Head Preparator [Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY]

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) seeks a skilled professional for the position of Head Preparator in the Exhibitions Department. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Exhibitions and will work with the Registrar, Curatorial, and Operations departments to implement and maintain an ambitious schedule of exhibitions and installations across all the museum’s galleries.

WORKING HOURS:

9:30 – 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Position requires occasional work on weekends and evenings as necessary especially during exhibition installation periods.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate closely with Registrars to plan, strategize and ensure the safety and proper handling of all exhibition and collection objects

• Hire, supervise and manage a crew of part-time Preparators, AV technicians, Carpenters and Mount Makers

• Responsible for on-going development and maintenance of museum standard protocols for art handling

• Coordinate with outside contractors to price, schedule, fabricate, deliver and install all required design and display elements.

• Manage schedules for all installation periods – generating and distributing daily schedules with anticipated goals • Produce estimates of required labor, supplies and fabrication costs to assist in exhibition budgeting process

• Perform routine maintenance of all exhibitions in our galleries and installation spaces, including: cleaning, light replacement, paint touch-up, ect.

• Complete research as needed for exhibition planning and design • Receive, pack, handle, and crate work from the museum’s collection, and for exhibitions

• Assist Head Registrar with any art handling needs related to MAD’s permanent collection, including: preparation for Collections Committee meetings, physically assisting with permanent collection moves, or related issues.

• Maintain a clean, organized, safe and well-stocked workshop, supply closets and prep room • Uphold an up-to-date and accurate inventory of all tools and equipment and supplies

• Adhere to best practices for museum conservation, preservation, receipt and release process of artwork • Manage art handling required for museum fundraising events

• Assist occasionally with the transportation of work

• Other duties as needed and required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field

• Minimum 5 years experience in museum art handling, installations, and preparation

• Experience working strategically and closely with museum registrars

• Required to lift 50 pounds, work on high lifts and safely operate saws and other power tools

• Extensive knowledge of museum art handling and packing standards

• General knowledge of fabrication and construction methods

• Demonstrated team management and leadership skills

• Experience using Excel, Photoshop, and a 3D modeling platform (SketchUp preferred)