Manager of Operations and Preparator

Columbia College Chicago • Chicago, IL

22h

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Manager of Operations and Preparator oversees all operational, technical, and facilities-related functions of the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP). This role ensures the safe, efficient, and mission-aligned execution of exhibitions, public programs, events, and day-to-day museum operations.
The position supervises student employees; manages exhibition preparation, installation, and deinstallation; oversees environmental and security conditions; and coordinates operational support for public programs, rentals, and institutional events. The role includes developing and enforcing safety protocols and emergency procedures in alignment with professional museum standards, including American Alliance of Museums (AAM) guidelines.
MoCP serves more than 30,000 annual visitors and supports the education of over 4,000 students through exhibitions, publications, and public programs. This role directly contributes to maintaining high standards of care, safety, accessibility, and visitor experience.
Flex work options are available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in art, art administration, or related field from an accredited institution required, master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in management, or project management, within a nonprofit organization or related field
• Prior supervisory experience: ability to lead, mentor and develop others.
• Advanced knowledge of best practices for the care of a photographic collection.
• Experience with exhibition design, installation, and audio-visual technologies
• Highly developed analytical thinking, decision making, and prioritization skills.
• Possess the ability to be Proactive, independent, and dynamic thinker.
• Excellent organizational skills include the ability to manage a multitude of assignments concurrently, manage budgets and deadlines, and establish priorities.
• Exceptional communication skills and the confidence to be a thoughtful, authentic listener, and an assertive advocate.
• Ability to motivate and lead a team of professionals.
• Ability to think and solve problems strategically and creatively, advancing the mission of the organization.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting procurement or administrative functions, including processing invoices and purchase orders preferred.
• Familiarity with basic contract terms and assisting in vendor coordination or negotiations a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise student employees and interns, including hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, maintaining the Intern and Student Employee Handbook, and processing all timesheets in PeopleSoft.
• Oversee all exhibition production, including planning, preparation, installation, and deinstallation in collaboration with curators and artists, ensuring safe handling of artworks, equipment, and media in accordance with museum and AAM standards.
• Lead installation and technical operations, directing installation crews and contractors and managing media installations, custom fabrication, documentation, space scheduling, and procurement of exhibition materials and services.
• Manage museum facilities and environmental conditions, serving as primary liaison with Columbia College Chicago Security and Building Services to maintain safe, accessible, and well‑functioning public spaces.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols, emergency procedures, and risk‑mitigation practices for exhibitions, programs, events, and daily operations.
• Coordinate operational and safety planning for public programs, events, and rentals, including audiovisual needs, staffing, and oversight of vendors and caterers to protect artworks and ensure visitor safety.
• Oversee storage and handling of non‑collection materials, including off‑site storage, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and institutional standards in consultation with the MoCP Registrar.
• Administer the MoCP Internship Program, establishing and implementing its operational policies and procedures.
• Support institutional events, including the annual benefit and art auction, overseeing facilities, installations, and event planning to ensure safe, compliant operations.
• Assist with procurement activities, including processing invoices, purchase orders, and supporting contract negotiations with vendors. Ensure timely processing of payments.
• Contribute to facility renovation and construction projects by coordinating operational implementation with institutional partners, ensuring safety, accessibility, and continuity of museum operations.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.

Benefits

• At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff.
• We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees