Associate Director of Design and Art Handling, Cantor Arts Center

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

79d • $120,038 - $135,000

About The Position

Stanford University is one of the world's premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford's future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community. Serving the Stanford University campus, the Bay Area community, and visitors from around the world, the Cantor Arts Center provides an outstanding cultural experience for visitors of all ages and a growing online audience of scholars. The Cantor's encyclopedic collection spans 5,000 years and includes more than 40,000 works of art from around the globe. An established resource for teaching and research on campus, the Cantor offers free admission and programs year-round. It is consistently one of the most visited university museums in the U.S. It is an exciting time to join the expanding team at the Cantor Arts Center. Join us as we build capacity to achieve the museum's goals within an equitable, collaborative, and creative work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Extensive experience working at a major museum, art gallery, or cultural center with museum loans is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and supporting an inclusive environment.
• Demonstrated experience with building a culture of professionalism and collaboration.
• Demonstrated experience in comprehensive design process for museum installations.
• Demonstrated experience supervising designers, preparators, bargaining unit employees, and external contractors.
• Strong portfolio showcasing previous design projects and creative work.
• Strong working knowledge of various design software applications such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or REVIT.
• Working knowledge of Experiential and Universal Design concepts and applications, and of ADA guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience of the care and handling for fine art objects.
• Extensive knowledge of fabrication and construction methods and art handling and installation techniques.
• Working knowledge of electrical practice, electronics, and mechanical installations.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with senior leadership, museum project teams, and a variety of vendors.
• Ability to work effectively and systematically on several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to think abstractly and design creatively within a variety of public spaces.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong financial management skills and demonstrated success with operational budgeting.
• Capacity to coordinate high-volume work, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and operations of the department and serve as the museum's leader for exhibition design development and delivery.
• Cultivate a professional and highly collaborative team culture, ensuring the highest standards of communication, accountability, and excellence in all departmental operations.
• Work collaboratively with curators, artists, registrars, educators, and museum staff to develop and produce attractive, engaging, and durable exhibitions.
• Oversee the design, fabrication, gallery preparation/turnover and installation/deinstallation of exhibition elements.
• Develop, implement, and update the standards and written guidelines for design, fabrication, and art handling efforts.
• Continuously research, evaluate, and incorporate trends and innovations that improve and strengthen processes and practices for effective exhibition design and production.
• Serve as the principal designer for assigned projects, overseeing all phases of design from concept through deinstallation.
• Develop and produce design packages and submittals for review and/or approval.
• Manage the logistics and scheduling of design and production efforts, ensuring timely completion and smooth installation.
• Develop and lead training workshops for exhibition design, fabrication, production, gallery preparation, and art handling.
• Represent the Cantor's exhibition design and art handling programs to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and manage project budgets ensuring projects are completed on budget, on time, within scope, and meet quality standards.
• Formulate and administer the department's annual operating budget and financial transactions.
• Work with project teams and preparator staff to oversee the purchase and maintenance of equipment, materials, and inventories for exhibition needs.
• Oversee and direct the day-to-day efforts of staff to schedule and perform various tasks and assignments.
• Supervise bargaining unit staff responsible for exhibition design, fabrication, mount-making, and installation/deinstallation.
• Work with external contractors to schedule, fabricate, produce, deliver, and install design and display elements.
• Work with preparator staff to oversee the cleanliness and organization of the workshops and supply areas.
• Work in partnership with the Collections team to advise on, direct, and/or assist with the receiving, handling, crating/packing, movement, and storage of artworks.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course.
• Superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• Health care benefits and fitness classes at world-class exercise facilities.
• Free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree