Exhibition Manager, Art and Design Specialist

Art Institute of Chicago•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Department of Exhibitions brings the boundary-pushing work of acclaimed and emerging artists to Chicago audiences. With shows and projects led by the Department of Exhibitions staff, faculty, and student curators, the school’s exhibition spaces are teaching galleries that engage process as a pedagogical model and more of research. Exhibitions are free and open to the public. The Exhibition Manager serves as a full-time staff member of the 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.

Requirements

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
Ability to 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

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s in Fine Arts or related field preferred
Mount making a plus
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

Responsibilities

Executes and directs procedures including matting, framing, glazing, stretching, hinging, mounting, storage, packing, handling, and installation of works of art.
Designs, fabricates, installs, maintains and oversees hanging/mounting hardware for artworks.
Demonstrates and shares art-handling/preparations knowledge and techniques to student exhibitors and student staff.
Designs and maintains infrastructure and spaces for the storage of artworks.
Hires and schedules student staff, independent contractors, and temporary employees.
Manages departmental purchasing.
Oversees payroll/timesheet oversight.
Manages facilities scheduling.
Seconds the Senior Exhibition Manager in the day-to-day management of gallery and facility operations, including direct on-site supervision of student staff, temporary employees and independent contractors.
Oversees, trains and assists work-study students hired to prepare, maintain, and de-install the exhibition site.
Shares responsibility for monitoring catering, security and guests, and for ensuring that occupancy and safety/security procedures are followed.
Maintains and updates training manuals for student staff.
Maintains opening and closing of the gallery as required.
Maintains daily log of temperature and humidity levels in the gallery.
Maintains and inventories tools and materials.
Assists exhibiting artists with their installations, troubleshooting and problem-solving art hanging methods, electrical, and equipment issues.
Handles works of art and supervises the transportation and installation of art in the galleries, storage, etc.
Prepares artwork for shipping to other museums, galleries, and lenders after exhibitions.
Corresponds with artists for exhibition planning as required.
Lays out and implements gallery configurations.
Coordinates schedules and duties with the Senior Exhibition Manager.
Positions signage and lights in the exhibition space and office area.
Participates in department staff meetings as required.
Performs other duties, as assigned by the Director of Exhibition Operations and the Senior Exhibition Manager.