice, and real-world case studies.

Requirements

• Significant professional experience in exhibition management within museums, galleries, cultural institutions, public art organizations, festivals, or related settings.
• Ability to connect theory with current professional practice through engaging classroom instruction.
• Experience managing exhibitions from concept development through installation and evaluation.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Master's degree in a relevant discipline or Bachelor's degree plus at least seven years of progressively responsible professional experience directly related to exhibition management.
• A commitment to mentoring graduate students and preparing them for leadership roles in the arts and cultural sector.

Nice To Haves

• Prior teaching, guest lecturing, mentoring, or other higher education experience is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Teach 93-808 Exhibition Management, a required graduate course in the Master of Arts Management (MAM) program.
• Introduce students to the planning, development, and implementation of exhibitions across museums, galleries, cultural institutions, festivals, immersive experiences and other exhibition-based experiences.
• Examine the complete exhibition process - from concept development through installation and evaluation - while considering the roles of curators, artists, designers, educators, registrars, preparators, community partners, and organizational leadership.
• Explore exhibition budgeting, project management, interpretation, audience engagement, logistics, and ethical considerations, including current trends and controversies within the field.
• Integrate current professional practice into the classroom.
• Build upon students' existing knowledge of nonprofit management, finance, marketing, and organizational leadership by emphasizing practical application, current professional practice, and real-world case studies.
• Incorporate a combination of readings, case studies, class discussion, experiential learning, site visits when appropriate, and assignments that culminate in a final exhibition proposal.
• Foster discussion, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level