Southeastern Museums Conference is hiring: Manager of Exhibition Design | Coordi

Manager of Exhibition Design | Coordinator of Collections, Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Oversees the design, installation, and logistics of exhibitions at the Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture. This role collaborates with artists, curators, educators, and students to manage collections, storage, and gallery projects. Responsibilities include organizing exhibitions, supervising student presentations, mentoring the Independent Study Program, and ensuring the safety and transport of artworks. The position also monitors the condition of collections, supports strategic planning, and assists the director in operational and facility management, adhering to professional museum standards.

Responsibilities

Exhibition Design and Preparation

• Conceptualizes sequencing and executes installation of professional exhibitions held at the Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture in collaboration with exhibiting artists, curators, and educators, utilizing Association of Academic Museums and Gallery and American Alliance of Museums best practices.
• Supervises all School of Art student exhibition installations at the Ewing Gallery including BFA Capstone, MFA Project in Lieu of Thesis (PILOT), annual Student Competition, and the College of Architecture & Design exhibitions, including one professional exhibition, student pin up, and annual Honor exhibition. Resolves issues independently and refers complex issues to supervisor.
• Provides specialized knowledge and assistance to students, faculty, and exhibiting artists, and conceptualizing solutions to installation challenges in consideration of gallery policies and best practices.
• Performs technical support by producing 3D renderings, floor plans, design drawings, and mock-ups to communicate design overview for exhibitions and collection projects.
• Designs and constructs object mounts, walls, framing, lighting, and other related exhibition elements, with minimal supervision.
• Manages and coordinates all transport logistics for loaned artworks, collection objects, and gallery materials to local, domestic, and international locations including acceptance, delivery, tracking, packing, condition reports, and coordination with artists, professional galleries, and donors.
• Collaborate with UT Downtown Gallery Manager on installation, deinstallation, shipment, and movement of artwork as needed at that location.
• Executes documentation of 8-17 annual exhibitions, including photography and editing.
• Curates and manages temporary exhibitions autonomously as assigned.

Facilities and Operations

• Initiates collection projects and storage modifications to meet use needs and best practices to further preservation of materials.
• Manages the continuity of the Ewing Gallery, Yates Study Room, and Middlebrook off-site collections storage, including gallery walls, furniture, photo shoot area, and supplies, ensuring safety of artwork and archived gallery materials.
• Reports any damage or incidents to the supervisor and submits incident reports with UTK police.
• Monitors the condition of exhibitions and physical installations in consultation with the Assistant Director of Galleries and Collections.
• Represents the Ewing Gallery on all facility projects employing outside vendors and UT Facility Services.
• Responsible for the design and builds of collection housing and develop custom crates for gift materials, liaising and providing guidance to donors and gallery staff.
• Oversees and manages the use, inventory, and maintenance of gallery tools, building supplies, machinery, and materials.
• Procures supplies as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Management of Ewing Gallery Independent Study Program

• Develops the Independent Study Student Intern Program at the Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture and facilitates and mentors participating student interns.
• Provides instruction to student interns in the production of exhibition design and installation from transport to presentation including sequencing and installation skills; matting, framing, and unframing of artwork; documentation of exhibitions; packing and unpacking of artwork for transportation; condition reporting; and other technical skills related to exhibition production.
• Provides guidance and information to student interns on Association of Academic Museums and Gallery and American Alliance of Museums best practices.
• Develop customized schedules and objectives annually tailored to each student's interests.
• Oversees work performed by students and assesses the quality of work.
• Reports to faculty supervisor on the student progress and program completion, including summary findings.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities of Ideal Candidate

• Broad knowledge of historical and contemporary art.
• Knowledge of exhibition design and shipping/transportation practices, including Association of Academic Museums and Gallery and American Alliance of Museums best practices.
• Experience with fabrication, construction, carpentry, and finishing work.
• Ability to use power tools, specialized equipment and/or heavy machinery, a variety of hand tools, hardware, ladders, lifts, and follow safety protocols.
• Demonstrated skills in handling, mounting, matting, and framing of artwork for the purposes of study, imaging, storage and gallery display, and knowledge of American Alliance of Museums best practices.
• Experience with 3D modeling tools such as Google Sketchup or other industry accepted software.
• Experience with installation documentation and Photoshop editing software.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.
• The ability to remain calm in a fast-paced work environment that frequently involves juggling multiple tasks and working under short- and long-term deadlines.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, support, and carry 50 pounds.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities of Ideal Candidate

• Familiarity with computerized record and collection database systems management software.
• Demonstrated ability to work with both academic and non-academic audiences, including university administrators, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, donors, and professional artists.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Fine Arts or Library Sciences, with a specialty in exhibition design and fabrication, or a BA with 6 years of equivalent museum or gallery experience.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in an academic gallery or museum with an active professional and student exhibitions program.

Preferred

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in an academic gallery or museum with an active professional and student exhibitions program.

WORK LOCATION

• This is an in-person, onsite position located in Knoxville, TN.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• This is an exempt, full-time regular position.
• The anticipated salary range is $49,000 - $55,000 and is dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be received through the UT DASH application system.

Applications must include:

• Completed UT Application.
• Resume.
• Cover Letter (Applications will not be considered without a cover letter).
• Contact information for three professional references.

ABOUT THE UT SCHOOL OF ART EWING GALLERY

Established in 1981, the Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture is a professionally managed on-campus gallery dedicated to promoting dialogue and exploration of art. Our exhibitions engage with current topics and diverse themes to enrich the educational experience of students and faculty by supporting the curricula of the School of Art, the College of Architecture and Design, and campus partners.

The Ewing Gallery’s permanent collection includes over 5000 objects for study, with a focus in contemporary printmaking and works on paper by Knoxville-born Joseph Delaney. The Samuel A. Yates Collection Study Room and program was established in 2021 to provide students opportunities for more in-depth access to works held in the permanent collection as part of their classroom and studio experience.

We recognize that our campus location makes us an accessible and unique resource for the university community. Our primary audiences are students and faculty within the Art + Architecture building, and our campus-wide colleagues. Our spring programming is dedicated to the service of our students. The gallery presents an annual student art competition, eligible to all enrolled students, and hosts exhibitions required for graduation of undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Art and College of Architecture and Design. The fall semester is dedicated to the presentation of two professional exhibitions: one tailored to the School of Art and the second produced by the College of Architecture and Design.

The School of Art Galleries uphold the institutional goals of the University of Tennessee while curating exhibitions that resonate with our primary audiences. Our curatorial selections reflect varied perspectives, embrace transdisciplinary approaches, and encourage experimentation. We aim to present artwork that is not readily accessible in the Knoxville area, enriching the cultural landscape of our community.

The School of Art invites candidates who will contribute to equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for its students, staff, and faculty. The successful candidate will work with a dynamic, nationally ranked faculty of artists, art historians, filmmakers, and ambitious undergraduate and graduate students. Part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Art offers BFA and BA degrees in Studio Art, a BA in Art History, and a BA in Cinema Studies to 280 undergraduate majors. In addition to the BA in Art History, the School offers minors in art history and Museum & Curatorial Studies (M&CS) and is in the process of adding a M&CS concentration to the existing BA degree. The School’s MFA program is consistently ranked among the best in the nation. To learn more about the School of Art, please visit: http://art.utk.edu

About Us

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state’s flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!

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