Exhibitions and Engagement Manager

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Exhibitions and Engagement Manager reports to the Executive Director of the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture. This role is responsible for consistently managing high-quality exhibitions and programs across the Ruth Davis Design Gallery and the Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery, including displays within Nancy Nicholas Hall. The position also focuses on innovative programming and outreach that supports the material culture, textile, and design pillars of the center’s mission. Key responsibilities include managing the physical and logistical aspects of exhibition creation, such as design, installation, strike, and staffing schedules for the galleries. Additionally, the manager will oversee exhibition assets for online exhibitions and digital use. This role involves developing and maintaining relationships with campus colleagues and students, community organizations, donors, collectors, and corporations. A calendar for social media outreach will be maintained, and collaboration on online exhibits, press releases, and creative storytelling will be integral to supporting these goals. The Exhibitions and Engagement Manager will also supervise gallery-related staff, including students and the preparator. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to meet gallery installation and event schedules.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of post-baccalaureate work experience with increasing responsibility in museums, galleries, libraries, academic centers, or other nonprofits; project management experience.
Experience with at least one aspect of the center’s tripartite focus on material culture, textiles, and design.
Professional museum, library, nonprofit, art, or project management experience.
Experience with managing multiple projects concurrently.
BA/BFA degree in art, design studies, art history, history, anthropology, English or related field required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with exhibition design and installation.
Experience managing website content.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience or demonstrated ability in communicating and organizing with diverse audiences.
Experience mentoring and collaborating with students and/or colleagues.
Demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive work environment.
MA or MFA in design studies, art, museum studies, education, nonprofit management, art history, history, material culture, design studies, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of student workers and volunteers.
May supervise staff, students, and volunteers
Produces, publishes, and presents original research
Designs, develops, and delivers instruction to faculty, staff, students, and museum patrons
Provides budgetary input and subject matter expertise in support of funding requests
Serves as a subject matter expert and point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding collection information and access
Participates in development of collections plans, acquisition of collection items, exhibitions or displays, educational resources, and access to collections
Develops and maintains relationships with donors, collectors, and colleagues