Lead Preparator

MCA•Chicago, IL

14h•$65,720 - $85,440•Hybrid

About The Position

We have an opening for a Lead Preparator to join the Collections and Exhibitions department at MCA Chicago. Reporting to the Senior Preparator, the Lead Preparator oversees the daily operation of preparator assistant staff and ensures the successful installations of assigned exhibitions through the supervision of preparator teams and enforcement of best practices in collections care and the achievement of departmental and institutional timelines and scheduling goals.

Requirements

3-5 years of museum or other professional art handling experience.
Experience managing teams.
Proven ability to manage projects and budgets.
Knowledge of and experience with best practices in art handling, packing, transport, and installation of various types of artworks.
General fabrication and construction skills including woodshop and carpentry experience, working knowledge of gallery lighting, experience working with small mechanical and power tools, and familiarity with moving large/heavy objects and crates.
Experience operating fork/aerial lifts as aides to installation and art movement; have or be willing and able to obtain a lift operator certificate.
Mathematics and measuring skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with care and accuracy while performing job duties.
Ability to work independently, with a partner, or with a larger team, to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
Ability to safely lift 60 lbs.
General mobility throughout all museum properties.

Responsibilities

Oversee part-time Preparator Assistant team, managing daily schedules and team assignments at storage locations and in galleries.
Assist Senior Preparator in coordinating schedules for installations and de-installation, proactively identify schedule conflicts where additional staffing may be required.
Collaborate with artist(s) featured in mid-sized gallery exhibitions to install their works as required within budget and on time.
Manage exhibition budgets and participate in the billing and accounting duties required for assigned exhibitions.
Oversee exhibition fabrication needs for assigned exhibitions.
Lead and develop team members by fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe environment that encourages open, two-way feedback and continuous growth. Serve as a positive cultural ambassador across the museum, modeling behaviors that champion equity, collaboration, and respect.
Drive accountability and clarity of expectations while overseeing day-to-day operations, special projects, and performance against key metrics.
Actively engage in coaching and feedback to strengthen engagement, support professional development, and achieve organizational goals.
Locate, hire, schedule, and oversee contractors, fabricators, and other outside contractual production needs for assigned exhibitions.
Attend interdepartmental meetings related to exhibition planning as assigned. Act as meeting proxy for Senior Preparator as needed.
Serve as proxy for Senior Preparator as needed as gallery floor lead on all major exhibitions, managing teams for the duration of the installation and deinstallation.
Manage installation challenges working with Senior Preparator, Senior Exhibition Production Manager and Registrars to achieve solutions as needed.
In collaboration with the Senior Preparator and Registrars, develop plans for all exhibition maintenance.
Work with the Collections and Exhibitions department on maintaining best practices for art handling, storage, packing, and crating.
Assist in the oversight of maintenance and updates to the woodshop, collection storage, and the MCA warehouse.
Serve as international and domestic courier for MCA collection works and MCA exhibitions as assigned.
Other duties as assigned by the Senior Preparator or the Director of Collections and Exhibitions Management.

Benefits

Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans.
Paid time off.
Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
Free admission to many special and member events.
Reduced price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
Access to our onsite library.
Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.