Exhibition Coordinator at the School of Visual Arts

Job Title: Exhibition Coordinator

Job Status: Full-time

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $52,000

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Exhibition Manager, the Exhibition Coordinator at the SVA Galleries is responsible for handling all aspects of installing and removing exhibitions. This role focuses on the logistics of executing exhibitions, educational exhibition knowledge, supervising Exhibition Assistants and freelancers, and creating exhibition resources and training programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Artwork Installation: Safely handle, transport, and install various types of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia pieces.
  • Exhibition Setup: Construct and modify temporary walls, plinths, and other display structures as needed for each exhibition.
  • Lighting Design: Plan and implement appropriate lighting schemes for each exhibition, adjusting fixtures and programming lighting systems.
  • Tools and Equipment: Operate and maintain a wide range of tools and equipment necessary for exhibition installation, including power tools, lifts, and art handling equipment.
  • Safety Compliance: Ensure safety during installation and removal processes, adhering to all relevant safety protocols.
  • Space Planning: Assist in creating floor plans and layout designs for exhibitions, considering spatial constraints and artwork requirements.
  • Signage and Labels: Produce and install exhibition signage, artwork labels, and didactic materials according to curatorial specifications.
  • Audio-Visual Setup: Install and troubleshoot audio-visual equipment for multimedia exhibitions and artist presentations.
  • Packing and Crating: Properly pack and crate artworks for transportation, ensuring their safety during transit and storage.
  • CAD Drawings: Produce CAD-generated drawings and renderings of exhibition designs.
  • Inventory Management: Maintain accurate records of exhibition materials, supplies, and equipment.
  • Schedule Coordination: Assist in developing and adhering to exhibition installation timelines.
  • Gallery Maintenance: Maintain the professional appearance of galleries and exhibitions within them.
  • Team Collaboration: Maintain a cooperative working relationship with department staff, students, and curators.
  • Training and Supervision: Supervise Exhibition Assistants and freelance art handlers, creating and conducting training programs for Exhibition Assistants.
  • Student Training: Provide guidance and instruction to student exhibitors on proper art handling techniques and installation procedures.
  • Workshop Facilitation: Conduct workshops on exhibition practices for students and faculty as needed.
  • Reception Staffing: Staff opening receptions and other after-hours events at galleries as needed.
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities – Supervisor

  • Occasionally supervision with student workers to support with projects as needed

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s in Fine Arts or related field; working knowledge of contemporary arts.
  • Two years of experience installing exhibitions (art handling, carpentry, construction, and lighting).

Licenses & Certifications Required

  • None

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficiency in SketchUp, Photoshop, Google Suite, and MS Office programs.
  • Proficiency in the production and presentation of AV and digital media artworks.
  • Familiarity with exhibition design and gallery administration.
  • Teaching/supervisory and training workshops for staff, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Knowledge of safe, basic rigging techniques.
  • General knowledge of latest exhibition standards, tools, and equipment.
  • Skill in oral and written communications
  • Skill in handling multiple projects
  • Skill in planning and organizing
  • Skill in using computers and software applications
  • Ability to review documents and assigned job tasks to ensure accuracy, completeness and attention to detail.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, and with teams.
  • Ability to lead and train others

Physical Requirements Or Working Conditions

  • Ability to perform repetitive physical activities such as bending, twisting, reaching, climbing, balancing, and handling of materials.
  • Ability to comfortably lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 30 pounds, climbing ladders, and standing for extended periods.
  • Position is onsite.
  • Capability to ascend and descend ladders or platforms, as well as maintain balance and stability while working at heights
  • This position requires the ability to safely work at elevated heights. Candidates must be comfortable working on ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms up to 30lbs. as needed for tasks such as installations
  • Available to work occasional evenings and Saturdays depending on exhibition needs and deadlines

WORKING AT SVA
School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College’s 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion is a core principle of the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a significant number of historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, diverse abilities, and foreign countries, and all are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Apply via LinkedIn