Manager of Exhibitions and Collections

Manager of Exhibitions and Collections
Elmhurst Art Museum
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Full-time. Including weekend and evening hours.

Summary

The Elmhurst Art Museum seeks a Manager of Exhibitions and Collections with excellent communication and organization skills. This position’s primary tasks are to assure the quality and care of the museum’s exhibits and collections, but will also include various hands-on tasks as a key member of a small professional team.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the museum, this important management position has responsibilities of scheduling and production of all museum exhibitions; maintenance and storage of the museum’s collection on- and off-site; and the packing, movement, and documentation of artwork in support of the museum’s art, education, and architecture programming. Notably, the most significant collection item of the museum is Mies van der Rohe’s McCormick House, which requires oversight as it is host to a number of rotating displays and exhibitions. The Manager of Exhibitions and Collections works closely with the museum’s staff, temporary art preparators, and others to preserve and maintain artwork while directing all necessary logistics.

Within the last year, the museum has made significant preservation efforts on Mies van der Rohe’s McCormick House, and rebranded the organization to focus on art, education, and architecture. The museum’s exhibits, as well as their complementary tours and other programs, require collaboration and coordination with a developed curatorial voice. Experience with marketing materials and public speaking are a plus.

The Elmhurst Art Museum is located in Elmhurst (IL), 25 minutes from downtown Chicago by public transportation (Metra). As a unique arts complex, the Elmhurst Art Museum is deeply committed to three distinct areas of focus to inspire and enrich our community: art, education, and architecture. It is an exciting time to join the Museum as we embark on expanded programming and exhibitions focused on modern and contemporary art and design, including one of only three houses in the US built by Mies van der Rohe.

Responsibilities:

• Work in collaboration with the Executive Director to develop and oversee exhibits according to an academic calendar (Spring, Summer, Fall), often with concurrent changes in the art galleries and McCormick House. These tasks include scheduling, budgets and research, loan coordination, shipping and insurance, installation design and fabrication, contracts and payment coordination.
• Work with the Director of Education on research and interpretive materials relating to exhibitions. This includes giving public tours, writing press releases, text panels, and brochure content.
• Help shape the museum’s creative vision with occasional independent curatorial projects and initiatives.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the museum in the community and beyond
• Participate in museum events including fundraisers, museum receptions, and public programs, including overseeing a weekend program approximately once per month.
• Hands-on participation in exhibition design and installation, with problem solving as needed to assure budget and scheduling.
• Monitor and maintain exhibits and condition of the galleries and McCormick House
• Recruit and oversee of hourly preparators, part-time staff, interns, and volunteers relating to exhibits and collection needs.
• Deliver information and images to the museum’s press team, create exhibition graphics, update the museum’s website, and occasionally design flyers and ads
• Update insurance inventory for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection.

Requirements

• Ability to supervise and meet deadlines
• 3+ years experience in art handling and installation at a museum or gallery
• Graduate degree in curatorial studies, art history, or related field
• Knowledge of modern and contemporary art, modern architecture and design
• Ability to prioritize and advance multiple projects simultaneously while working independently with resourcefulness and flexibility
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and operate heavy machinery
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Availability to work occasional evening and weekends for installation or public program needs
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Current Driver’s license
• Knowledge of standard museum loan and registration practices or willingness to learn
• Basic skills in carpentry, art gallery preparation (paint, spackle, etc), and some knowledge of the methods and materials used in museum exhibits
• Computer proficiency (Office and G-Suite, as well as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), experience with Mac platform, knowledge of audio-visual equipment, and database software
• Familiarity with local and regional artists, galleries, curators, and/or collectors
• As a member of a small team, other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this position.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to employment@elmhurstartmuseum.org