Exhibitions Designer [Mint Museum, Charlotte, NC]

Description

THE MINT MUSEUM

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

TITLE:  Exhibitions Designer

DEPARTMENT: Collections & Exhibitions

DATE PREPARED:  10/28/2015

REPORTS TO: Director of Collections & Exhibitions

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PLEASE SEND COVER LETTER & RESUME TO:  HR@MINTMUSEUM.ORG

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL 12/4/2015

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Exhibitions Designer is key team member of the Collections & Exhibitions Department, and has an integral role in the execution of the Museum’s ambitious schedule of exhibitions, installations, and gallery rotations. The Exhibitions Designer implements the Museum’s strategic priorities in collaboration with the Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Curators, Educators, Registrars, and other staff. The position provides leadership for cross-departmental collaboration to implement the highest stewardship standards for the Museum’s collections and exhibitions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises staff (Design Assistant, interns, and contract staff), develops and tracks budget.
• Serves on exhibition teams for both in-house and traveling exhibitions.
• Works collaboratively with Curators to create exhibition layouts that are respective of curatorial premise, and interpretive strategies; works collaboratively with Curators and Registrars to create layout observant of display guidelines and security the relevant to the artwork; identifies exhibition furniture; determines equipment needs for the installation; works closely with Curators and Graphic Designers to select font and color schemes for exhibition (in tandem with development of exhibition brand by Advancement & Communications Department); coordinates with Exhibition & Gallery Foreman to manage outside services as needed for the construction associated with exhibitions and permanent collection installations; works closely with Registrar, and Preparator(s) to move and install artwork in the gallery; oversees installation of  exhibition didactics and lighting of the exhibition.
• Creates, updates, communicates, and implements Design Briefs for all exhibitions and permanent collection installations including, but not limited to, renderings, schematic designs, concept designs, and shop drawings, as needed, for review by internal staff and to inform RFP(s) for outside contractors.
• Plays role in the planning and logistical support for capital projects.
• Plays key role in the development of policies and procedures for the implementation of professional standards and best practices.
• Develops, implements, and supervises programs aligned with the Museum’s strategic priorities.
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the President & CEO and Director of Collections & Exhibitions.
• Plays key role in fostering an organizational culture that values positive leadership, innovation, and inclusion, and inspires excellence in the work environment.
• Maintains international, national, and regional network.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION:

EDUCATION: B.A. in the arts or related field preferred.  Alternative degree, credentials and/or experience may be considered for applicability.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Recommended five (5)-to-seven (7) years of designing museum exhibitions and proven familiarity with construction techniques, fabrication, lighting requirements, graphic production, maintenance, shipping, and de-installation and a proven understanding of proper art handling and maintenance of museum objects, management, and supervisory experience. Strong communication skills with ability to design and produce construction drawings and ability to write successful RFP(s) for contract bid process

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work on multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment. Strong enthusiasm and self-motivated. Must be responsible, dependable, and able to work effectively in a team-based environment. Working knowledge of best practices for art movement and installation. Hands-on experience with museum construction techniques and shop drawings, fabrication, lighting design, and graphic production. Hands-on experience with tools and equipment associated with woodworking, construction, lighting, electrical, and audio-visual / computer displays. Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs., operate hand tools safely, operate a forklift, and drive a van and box truck.

Broad computer knowledge is essential including experience with Microsoft Office, Macintosh, AUTOCAD or design related software preferred.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/ATTRIBUTES: NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Desirable functions: Familiarity with museum best practices and trends in the field. Familiarity with OSHA standards. Strong supervisory skills and ability to set staff priorities and delegate responsibilities. A strong sense of maintaining confidentiality while exercising good judgment in the workplace is highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment, periodic travel, night, or weekend work required. Physical ability for exhibition installations required. Must have the ability to bend, lift a minimum of 50 pounds without assistance, and climb stairs. Valid driver’s license.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Yes

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS: Knowledge and/or background in Fine Arts, design and/or Art History a plus.

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.  The Mint Museum reserves the discretion to change this job description at any time.

ABOUT THE MINT MUSEUM

As the oldest art museum in North Carolina, with one of the largest collections in the Southeast, The Mint Museum offers its visitors inspiring and transformative experiences through art from around the world via innovative collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and riveting educational programs. The Mint Museum is a non-profit, visual arts institution comprised of two dynamic facilities: Mint Museum Uptown and Mint Museum Randolph.

Located in what was the original branch of the United States Mint, Mint Museum Randolph opened in 1936 in Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood as the state’s first art museum. Today, in a beautiful park setting, intimate galleries invite visitors to engage with the art of the ancient Americas, ceramics and decorative arts, fashion, European art, and African art, among other collections. Resources include a reference library with over 18,000 volumes, a theater featuring lectures and performances, and a museum shop offering merchandise that complements both the permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection, as well as outstanding collections of American, contemporary, and European art. Designed by Machado and Silvetti Associates of Boston, the five-story, 145,000-square-foot facility combines inspiring architecture with cutting-edge exhibitions to provide visitors with unparalleled educational and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Charlotte’s burgeoning center city, Mint Museum Uptown is an integral part of the Levine Center for the Arts, a cultural campus that includes the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, the Knight Theater, and the Duke Energy Center. Mint Museum Uptown also features a wide range of visitor amenities, including the 240-seat James B. Duke Auditorium, the Lewis Family Gallery, art studios, a restaurant, and a museum shop. For more information, visit mintmuseum.org

Requirements