Senior Exhibition Manager - Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
About the job
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.
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We Offer a Competitive, Comprehensive Benefits Package
Generous paid time off
Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
Great employee discounts
Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions
Salary Grade 7
Basic Function
Working closely with the Director of Exhibition Operations and the Exhibitions Coordinator, the Senior Exhibition Manager serves as one of two full-time staff installation managers/preparators for the SAIC Department of Exhibitions and works closely with all departments to facilitate events and exhibition activity at the SAIC Galleries and the SITE Galleries, with a special focus as the senior “back of the house” lead in day-to-day gallery operations and installation/production planning and execution.
Primary Duties And Responsibilities
Departmental management:
Responsible for assigning and directing the work of the Exhibition Managers, Gallery Technicians, Independent Contractors, temporary employees, and student staff listed above based on judgment relating to work priorities, work streams and skills needed. Uses discretion to organize and monitor work processes, resolves operational issues, and suggests new procedures. Supervises title(s) as listed above, including the responsibility for day to day enforcement of all policies and procedures. Oversees scheduling of production staff to effectively accomplish gallery projects in a timely manner and within designated budget. Evaluates performance to ensure direct report(s) are equipped to perform their roles effectively and efficiently and provides professional development as needed, up to and including all levels of disciplinary action. Communicates updated job expectations and policies to employee(s) listed above and acts as liaison to leadership for employee complaints and initiatives. Reviews applicant materials to identify candidates for interviews; conducts candidate interviews; provides recommendations as part of the hiring process.
The Senior Exhibition Manager oversees production and installation for exhibitions and events at the SAIC Galleries and other spaces designated by the Department of Exhibitions, acting as the primary foreman “on the floor”:
Leads in the day-to-day management of gallery and exhibition facility operations including direct on-site supervision of Exhibition Managers, student staff, temporary employees and contractors
Oversees tool, equipment, storage, and workspace management, equipment maintenance and inventory, construction of exhibition display material, general gallery facility maintenance, wall construction and repair.
Demonstrates exhibition/construction techniques to student exhibitors and student staff.
Works closely with other full-time staff to facilitate event/peripheral gallery activity, including rentals, special off-site exhibitions, and receptions.
Assists and assigns the Exhibition Manager(s) in the production of ephemera, and installation/ maintenance of artwork and media.
Coordinates purchasing of consumables, tools and installation supplies
Maintains and updates training manuals for student staff
Maintains opening and closing of the gallery.
Corresponds with artists for exhibition planning as required.
Shares responsibility for monitoring catering, security and guests, and for ensuring that occupancy and safety/security procedures are followed.
Participates in department staff meetings as required.
Other duties, as assigned by the Director of Exhibitions Operations.
Qualifications
Bachelors degree in fine art or equivalent experience required.
Minimum 2 years of museum-level art handling, exhibition preparation, and exhibition/event management required
Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience required. Experience supervising students a plus
Demonstrated expertise in several of the skillsets: construction techniques, carpentry, metal work, mechanical systems, electrical systems, heavy rigging systems required
Demonstrate knowledge of audio/visual technology, computers, and other technologies a plus.
Teaching experience and a demonstrated commitment to hands-on mentoring of students a plus
Physical Requirements
Stand for long periods of time on concrete floors
Work at elevated heights on ladders
Comfortably lift 30 pounds
Valid and current driver's license a plus
Closing Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.
