Senior Manager of Art, Preparation & Installation (API)

The Senior Manager of Art Preparation & Installation (API) manages department  in the preparation and installation of art in the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, and storage facilities, including outgoing loans.  The position provides strategic vision in planning and implementation for all installation-related activity and is an expert manager and mentor for their team. The manager will work collaboratively with Collections/Registration, Collections Information, Conservation, Exhibitions, and Curatorial colleagues in achieving the goals of the museum’s artistic program and organizing staff and schedules for all museum installation, collection management, and storage activity.  With collaboration, communication, and advocacy, fosters a team-oriented environment in the museum while efficiently and productively meeting scheduling and budgeting objectives.  Assumes physical work as needed in art installation and preparation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years in a management or supervisory role. 7+ years of art handling experience in a museum with increasingly higher level of responsibility, leadership, and team management.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred with a concentration in museum studies, studio art, or similar area.
• Proven excellence in showing creativity, aesthetic sensibility, ingenuity, and problem-solving. 
• Proficiency in handling a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, textiles, works-on-paper, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, glass, jewelry, stone, film, video, digital imagery, and time-based media, as well as knowledge of the exhibition furniture required to display and support such art. 
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of attention to accuracy and detail. Previous experience being trained on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved safety equipment such as respirators and protective clothing. Flexibility to work a variable schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• A valid Pennsylvania driver’s license is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to provide critical thought for long-range planning. Meets deadlines and works well under pressure.  
• Excellent communication and time-management skills and proven success in organizing, leading, and managing staff, working with living artists, and collaborating with colleagues across departments.
• Can communicate problems clearly to a supervisor.
• Experience reading construction drawings and architectural and design plans required. 
• Expert knowledge of appropriate care, handling, and storage for a wide range of materials, as well as policies and regulations regarding workplace safety. Knowledgeable of museum best practice and standards set by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and experience with collections management systems is required.
• Proficiency in project management systems, such as Asana, strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Abilityto use diverse hand and power tools (including cabinet and shop equipment of varying sizes and complexity), moving van, hydraulic lifts, dollies, etc. 
• Must have good dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to climb and to work on ladders for extended periods of time.
• Reach works of art above shoulder level.
• Lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds).
• Stand or to walk for an eight-hour work day. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Acknowledges, understands, and supports the proper care and handling of works of art in a highly professional museum environment, and conveys these safe handling practices to the art installation and preparation staff.
• Designs, assigns, and reviews the work activities of installation, preparation, and A/V staff and personally supervises more complex functions as needed.
• Effectively supervises and mentors the API team.
• Assumes physical art preparation and installation as necessary.
• Identifies and fosters interests and strengths of staff as relevant to departmental and museum work. Provides regular department trainings on art handling, best museum practices, fabrication equipment, OSHA, and other technical needs as necessary.
• Collaborates with exhibitions, design, curatorial, conservation, and collections/registration teams, and develops and maintains effective communication and Asana schedules for the installation activity for current and future projects.
• Provide regular near-term and long-term communications with staff to review installation schedules and goals; assign duties; solicit input and updates; and convey new projects, policies, and procedures relevant to the department.
• Provides input on costs for exhibitions and collections management projects as needed. 
• Maintains inventory of stock items.
• Oversee technical aspects of fabrication and audio/visual systems for exhibitions including planning, production, material/equipment/software procurement, installation, and supervision of outside contractors.
• Ensures that staff maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment, including: keeping equipment and tools in a sound operating condition; and maintaining a clean and professional physical appearance.
• Participates fully as a member of the Collections & Exhibitions Division team (with Chief Registrar and Chief Conservator) as well as representative of Department of the Art Installation and Preparation in all relevant exhibition, installations, collections development, and other museum meetings.
• Maintains a good working knowledge of relevant Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh policies and procedures, as well as TSA regulations.
• Evaluates and recommends new hires, discipline staff, and, if necessary, discharge staff and approves all staff hours worked and time-off requests per two-week pay period.  
• Is prepared to perform a range of other duties as assigned in keeping with the varied nature of exhibitions and installations at Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.