Manager of Exhibitions at Dia Art Foundation

Job Title: Manager of Exhibitions

Job Status: Full-time

Location: New York, NY

Salary: $70,000–$87,000

Background
Dia Art Foundation was established in 1974 for the purpose of collecting, commissioning, and presenting major works of art made in the 1960s onward. Today it consists of nine permanent sites across the United States and Germany, as well as three changing exhibition spaces in New York State: Dia Chelsea in New York, Dia Beacon in the Hudson Valley, and Dia Bridgehampton on Long Island. Dia is taken from the Greek word for “through” and conveys the foundation’s role as a facilitator of meaningful artistic experiences that can be encountered in single and repeated visits.

Position summary
Reporting to and in consultation with the Deputy Director of Program, the Manager of Exhibitions is responsible for maintaining the schedule and coordinating collection rotations, commissions, exhibitions, performances, and other projects at all Dia locations and sites. Additionally, the Manager of Exhibitions works with staff across departments to coordinate the production and installation of long-term commissions, exhibitions, and performance series designed to advance Dia’s mission.  

The individual in this role is responsible for gathering information from all relevant departments and external parties to establish and monitor the budgets and forecasts for all commissions, collection displays, and exhibitions. In collaboration with the Legal Counsel and Registrar, the Manager of Exhibitions oversees contracts and agreements for programs and exhibitions, as well as co-manages the processes and relationships of all touring exhibitions. The Manager of Exhibitions also works closely with the Registrar to track budgets for incoming and outgoing loans.

The weekly work schedule of the Manager of Exhibitions is split between Dia’s offices in Beacon and Chelsea.

Essential duties and responsibilities

  • Maintain and update the overall exhibitions schedule and individual exhibition/project implementation schedules in dialogue with the Deputy Director of Program as well as the Curatorial, Exhibitions, Installation, Operations, and Registration teams; ensure regular and effective communication between all parties involved
  • Work with Curatorial, Exhibitions, Installation, Operations, and Registration colleagues to prepare, manage, and review project budgets for commissions and exhibitions
  • Work with members of the Finance department regarding budgetary issues; act as liaison between Curatorial, Finance, and Registration
  • In consultation with relevant Communications, Curatorial, Finance, and Legal personnel, generate and fully evaluate all curatorial contracts and ensure that final terms are favorable to Dia’s mission and standards; communicate with pertinent departments, lawyers, and venues; and handle invoicing and cost follow-ups
  • Work closely with Visitor Services to coordinate installation and production schedules as well as discuss in-gallery staffing levels
  • Coordinate production and scheduling meetings, take minutes, and communicate punch lists, ensuring that exhibitions and projects adhere to set budgets and timelines
  • Work with Curatorial to maintain the departmental program calendar (inclusive of dates for capital projects, conservation, construction, exhibitions, internal and external events, and publications); ensure that schedules take events/occurrences outside of Dia into consideration (art fairs, board meetings, exhibitions of collection artists elsewhere, and gallery openings)
  • Compile and provide timely information between the Curatorial and Publications departments for printed and digital materials like brochures, checklists, gallery laminates and exhibition brochures, invitations, seasonal schedules, and web content
  • Develop materials for and liaise with other departments such as Communications, Development, and Visitor Services
  • Work closely with Registration on collections- and loan-related issues, corresponding with lenders, institutions, and artists
  • Support the Deputy Director of Program and the Curatorial and Registration departments with touring exhibition logistics, including budgets, scheduling, and developing touring contracts
  • Supports Registration, Curatorial, and Exhibition departments during installation of exhibitions and other programs across Dia locations as needed
  • Ensure that Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity (DEAI) work is an essential consideration across all departmental communication and work
  • Attend institutional meetings and other events as required
  • Remain up-to-date on best practices across the field and seek training where necessary
  • Manage and maintain Smartsheet (project management software); advise on usage of the software

Education, certification, and experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in arts management or a relevant field of study
  • At least five years of increasing responsibility related to exhibition management in museums
  • Experience hiring, scheduling, and supervising staff
  • Solid background in contemporary art history is desirable

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • Ability to conceptualize, organize, and direct a variety of projects is essential
  • Must have strong organizational skills and attention to detail to schedule and coordinate multiple project budgets and calendars
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills are required
  • Professional demeanor and experience in cultivating effective and collaborative working relationships in the workplace
  • Problem-solving approach to interdepartmental organization and communication
  • Advanced skills using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
  • Proficiency in French, German, Italian, or Spanish is a plus

Working conditions and physical demands

  • Work is currently performed in a hybrid environment with no fewer than 3 days in the Chelsea and Beacon offices; typically, prolonged periods of sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment is required to accomplish work objectives
  • Regular travel to Dia Beacon and other Dia sites as necessary 

Please note that to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards and to take every possible step to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 among our employees, Dia requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, except for those who obtain an exemption due to a medical condition, a religious belief, or pregnancy.

TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here, and attaching a resume and letter of interest.

Dia provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package with significant employer contributions toward the cost of healthcare premiums. The 401(k) plan provides 100% employer match up to 4% of the employee’s deferral and immediate vesting. Paid time‐off benefits include three weeks of vacation, ten days of sick leave, thirteen holidays, and a generous parental leave program. Work-related travel expenses are fully covered. Additionally, staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.

This position is represented by the Technical, Office & Professional Union, Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports an equitable, inclusive, and neurodiverse workplace. Candidates with nontraditional learning or career paths and/or applicants whose qualifications differ from those listed above are encouraged to apply.

This job was sourced via WordsofMouth