Preparator [Wichita Art Museum, KS]

Description

The Wichita Art Museum seeks a skilled and team-oriented Preparator to lead all aspects of museum display plus care and handling of the collection. This position requires a creative problem-solver who will thrive in a fast-paced work environment and is suited to the art museum setting. In this role, administrative duties for resource planning complement responsibilities for the imaginative installation of exhibitions with the requisite skills of packing, crating, framing, gallery furniture fabrication, installation and lighting design, and supervision of the temporary installation crew. The preparator reports to the museum director and works collaboratively with the curator, registrar, and preparator/photographer.

Responsible for all aspects of exhibition design, preparation and installation, including:

• Organize long-term and short-range installation planning and projects
• Establish work plans to meet museum deadlines and priorities
• Work independently and assume direct responsibility for complex tasks
• Design and facilitate the installation of exhibitions, including packing/unpacking, framing, painting, gallery furniture fabrication, art placement and mounting, and lighting
• Design and oversee fabrication of all gallery interpretation—wall panels, texts, labels
• Handle works of art according to museum conservation standards for display
• Coordinate productive relationships with suppliers and contractors
• Maintain shop with its tools and equipment for woodworking, electrical, light construction, and audio-visual and computer gallery displays
• Develop project budgets and annual exhibition budgets
• Supervise temporary installation staff
• Other duties as assigned
• Work as part of team with director, curator, and other museum staff in developing exhibitions and their installations

Requirements

Required Experience and Training:

Minimum Education: Four years at undergraduate level

Preferred education requirements: Master of Fine Arts

Minimum Experience: Two years of museum preparator experience

Museum Information:

The Wichita Art Museum opened in 1935 and is home to the Roland P. Murdock Collection, one of the premier collections of American art. With a nationally distinguished collection, Edward Larrabee Barnes facility, $3+ million annual budget, the museum is a public/private partnership, owned by the City of Wichita and managed by Wichita Art Museum, Inc. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Wichita Art Museum’s mission is to bring people, ideas, and American art together to enrich lives and build community.

For complete eligibility requirements and comprehensive job description, please view details on the museum’s website at www.wichitaartmuseum.org/jobs. Salary commensurate with experience for this Wichita Art Museum, Inc. employee. To submit an application, email 1) a cover letter outlining qualifications, relevant experience, supervisory experience with direct reports, and salary expectation, 2) resume, and 3) three references with contact information to WAM’s assistant to the director: poynter@wichitaartmuseum.org.  Additional application requirements: Submit maximum of 20 digital images demonstrating quality of work in exhibition design and installation.

The Wichita Art Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers veteran’s preference to applicants with eligibility qualifications. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and criminal record check.