(P/T) Exhibition Production Specialist at Harvard Art Museums

Job Title: Exhibition Production Specialist 

Job Status: Part-time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Exhibition Production, provides logistical support for the museums’ exhibitions and loans out programs. Prepares, installs, handles, and packs artworks, casework, and graphics for gallery presentations throughout the Harvard Art Museums, while adhering to correct policy and procedural guidelines. Works as part of a larger team in Collections Management as well as with other Harvard Art Museums staff. This onsite position is based in Cambridge, MA. Some local travel will be required to other museum-operated facilities.

This is a part-time position for a period of up to 49 weeks. Schedule: Thursday – Friday 8am – 5:45pm

Position Description

Under the supervision of the Manager of Exhibition Production, provides logistical support to all aspects of installation and de-installation of artwork.

  • Prepares galleries with touch-up painting. Light galleries to museums’ standards. Secure and alarm artwork. Install gallery labels.
  • Supports the Manager of Exhibition Production and installation colleagues in the handling of oversize and complex artwork and casework.
  • Light-duty fabrication of casework parts, blocks, and related fixtures. Modifies and paints fixtures as needed.
  • Maintains galleries, dusting exposed art and pedestals, cleaning casework and re-lamping.
  • Provides design-related support as needed, including full-scale mockups of artwork and casework, and testing of color samples, lighting, and AV presentations.
  • As assigned by Manager, assists the Collections department in the preparation, packing, and handling of works of art for gallery installations, including reframing, glazing, and building of conveyances and handling mounts.
  • Documents notes in TMS for art handling, packing, and installation as needed.
  • Operates lifting devices, such as scissor lifts, forklifts, Genies, and hydraulic lifts.
  • Works closely with photographers, conservators, curators, registrars, and other Collections Management staff in storage and exhibition-related duties.
  • Works with contractors in exhibition and storage spaces as needed.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum 3 years of exhibition installation and art handling experience in a museum or gallery environment.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
  • Ability to handle fragile collections in keeping within museum standards; knowledge of art handling equipment.
  • Experience designing and constructing crates and other packing solutions.
  • Ability to problem solve, work independently and be capable of excellence in a high-performance, team-orientated culture; work effectively under pressure flexibility, able to adapt to changing situations.
  • Conscientious, self-motivated, resourceful.
  • Ability to communicate to various constituents of the museum environment with strong oral and written communication skills; good organization and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Strong computer skills; familiarity with museum database programs (TMS) strongly preferred; ability to learn new computer applications as needed; experience working with a digital camera.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include walking, standing, stooping, pushing, and pulling; must be able to reach and work above the shoulders, climb ladders, use personnel lift, kneel, twist, and squat. Must be able to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.) comfortably.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

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Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.