EXHIBITIONS MANAGER – Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Position Summary 

The Exhibitions Manager works on all aspects of exhibition preparation, logistics, art handling, and other duties for all ICA San Diego locations. The Exhibitions Manager will plan and oversee the execution of all fabrication and production needs related to the ICA San Diego’s exhibition program and outdoor sculpture collection. They will also oversee the hiring and management of Preparators and external vendors for curatorial needs. The Exhibitions Manager reports to the Curator. 

Responsibilities 

Logistics and Project Management

• Coordinate all incoming and outgoing artwork shipments for all ICA locations; this includes coordinating proper packing and storage.
• Manage fabrication for exhibitions and outdoor sculpture collection, research and coordinate vendors in various industries for project details.
• Oversee exhibition fabrication/production to ensure it remains on track and within budget.
• Assist with digital exhibition design and formatting of exhibition wall text. 

Gallery Preparation

• Oversee preparation of all exhibition spaces, including ICA San Diego / Central, ICA San Diego / North, and Sculpture Trail for all installations.
• Develop installation plans and coordinate material lists with exhibiting artists
• Manage exhibition and special project installations, materials inventory, equipment rentals, exhibition vinyl, and gallery lighting.
• Manage preparators and any external vendors in the preparation of artwork and the installation and de-installation of exhibitions.

Collections and Facilities Management 

• Receive incoming/outgoing artwork loans and oversee condition reports.
• Manage and update the digital artwork database/CRM
• Monitor the ongoing condition and appearance of exhibitions, long-term loans, and permanent sculpture collection.
• Collaborate with artists to develop maintenance plans for works in the ICA sculpture collection.
• Execute and oversee maintenance of works in the ICA sculpture collection.
• Maintain and update signage and related materials as needed.
• Coordinate certificates of insurance.
• In collaboration with Operations team, oversee maintenance of exhibition spaces including but not limited to lighting, climate control systems, fire and burglar alarm systems. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Hire and manage preparators for installations and other curatorial projects.
• Hire and coordinate with external vendors.
• As needed, oversee Curatorial Interns, including instructing interns on curatorial tasks, assigning projects, reporting on intern’s progress with professors, posting internship positions, and conducting interviews.
• Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports that are timely and constructive.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrates a good knowledge of museum procedures and policies according to AAM standards.
• Ability to assess priorities; excellent time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work professionally and tactfully with artists, curators, galleries, vendors, other museum professionals, the public, and co-workers.
• Discretion to handle confidential legal and financial information.
• Strong organizational skills to effectively manage multiple projects; flexibility.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience using CRM databases for collection management.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, or similar programs.
• Experience working with mechanical equipment, machinery, and power tools, including scissor lifts and forklifts.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Knowledge of Art Handling best practices and experience handling a variety of art objects.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with gallery lighting and track systems.
• Knowledge of SketchUp and/or similar 3D modeling programs.
• Ability to build temporary structures, platforms, walls, pedestals, crates, etc.

Required Education and Experience

• At least 4 years of experience with art handling and art/exhibition-related project management.
• Some college-level work in Museum Studies, Art History, or a similar field.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5-7 years of experience working in exhibition management and/or as a preparator.
• Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a similar field.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role will work within the exhibition spaces, storage spaces, and office environments at both our North and Central locations. Some prolonged periods of sitting in front of a computer should be expected. During installation/de-installation times, standing, bending, lifting, climbing on ladders, using heavy equipment, and power tools will be required. ICA San Diego is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Should you require accommodation, please contact the HR & Operations Manager. 

Travel 

Travel throughout the San Diego region will be required. Occasional travel to other locations may be required.   

Compensation 

Hourly rate will be $28-29/hr. A typical shift is 8 hours, weekdays between 9am and 5pm, some weekends and evenings as needed. Benefits include $450 monthly toward medical insurance premium, 120 hours paid time off for the first year, eleven paid holidays in a calendar year, staff appreciation days, discounts at select Balboa Park restaurants and shops, and free admission to member museums.

Inclusion 

ICA San Diego strives to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We believe in the power of human creativity and value the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding.

We commit to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster cultural equity, and create an accessible and inclusive environment. ICA San Diego does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, religion, or any other protected class. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to our mission and are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive place. 

To Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why your skills and experience qualify you for this position in the form linked HERE.