Director, Exhibitions and Planning

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides vision, strategy, and thoughtful leadership for all aspects of exhibition planning as it relates to the Museum's mission
• Supports and works collaboratively with internal departments to ensure that the work of Exhibition Planning is in service to and aligns with Founder directives in partnership with Curatorial, Museum Services, Collections Management, Registration, Art Prep and Installation, Design, Publications, External Affairs, Security, and Operations
• Implements a transparent and disciplined approach to budgeting for exhibition planning by developing detailed operational budgets, ensuring and communicating the business case and cost-benefit analysis for all projects
• Responsible for planning and implementation of all exhibition coordination, both on-site and touring, which includes overseeing a multi-year exhibition schedule
• Oversees exhibition managers for the implementation of Museum exhibitions and potential traveling programs
• Oversees exhibition master schedule and ensures responsible partners adhere to deadlines
• Ensures project management accountabilities for all aspects of exhibition coordination including development of timeframe and budgets for in-gallery presentations
• Coordinates installations with internal and external parties as applicable, which may include permanent collection reinstallation or scheduling of gallery upkeep
• Coordinates with Museum Services regarding loan forms, feasibility and insurance accountability, and photography of collections and loaned works
• Manages external exhibition design and fabrication vendors, representing institutional priorities and timelines
• Oversees Exhibition Design and production, working with internal staff and external parties (such as contracted designers) to support Curatorial in translating concepts to in-gallery exhibitions
• Ensures that all aspects of Exhibition Design and production support the overall curatorial intent of the exhibitions, working collaboratively across the Museum to achieve ambitious intentions for Museum exhibitions
• Works closely with internal teams and external gallery construction teams to coordinate the building of gallery walls both prior to the Museum's opening, as well as for any turnovers for future exhibitions adhering to necessary deadlines, as required
• Collaborates with the Museum Services team to coordinate the movement and mounting of permanent and temporary exhibitions
• Works with vendors on gallery furniture, platforms, casework, lighting, in-gallery graphics, and reproductions for production and installation
• In partnership with other digital experience and interpretive media staff, oversees in-gallery media as it relates to exhibition installation and management, with consideration of ADA compliance and visitor experience
• Special projects as designated by Deputy Director and Director/CEO

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
• Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
• Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
• Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
• Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
• Building Trust & Relationship Management
• Accountable ownership and clearly shares information and the "why" behind decisions.
• Asks for and values the opinions of others. Displays empathy when listening.
• Acknowledges when trust has been broken and focuses on rebuilding.
• Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, cultures, and geographies. Identifies interpersonal and group dynamics and reacts effectively.
• Accountable Ownership
• Takes ownership of outcomes, positive or negative, without blaming others within the team or cross-functionally.
• Recognizes when they are not approaching a situation with accountability but instead with a blame mindset.
• Takes accountability for assigned tasks and executes on deliverables in a timely manner.
• Strategic Alignment & Execution
• Contributes to the organization by understanding and aligning actions with the organization's goals, core functions, needs, and values.
• Seeks out and incorporates multiple perspectives, experiences, and industry trends to develop a holistic perspective. Operationalizes ideas within the business model.
• Displays critical thinking when faced with a challenge by asking probing questions and looking for connections.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• • Masters degree from an accredited college or university in art/art history, museum studies, or in a closely related field such as education, business administration, or studio art is preferred
  • Ten (10) years of verifiable exhibitions management, exhibition design, or arts management with progressively responsible duties and experience within art museums or other arts organizations is required
  • Experience working in a start-up or entrepreneurial environment in a supervisory position preferred

Skills

• • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and superior presentation skills
  • Exceptional strategic planning, organizational, research, and project management skills
  • Expert in project management methodologies, best practices, and project scheduling concepts such as predecessors, slack and critical path
  • Experience managing a complex array of vendors and projects through completion
  • Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office, database management, and project management software Airtable and MS Project preferred
  • Proven ability to lead teams

Knowledge

• • Innovative thinker with a proven track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
  • Strong knowledge and a sophisticated understanding of museums, professional museum standards, collection care principles, and museum policies

Abilities

• • Proven ability to build relationships, engage with and work effectively and positively with Museum leadership and colleagues
  • Collaborative team player and ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, industry experts, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public
  • Excellent creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution
  • Ability to envision the new and different, and a commitment to developing and working with diverse audiences
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and nimble environment