Exhibit Manager at the Atlanta History Center
Job Title: Exhibit Manager
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: $54,000
Atlanta History Center seeks an organized, hands-on, exhibit specialist for the temporary position of Exhibits Manager, through July 2026. This full-time salaried position will work closely with the Exhibition and Collections Team to maintain, install, and deinstall exhibits Position will be responsible for all aspects of exhibitions including physical displays and technological interactives. Atlanta History Center has five rotating exhibition galleries, nine permanent galleries at our Buckhead campus, and one permanent exhibition at our Midtown campus. The tenure of this position will coincide with a complete re-installation of our exhibition about the Civil War.
The successful candidate will be a strategic and innovative thinker, as well as a self-starter who demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, energy, and creative vision, and possesses a positive attitude and human relations orientation; is goal-oriented and able to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet myriad deadlines; possesses a strong sense of personal and professional integrity with the ability to exercise authority and accept responsibility.
Responsibilities
Onsite & Digital Exhibitions
- Identifies, responds to, prioritizes, and resolves all exhibit maintenance issues daily, communicating status of issues with Guest Experience, Collections, and Exhibition staff.
- Installs and deinstalls hanging exhibit graphics/ frames, casework, other furniture in the exhibit spaces, multimedia components, and lighting.
- Maintains current exhibitions including repair to damaged displays and maintenance of exhibition lighting.
- Receives, unpacks, stores, tracks, and condition report all non-collections exhibit components for travelling temporary exhibits.
- Assists Collections Manager as needed in unpacking and re-packing of crates with artifacts for travelling temporary exhibits, and with artifact installation of any exhibit.
- Creates in-house graphics as needed, mounts and frames archival originals and reproductions, and assists Collections Manager in preparing and mounting items for display.
- Builds basic exhibit components such as artifact risers and case bases. Ability to create more advanced exhibit components a plus.
- Assists Director of Exhibitions in coordinating with external construction vendors (electricians, painters, flooring installers, etc.) and contract installation labor as needed for larger temporary and permanent exhibits.
- Reviews, edits, and gives input on detailed design and fabrication drawings via exhibition meetings and follow ups.
- Oversees the purchasing, configuration, and installation of all technology hardware. Documents all hardware currently used in AHC exhibitions.
- Maintains exhibitions workroom as a safe and clean environment for exhibition work. Keeps exhibitions supplies maintains
- Monitors annual Exhibition Operating Budget and uses it to purchase ongoing supplies.
Requirements
- 2-3 years’ experience of art-handling and gallery installation.
- Demonstrated experience unpacking and installing large travelling exhibitions.
- Able to stand for extended periods, lift and carry 40 lbs., climb ladders, operate a scissor lift and forklift.
- Basic Carpentry, painting, and welding skills, knowledge of and safe use of power tools.
- Knowledge of current museum lighting specifications and products.
- Understanding of museum and/or archival handling of materials
- Proficiency with computer software and a variety of digital platforms preferred
- Previous experience in, or a willingness to attend training sessions to learn, matting, framing, and advanced mount-making.
- When needed, ability to work nights and weekends to complete exhibit install/deinstalls.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced carpentry, painting, and welding skills.
- Demonstrated project management experience.
- Exhibit design and layout skills; experience with Adobe design programs, SketchUp, or AutoCAD a plus.
- BA or MA in Museum Studies, Public History, or adjacent field.
Background Check Check Requirements
- Satisfactory criminal background check.
- Satisfactory financial background check.
Excellent Benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer-Provided Life Insurance (1x salary), Employer-Provided Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Life Insurance, and 403(b) Retirement Plan. Full annual Paid Time Off benefits awarded following 60 days of employment.
Application Deadline: March 10, 2024