Position is Job Grade 7

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

BASIC FUNCTION: Working closely with the Director of Exhibition Operations and the Exhibitions Coordinator, the Senior Exhibition Manager serves as one of two full-time staff installation managers/preparators for the SAIC Department of Exhibitions and works closely with all departments to facilitate events and exhibition activity at the SAIC Galleries and the SITE Galleries, with a special focus as the senior “back of the house” lead in day-to-day gallery operations and installation/production planning and execution.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Departmental management: Responsible for assigning and directing the work of the Exhibition Managers, Gallery Technicians, Independent Contractors, temporary employees, and student staff listed above based on judgment relating to work priorities, work streams and skills needed. Uses discretion to organize and monitor work processes, resolves operational issues, and suggests new procedures. Supervises title(s) as listed above, including the responsibility for day to day enforcement of all policies and procedures. Oversees scheduling of production staff to effectively accomplish gallery projects in a timely manner and within designated budget. Evaluates performance to ensure direct report(s) are equipped to perform their roles effectively and efficiently and provides professional development as needed, up to and including all levels of disciplinary action. Communicates updated job expectations and policies to employee(s) listed above and acts as liaison to leadership for employee complaints and initiatives. Reviews applicant materials to identify candidates for interviews; conducts candidate interviews; provides recommendations as part of the hiring process.

1. The Senior Exhibition Manager oversees production and installation for exhibitions and events at the SAIC Galleries and other spaces designated by the Department of Exhibitions, acting as the primary foreman “on the floor”:

1. Leads in the day-to-day management of gallery and exhibition facility operations including direct on-site supervision of Exhibition Managers, student staff, temporary employees and contractors.

2. Oversees tool, equipment, storage, and workspace management, equipment maintenance and inventory, construction of exhibition display material, general gallery facility maintenance, wall construction and repair.

3. Demonstrates exhibition/construction techniques to student exhibitors and student staff.

4. Works closely with other full-time staff to facilitate event/peripheral gallery activity, including rentals, special off-site exhibitions, and receptions.

1. Assists and assigns the Exhibition Manager(s) in the production of ephemera, and installation/ maintenance of artwork and media.

2. Coordinates purchasing of consumables, tools and installation supplies

3. Maintains and updates training manuals for student staff

4. Maintains opening and closing of the gallery.

5. Corresponds with artists for exhibition planning as required.

6. Shares responsibility for monitoring catering, security and guests, and for ensuring that occupancy and safety/security procedures are followed.

7. Participates in department staff meetings as required.

8. Other duties, as assigned by the Director of Exhibitions Operations.

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of museum-level art handling, exhibition preparation, and exhibition/event management with supervisory experience, or equivalent. Demonstrated expertise in several of the following is essential: construction techniques, carpentry, metal work, mechanical systems, electrical systems, heavy rigging systems. Bachelors degree in fine art, or relevant experience, required.

Additional Qualifications: audio/visual technology, computers, and other technologies desirable.

Teaching experience and a demonstrated commitment to hands-on mentoring of students highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand for long periods of time on concrete floors

• Work at elevated heights on ladders

• Comfortably lift 30 pounds

• Have a valid and current dirver’s license and to be able to drive both locally and across state lines

Desirable Attributes:

The perfect candidate will be communicative, open to new ideas, and accepting of constructive criticism. As the Senior Exhibition Manager, you must be a “people-person” with excellent oral and written interpersonal skills, particularly sensitive to impressionable young minds, and possess a mountain of patience and agility in navigating an ever-changing work environment. In this senior managerial role in our teaching gallery, you will balance educating and mentoring with getting things done, so a mindset understanding these two priorities is important. The Senior Exhibition Manager must possess the confidence to take charge when necessary, to delegate effectively, and to lead by example. We are looking for a team player with the ability to manage multiple tasks/projects on a tight schedule, and a can-do collaborative attitude is essential.

Working Conditions:

Variable, with some weekend and after-hours work expected as needed.

Disclaimer:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees for this job. 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

Closing Statement 

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.