Leads the creation of a new exhibition program at the Folger, focused on attracting new audiences and introducing them to the Folger’s values and mission, both onsite and through traveling exhibitions.

Applies creative vision to the long-term planning of the Folger exhibition program – interprets programming goals, Director and Senior Director priorities, institutional mission, and exhibition program values.

Advises curatorial staff and guest curators on the structural soundness and feasibility of installations, demonstrating a shared understanding of how audiences will encounter works of art and ideas. Collaborates with staff across departments, external partners, and artists to execute a shared vision for exhibitions through the iterative development of an installation’s layout and design solutions.

Collaborates among exhibition stakeholders – curators, conservators, designers, marketers, fundraisers, sponsors, docents, and other internal colleagues.

Ensures the integration of institutional programming goals and opportunities into exhibition activities, and activates partnerships internally and externally to create new types of programming for expanded audiences. Maintains a collaborative and cross-institutional approach to exhibition decisions and space usage within the Exhibition Halls.

Manages external partnerships for successful exhibitions and programming, such as collection item loans, co-hosted displays, conference support, and commemorative event tie-ins.

Employs creative and thoughtful installation strategies to ensure the safety of collection objects, while allowing audiences to have transformative experiences in the proximity of these objects during events in the galleries.

Coordinates installation of objects with the experiences of all visitors in mind by adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, considering the needs of diverse visitors.

Manages all aspects of design and lighting, and serves as a spokesperson for aesthetic requirements while integrating security and safety of objects.

Works closely with the Librarian and Associate Librarians to increase communication on priorities and projects throughout the Collections Division and the Folger.

Co-creates and implements policies for use of new gallery spaces, and manages all aspects of a new department at the Folger.

Works closely with internal and external design and retail partners to develop exhibition tie-in merchandise and pursue other revenue opportunities.

Works closely with colleagues in service to institutional goals, and seeks opportunities for exhibitions to support work taking place in other divisions of the Folger.

Oversees Exhibitions staff (up to three full-time roles) in:

• Creating detailed exhibition installation and de-installation plans and budgets

• Managing loan process and item tracking for exhibitions

• Ensuring accessibility best practices are met in all exhibitions

• Coordinating graphic design elements

• Orienting key staff to exhibitions, including Security, Visitor Services, and Programming teams

• Participating in monitoring for climate, lighting, and safety needs

• Developing online content

• Managing the departmental budget

Contributes to the planning and development of proposals to federal agencies, private foundations, and individual donors by writing and reviewing text, and co-developing content such as visual materials and supporting documents (e.g. floor plans, renderings, illustrations, etc.).

Maintains confidentiality of all sensitive exhibition information.

This individual may serve as a courier.

Serves on committees as requested.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• M.A. in Museum Studies or related field, or equivalent experience in exhibitions with rare materials, is required.

• Experience in a similar position, including management of staff, is required.

• Experience with exhibitions and/or art handling in a rare materials library, art museum, or similar environment is preferred.

• Experience with and knowledge of standard loan and registration practices preferred, including experience with government regulations, international regulations, and legal requirements relating to collections.

• Experience implementing architectural and exhibition fabrication/production techniques is needed.

• Work experience in oversight of museum or climate-controlled environments, including knowledge of established museum practices with lighting, temperature, and humidity, is desired.

• Experience with lighting works in a museum environment, and demonstrated knowledge of current museum lighting technologies, including preventative conservation and lighting design, is helpful.

Knowledge and Skills

• Must have excellent administrative and communication skills, and exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Must be able to manage and implement budgets, bid out contracts and negotiate terms and conditions, and keep accurate and detailed records.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, practical experience with electronic databases, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point are required.

• Must be able to prioritize and meet deadlines, and work independently and in collaboration with others with a very high degree of accuracy.

• Understanding of current museum methodologies and trends is needed.

• Familiarity with art and rare materials handling is necessary; specific training on Folger collection(s) will be provided.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional office and library/museum environment. The employee may be exposed to various components of an office environment, such as fluorescent lighting, pollen, dust, recycled air, cooling fans, semi-enclosed areas, central heating, seasonal warmer temperatures, and office noise. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Normal work week is Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm. This is a 35-hour work week with an hour unpaid lunch daily.

• Installation, de-installation, and courier trips will require work outside of normal office hours, including late nights and possible out-of-town travel. These dates will be prescheduled, with very rare last-minute shifts.

• Must have dexterity to handle fragile items with great care.

• Ability to work at a computer for an extended period of time, with accuracy, is required. Desk includes sit-stand options.

• Willingness and capacity to work in an office environment at a workstation, and to come and go repeatedly throughout the day as needed to perform various responsibilities is needed.

• Capacity to communicate, in-person or using video, phone, or electronic communication methods in a manner which can be understood by others, is required.

• Must have the ability to direct and guide the work of interns or fellows involved in exhibition work as needed.

Supervisory Duties

Direct supervision of Exhibitions staff (anticipated to be up to 3 full-time roles). May direct the work of colleagues working on exhibitions.