What are the responsibilities and job description for the Exhibition Project Manager position at FOR-SITE?
About FOR-SITE
Established by Chief Curator and Executive Director Cheryl Haines in 2003, FOR-SITE is dedicated to the creation, understanding, and presentation of art about place. Through exhibitions, commissions, and educational programs, FOR-SITE supports the creation and presentation of art that inspires fresh thinking and dialogue about our natural and cultural environment. www.for-site.org
Position Summary
The Exhibition Project Manager plays a key integrative role in the organization, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of FOR-SITE’s program delivery. Reporting to the Chief Curator and Executive Director (CCED) and collaborating closely with FOR-SITE staff and contractors, this position bridges administrative support with program research and implementation—providing critical support for both day-to-day operations and the realization of large-scale, site-specific exhibitions and public programs.
Note: This is an in-person, full-time position at FOR-SITE’s San Francisco office, located in Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.
The ideal candidate will be highly organized, resourceful, and collaborative, with strong experience in a nonprofit arts setting.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- At the direction of the CCED, conduct and compile research on artists, artworks, and sites for future exhibitions and programs.
- Assist the CCED on various tasks, including correspondence, scheduling, and strategic planning. Act as a point of contact on behalf of the CCED as needed.
- Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and other documentation to support FOR-SITE's initiatives.
- Coordinate meetings, travel, and communications with internal and external stakeholders, including FOR-SITE board meetings.
- Draft, execute, and manage artist contracts and loan agreements.
- Work with CCED to secure necessary permits; liaise with exhibition partners to facilitate project compliance and review processes.
- Communicate effectively with artists, project partners, vendors, contractors, and fabricators to manage the preparation of exhibition sites, as well as the production and shipping of artworks.
- Manage installation and de-installation of projects; supervise installation crews, and oversee on-site logistics.
- Contribute ideas and conduct research for public programs, including identifying speakers, performers, and relevant collaborators.
- Liaise with event / program contributors and support the administrative management of collaborations.
- Help produce public events, including writing program presentations, targeting audiences, and managing logistics.
- Coordinate the work of volunteers, interns, and vendors, ensuring full integration into the FOR-SITE team.
- Hands-on support during donor events, opening night events, public programs, and educational outreach.
- Represent FOR-SITE at art community and outreach events.
Desired Qualifications
- 3 years of experience in project management, ideally in the arts or the creative industry
- Bachelor's degree required in one of the following fields: non-profit administration, arts administration, museum studies, public art, art history
- Highly organized with a superior attention to detail; a creative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities
- Competency with Mac OS, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Dropbox, database management, and the Adobe Suite.
- Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced work environment
- Knowledge of contemporary art, artists, and institutions, both local and global is a significant plus
FOR-SITE strives to attract a diverse group of candidates for employment. We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and are dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices.
Work Conditions
FOR-SITE’s office is located at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture campus in San Francisco. This is an in-person, office-based, full-time position. It will also require occasional evening and weekend work.
How to Apply
Please email a resume and cover letter with salary requirements to david@for-site.org with Exhibition Project Manager in the subject line. No phone calls please.