The Director of Exhibition Design & Installation (DEDI) reports to the Chief Curatorial Operations & Research Officer (CCORO) and works collaboratively with Curators, Senior Registrar & Collections Manager, Director of Creative Services, Associate Registrar, and the Curatorial staff to support the Museum's mission of exhibiting the best art of our time. The Director of Exhibition Design & Installation is responsible for the design development of ambitious display concepts, in coordination with Curator’s vision, for both exhibitions and collection galleries. This person is knowledgeable in museum exhibition planning principles and practices and is recognized professionally in fine art handling and logistics. The DEDI leads a team of multi-skilled Museum Technicians that fulfill the requirements of realizing successful and design-forward exhibitions through safe art handling, fabrication, and lighting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Exhibition Design & Installation

• Oversees all aspects of fine art handling, including the movement and installation of all objects (collection and incoming loans) relating to exhibition programming, rotating displays, and permanent gallery renewals.
• Ensures successful integration of exhibition design, art handling, fabrication and installation services in the planning and execution of all projects.
• Works closely with CCORO, Registrars, and Director of Creative Services (or external Exhibition Designers) to ensure production outputs are on time and meet quality museum standards. 
• Works with the CCORO, Registrars, Curators, and Curatorial Staff to review and develop exhibition and installation schedules to ensure the Museum Technicians can meet deadlines for various overlapping projects.
• Works with the CCORO, Curators, and Director of Creative Services to collaborate on the graphic identity of special exhibitions or collection installations.
• When applicable, works in collaboration with artist(s) on-site or virtually to execute the installation of artwork to satisfy the integrity of the artistic vision and in tandem with Museum standards.
• Designs and constructs pedestals, props, environments, casework, and fabricates shipping crates and storage systems.
• Liaises with Registrars, Facilities and Security Departments to ensure that all projects meet the museum standards set forth for the safety and security of visitors and staff. 
• Ensures all methods of art handling, fabrication and installation are planned and executed safely to agreed-upon standards within the Museum premises and externally, including in transit to/from local lender premises.
• Keeps up to date with trends in fine art handling, display fabrication and installation, including technical advances, new methodologies, and products.

Administration

• Administers and oversees the Museum Technicians’ activities including managing staff performance, training, and professional development opportunities. 
• Reviews exhibition project proposals, assess viability, and advises on options relating to the department’s production outputs; includes interpreting design and construction drawings for buildability and project requirements as necessary.
• Directs the procurement and management of external contractors, vendors, and fabricators as necessary to ensure services are on time, within budget and to agreed standards.
• Represents the Museum externally on matters related to exhibition design, fine art handling, display, fabrication, and installation.
• Oversees and schedules outside contractors including carpenters, painters, and mount makers while managing those budgets, schedules, and shipping logistics.
• Works with CCORO, Registrars, and Curatorial staff to research estimates for required labor, supplies, and fabrications costs that determine the annual exhibition and department budgets.
• Intermediate skills in business software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 65 lbs. unassisted and must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 300lbs with the assistance of mechanical equipment.
• Physically capable of climbing ladders, using shop equipment, and lifts.
• Able to adapt to and work from various locations within and outside the museum.
• Able to travel domestically and internationally for Museum business as needed.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Qualifications

• BA or BFA in art-related fields, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of supervisory experience in a museum or art gallery environment with proven knowledge of exhibition design and best fine art handling practices, including rigging large complex works.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of museum exhibition planning with emphasis on the design development of ambitious display concepts in coordination with Curator’s vision.
• Recognized professional in fine art handling and logistics, significant experience in the policies and procedures of art installation, and strong sense of integrity and personal responsibility.
• Command of AutoCAD software for exhibition design with including Vectorworks or SketchUp applications.
• Comfort with various technological requirements for video or new media artworks.
• Ability to interpret design and construction drawings for feasibility and suitability for each project, along with keeping abreast of current and emerging trends in fabrication and exhibition design.
• Experience with construction management and fabrication, including life/safety and ADA requirements.
• Requires excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple assignments of different sizes, plan resources accordingly, and cost projects effectively.
• Proven track record as an effective team coach, mentor, and advocate; decisive while also displaying key collaborative skills with all stakeholders, including artists.
• Demonstrable skills in complex issue resolution with the ability to effectively convey ideas, options, and solutions through systematic and analytical thought.