The Frye Art Museum in Seattle seeks a highly skilled and experienced individual for the position of Manager, Exhibitions and Publications. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Collections and Exhibitions, and working closely with Director, Deputy Director, Collections Manager/Registrar, and Exhibition Designer of the Museum, the position manages all administrative aspects of the planning and implementation of Museum exhibitions and exhibition-related publications. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and motivated, have exceptional research, writing and editing skills, enjoy working in a dynamic, inspiring environment, and be committed to continuing and enhancing the artistic excellence of an institution on the leading edge of historical and contemporary arts programming.

Mission

The Frye Art Museum is a living legacy of visionary patronage and civic responsibility, committed to artistic inquiry and a rich visitor experience. A catalyst for our engagement with contemporary art and artists is the Founding Collection of Charles and Emma Frye, access to which shall always be free.

Established by two of Seattle’s earliest patrons of the arts, the Founding Collection celebrates late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century European art associated primarily with the Munich Secession. The Museum also maintains an important collection of canvases by American artists of the same period with strong intellectual and artistic ties to Europe.

In addition to initiating and organizing complex and ambitious exhibitions of historical and contemporary art, the Frye Art Museum is committed to showcasing exceptional Seattle artists working in a wide variety of disciplines.

Position Responsibilities

Staff Management and Internal Communications

  • Manage Exhibitions and Publications staff and interns in collaboration with Deputy Director, Collections and Exhibitions.
  • Serve as liaison across all Museum departments for all exhibition and publication projects.

 

Budget Management

  • Assist Deputy Director, Collections and Exhibitions in developing and managing project and fiscal year budgets.
  • Process invoices and payments to institutions, artists, and vendors and generate expense reports for Deputy Director, Collections and Exhibitions.

 

Exhibition Project Management
In close collaboration with the Deputy Director, Collections and Exhibitions and the curator(s) of the exhibition:

  • Assist in the development of artist agreements and exhibition contracts.
  • Monitor all artist and exhibition contracts to ensure obligations are met in a timely manner.
  • Draft all loan letters.
  • Develop and track production schedules for exhibition texts and labels in coordination with curators, artists, and designers.
  • Maintain exhibition checklists.
  • Manage image rights and reproductions—obtaining images from internal and external sources and assuring correct captions and lender information.
  • Draft and maintain exhibition credit lines in collaboration with the Development department.
  • Oversee administration of exhibition and artist proposal review, including coordinating curatorial review and preparing correspondence.
  • Organize all aspects of travel and hospitality for visiting artists, curators, and other guests.
  • Answer inquiries from the public via phone and email in a prompt, professional manner.
  • Create, maintain, and archive project files.

 

Publication Project Management
In close collaboration with the Deputy Director, Collections and Exhibitions, the curator(s) of the exhibition, the Communications Department, and publisher(s):

  • Develop and track production schedules for catalogue projects in coordination with curators, artists, authors, copy editors, designers, printers, and distributors.
  • Manage image rights and reproductions, obtaining images from internal and external sources and assuring correct captions and lender information.
  • Compile front and back matter for exhibition publications, including bibliographies and indices as needed.
  • Apply for ISBN and CIP.
  • Create and manage distribution list for publications, distribute catalogues internally, and send catalogues to lenders, writers, and other contacts.
  • Develop distribution plan for books published by the Frye Art Museum.

 

Research and Writing 

  • Conduct research for exhibitions and publications as requested.
  • Draft, edit, and proofread exhibition texts and labels in collaboration with the curator(s).
  • Copyedit catalogue essays.
  • Provide approved texts to Communications, Development, and Education Departments for use in press releases, marketing, development, grant applications, and educational materials.

 

Qualifications and Skills

  • M.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or related field.
  • Extensive experience in exhibition and publication management in a museum context with experience in budget forecasting, management, and analysis.
  • Attention to detail and excellent organizational, project management, research, writing, and editing skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines.
  • Knowledge of current art and exhibition practice.
  • Demonstrated flexibility and ability to work well with national and international artists and curators.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, in particular Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Knowledge of late 19th and early 20th century European and American art is an advantage.
  • Proficiency in German or other foreign languages is an advantage.

 

Salary and Benefits

Salary depending on experience. Full-time exempt position with excellent benefits package.

How to Apply

Candidates should send a cover letter and resume with “Manager, Exhibitions and Publications” in the subject line tocuratorial@fryemuseum.org. Please indicate your salary expectation.

The Frye Art Museum is committed to diversity in the workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum does not discriminate in any employment decision on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, marital or veteran’s status, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.