HEAD PREPARATOR/EXHIBITION DESIGNER

MISSION

Through art, we create transformative and diverse experiences, strengthen community connections and inspire imagination.

VISION

Through art, we will be a community leader recognized as a welcoming, thought-provoking and collaborative place that nurtures inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.

VALUES

• We are trusted stewards of community treasures, committed to caring for the art and the historic building.
• We embrace the museum’s role as a vital resource, an inclusive and welcoming space that adds value to people’s lives.
• We are dedicated to reaching diverse audiences and expanding engagement with art.
• We are strong, socially responsible fiscal managers.
• We are pledged to environmentally conscious practices and maintaining our green certification.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and ACCESSABILITY MISSION STATEMENT

The Dayton Art Institute aspires to develop, promote and sustain an organizational culture and reputation in the communities that we serve as an organization that values, nurtures and leverages inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in all that we do.

JOB SUMMARY

The Head Preparator/Exhibition Designer manages the preparation and installation of art, ensuring the safekeeping and conservation of the collection and collaborating closely with curators, artists and other museum staff. This role works with curators to help conceptualizing exhibition designs and executing the final design and layout, The Head Preparator/Exhibition Designer will also develop and maintain project schedules, coordinate with external contractors and contribute to the overall vision and aesthetic of the museum's exhibitions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with curators to fulfill their vision and interpretation for exhibitions and collection galleries.
• Oversees the physical movement and well-being of artworks, ensuring safety and security during all phases of handling, packing, crating, transporting, storing and installing artworks. Collaborates with Registrar to ensure the proper recording of all art movements.
• Supervises the Preparatory team.
• Develops and maintains project schedules and collaborates with different departments, particularly Facilities, ensuring all projects are completed on time.
• Coordinates with external contractors, including electricians, carpenters and other specialists, to execute exhibition designs and installations.
• Maintains and manages the museum's inventory of exhibition furniture and art-handling materials, including display cases, platforms, pedestals, mounts and packing materials.
• Creates detailed installation plans, including floor plans, elevations and lighting designs.
• Ensures all exhibition spaces are prepared and maintained to the highest standards, including lighting, and collaborates with Facilities and Security on maintaining climate control and safety and security of objects.
• Contributes to maintaining exhibition archives by recording materials that include design plans, photographs and correspondence.
• Oversees the design and fabrication of display and storage mounts for objects using a variety of armatures and materials.
• Plays a key role in coordinating art-related emergency response.
• Supports the Education department in implementing educational materials related to exhibition space.
• Stays current with best practices and trends in exhibition design and museum preparation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head Preparator/Exhibition Designer supervises the Assistant Preparator, Museum Technician and the Museum Technician/Registrar Assistant, and the museum tech prep shop, while also supervising any onsite contract painters and contract art handlers.

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, art history or a related field, or 3 years of broad-spectrum artwork installation experience, or a combination of education and experience combined.
• Experience in a museum or gallery setting, particularly in collections management.
• Excellent project management skills – able to plan and organize multiple projects, prioritize duties, meet deadlines and work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of safety protocols and best practices in art handling.
• Good mechanical skills and spatial awareness.
• Ability to work in a shop environment with a variety of tools and demonstrate construction skills.
• Attention to detail and a creative approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and other office software.
• Knowledge of design software, such as SketchUp, is preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule. Occasional weekends and evenings required. Work schedule may vary to accommodate special events schedule.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is primarily based in a mechanical shop and collection storage with minimal time in an office setting. There is frequent movement throughout the museum and its grounds. It requires the ability to stand for extended periods, frequent use of hands and fingers for handling objects and tools, and effective communication in person, over the phone and via email. Specific vision abilities needed include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The work in this role regularly involves lifting up to 75–100 pounds.