Director of Exhibition Production

The Contemporary Austin

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The Contemporary Austin is hiring a Director of Exhibition Production to oversee all technical aspects of art handling, including installation and de-installation, and maintaining ideal conditions while on view. Leading the Exhibition Production department which includes the Registrar and team of preparators, this person is responsible for planning and managing the preparation of gallery spaces and objects for exhibitions, and for planning and managing the fabrication, installation, and de-installation of both temporary and long-term installations at multiple locations.

The successful Director of Exhibitions is highly organized, collaborative, detail-oriented, and can confidently guide all efforts related to exhibition production.

Responsibilities
  • Ensure strong comprehensive planning related to all technical elements of exhibitions, permanent collection, and other artworks

  • Oversee fabrication of new art commissions in a wide variety of materials

  • Provide research and technical support for artists and curators in the development of new exhibitions

  • Oversee all aspects of exhibition management, including scheduling exhibition calendars, fabrication of exhibition components with exhibition production team, managing exhibition production budget

  • Schedule outside vendors and contractors as necessary; construction, audiovisual, electrical etc.

  • Supervise and participate in the process of installations and de-installations in a traditional gallery space and at an outdoor sculpture park

  • Ensure artworks are being handled and cared for properly and in line with requirements

  • Responsible for managing permit process, including researching, filing, and confirming approval, as necessary to complete exhibitions and special projects

  • Implement robust preservation and conservation plans

  • Supervise registrar and head preparator as well as freelance seasonal preparators

Requirements
  • Proven ability with art handling, packing, rigging and transportation; knowledge of best practices

  • Proven skills managing museum exhibition production and/or installation

  • Strong organizational skills with ability to handle multiple projects in various stages of development. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage time, juggle multiple duties and tasks, and meet deadlines

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, effective and professional negotiating skills, strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and diplomacy

  • Demonstrated initiative and administrative ability as required to work and understand the goals of a curatorial staff in formulating and implementing an ambitious program of temporary and permanent collection installations

  • Knowledge of conservation practices

  • Broad knowledge of artist materials and practices, and construction materials and practices

  • Experience with power tools required

  • Experience working with outdoor artworks

  • Experience working with a variety of forklifts, aerial lifts, and sculpture rigging

  • Working knowledge of Sketch-Up, Microsoft office suite, and project management software (Teamwork preferred)

  • Valid current driver’s license, ability to drive box trucks, as needed

  • Ability to lift to 50 lbs.

  • Ability to work in central Texas weather, inside and outside, for prolonged periods of time.

How to Apply

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@thecontemporaryaustin.org with the subject line “Director, Exhibition Production.” Due to the volume of applications, we will only contact candidates who are strong candidates for the position.

Posted on August 1