Director of Exhibitions Management at the New Museum of Contemporary Art
Job Title: Director of Exhibitions Management
Job Status: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: $130,000 – $140,000
Position Overview
Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Director of Exhibitions Management is a department head-level position responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of exhibitions projects and the Museum’s registrar and exhibition staff, which includes two Registrars, a Chief Preparator, two Preparators, and the exhibitions crew. From project conception through execution, the Director of Exhibitions Management performs his/her responsibilities in collaboration with the Museum’s Curatorial, Exhibitions, and Operations departments to exacting professional standards within schedule and budget constraints.
Primary Responsibilities, Director of Exhibitions Management
· Assist the Artistic Director and Curators in the definition of exhibition project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders and ensuring technical and budget feasibility.
· With the Artistic Director, participate in setting the exhibitions calendar to achieve the Museum’s overall program goals, and coordinate and communicate overall calendar expectations and individual project timelines, contractual commitments, and benchmarks accordingly.
· Coordinate and manage internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of exhibition projects. Direct installation procedures, fabrication requirements, and construction schedules and permit filings as needed to meet project goals.
· Work with curators, artists, artist studios, and galleries to realize ambitious new productions. The Director of Exhibitions is responsible for identifying, hiring, and supervising specialized outside contractors and fabricators and working to meet both artist specifications and budget requirements for these projects within tight timelines.
· Oversee and work closely with registrars and preparators in planning and executing exhibition logistics including object loan agreements, insurance and shipping requirements, condition reporting and conservation, and overall planning for exhibitions.
· With the Artistic Director and in close consultation with the Chief Financial Officer, develop and maintain overall department and exhibition budget(s) and recommend and implement project scope, schedule, and cost adjustments. Meet routinely with the CFO to monitor and manage exhibition costs and operational issues.
· Assist curators with exhibition design including providing help in refining Sketchup models, designing casework, and producing detailed and accurate construction plans for contractors and fabricators.
· Work with Facilities Department and Architecture and Construction team on the New Museum’s expansion and general maintenance and improvements of museum infrastructures in keeping with international museum standards.
· With the Curatorial and Education departments, coordinate and manage the Museum’s artist residency program.
· Support the Museum’s collection management and Limited-Edition activities.
· Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
· Perform administrative and supervisory duties pertaining to registrar and exhibition staff.
· Other tasks and responsibilities within the scope of the position as assigned.
Qualifications
The successful applicant will possess a positive and professional attitude in working collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and the Museum’s diverse constituencies. A BA/BS degree in studio art, museum studies, or related field is required with a minimum of five years of supervisory experience in an exhibitions management role. Prior experience in exhibitions development, fabrication, and construction, preferably in a contemporary art museum context, is essential. Additional experience and advanced degrees will also be prioritized. Applicants with a working knowledge of international fine art logistics (object handling and packing, shipping, insurance, and installation) will have an advantage in the review process. Although the position is at the supervisory/planning level, the chosen candidate will need to be able to advise and collaborate and work with the entire exhibitions team during the installation period to ensure project success. The successful applicant must be accomplished at leading a group, performing under fast-paced deadlines, and have a strong desire to think beyond conventional methodologies.
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this position suits you, then please apply for this role.
Employee Benefits
We offer a full comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Program through the Difference Card, Commuter Benefits Program through the Difference Card, Voluntary Short Term Disability Plan and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, and other voluntary benefits.
Paid Time and Holidays Off
We offer full-time employees 15 days of paid time off, 8 sick days off and 13 holidays off as applicable through the fiscal year.
About the Museum
The New Museum’s mission is simply “New Art, New Ideas.” Founded in 1977 by curator Marcia Tucker with a bold vision of presenting contemporary culture in a critical and scholarly context, the New Museum has been a leader among contemporary art museums for over 40 years and is among the most respected internationally for its risk-taking curatorial program. The New Museum is a center for exhibitions, information, and documentation about living artists from around the world, focusing on emerging and under-recognized voices, and providing a platform for the artists who are defining our cultural moment. In 2007, the New Museum made history with the inauguration of its first permanent building at 235 Bowery designed by the Tokyo-based firm SANAA. Since opening in its new location, over 4 million have visited or attended programs and events, and the Museum has 155 exhibitions featuring over 600 artists from 60+ countries in our galleries, as well as over 1,200 public programs ranging from live performances, conferences, residencies, screening, after-school programs, and family days. For more information about the New Museum and its programs, please visit www.newmuseum.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The New Museum of Contemporary Art believes that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity, and we do not discriminate against our staff members or applicants for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sex, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran or citizenship status provided they are qualified and meet the requirements for the job. The New Museum provides Reasonable Accommodation for candidates with Disabilities. As per New York State Guidelines, all candidates hired must be vaccinated with the COVID vaccine.
Please learn more about New Museum’s Commitment to Racial Equity