Studio Museum in Harlem is hiring: Head Art Preparator, Collection & Exhibit

About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The Head Art Preparator, Collection & Exhibitions develops and directs a team of art handlers who implement exhibition and collection activity. They ensure and establish high standards of museum art handling and collection care from acquisitions to conservation to display. Working closely with the Collection and Exhibitions Management team and the Curatorial team, the Head Preparator oversees the successful execution of all art-related activity, employing skills and awareness in the areas of packing, crating, transportation, handling, and installation of works in the museum's custody and galleries.

The Head Preparator will work closely with the Registrar on exhibition production needs and will provide essential reporting to the Chief Program Officer on schedules, budgets, and staffing for exhibition programming as well as collection goals. A successful Head Preparator will be able to manage multiple tasks, supervise and delegate effectively, devise innovative and practical solutions for exhibition design and production, and keep everyone looped into the priorities, organization, and schedule of activities. They will collaborate with all direct and adjacent stakeholders to coordinate tasks related to the permanent collection, exhibitions, and programming work in ways that underscore the museum's mission.

This role requires close engagement with our Artist-in-Residence and Expanding the Walls programs and an ability to periodically advise our artists and community partners on production. An ability to provide support to various stakeholders with competing deadlines, pivot with ease, and reliably reach milestones is essential.

Application Deadline: November 22, 2024

Target Start Date: January 6, 2025

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead art handling installation and collection handling teams, providing oversight, accountability, and direct support where needed.
• Manage annual budget for part-time art handling staff, and for materials and equipment for installations and de-installations of permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
• Work with Curatorial team on design and placement of art for exhibitions. Manage preparation of exhibition construction and furniture needs.
• Develop and maintain schedules for exhibitions with Chief Program Officer and Head Registrar.
• Attend all relevant institutional meetings requiring art handling support.
• Assist with the creation of installation instructions, packing instructions, and labeling of components.
• Operate, after proper training, any and all mechanical devices used to install, lift, or move any work of art or material/furnishing necessary for collection storage or exhibitions.

Skills and Qualifications

Required

• A collaborative, attentive, results oriented demeanor and a team-first attitude with great problem-solving skills. Must be self-motivated and able to work without direction; and be consistent but flexible.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Ability to communicate clearly in writing and speaking. Ability to reliably meet deadlines and manage time correctly.
• Demonstrated experience with art fabrication processes and an awareness of current art production practices, as well as exhibition installation/deinstallation procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead art handling teams toward the completion of a project.
• Demonstrated experience exercising sound judgment in the resolution of installation, packing, storage, and art handling problems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of exhibition/architectural rendering software, such as SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, or Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment with team members of various experience levels and abilities.

Desired

• Knowledge of and experience with A/V equipment and various digital technologies.
• Knowledge of software and databases such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, and familiarity with TMS and NetX.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Fine Art, Art History, or a related field.
• Minimum of five to seven years of art technician experience installing and handling fine art for display, as well as maintenance and care of collections. At least five years of direct experience in an art museum, gallery, auction house, or storage firm specializing in the care of fine art.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance and gallery / storage monitoring, including hygrothermographs and similar devices.
• Advanced technical knowledge and practical experience with a variety of installation/packing/storage methods, hardware, and basic rigging.

Physical Demands

• Ability to visually inspect artwork.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders and work more than 8 feet from the floor.

Work Environment

• This position is a full-time position and may require working in excess of forty (40) hours during a work week.
• This position is considered an exempt position for purposes of federal wage and hour law, which means that you will not be eligible for overtime pay for more than 40 hours in each workweek.
• Fast-paced and evolving environment with a focus on artists and community.
• Collection & Exhibitions Management Department is a team of 8-10 diversely skilled members working collaboratively to support the administration, logistics, and documentation of the Museum's permanent collection, unique exhibition program, and collaborative art projects.
• There are several building locations to navigate within a 21-block radius.
• Building Accessibility - office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed.
• Communication is via email, telephone, and/or other manners with museum staff as needed.

Compensation

$75,000 - $85,000 annually

A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.