OVERVIEW: Designs and executes the installation and dismantling of art exhibitions in the Museum’s permanent and special exhibition galleries.
SAM is dedicated to racial equity and strives for employees, volunteers, and interns who are passionate, qualified, and offer diverse perspectives. SAM prioritizes racial equity in the workplace because we know that people of color are the most impacted when it comes to inequities. We are particularly interested in engaging with historically under-represented groups in the museum field as we strive to be inclusive and equitable. SAM is responsive to cultural communities and experiences, and our strategic plan goals address the role art plays in empowering social justice and structural change to promote equity in our society.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $85,000-90,000 annual salary range DOE
REPORTS TO: Director of Design and Installation
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ensure transformation of curatorial, conservation and artistic concepts into practical aspects of exhibition design and installation. Creates installation elements such as exhibition layout, mount making schedule, and casework requirement schedule. Participates in lighting design and exhibition signage concepts and planning.
- Participate in the exhibition planning process with appropriate personnel. Develop budgets for special exhibitions, the permanent collection, and special projects.
- Purchase supplies, materials, and services required to implement exhibitions and installations. Initiate and maintain vendor contacts and competitive bidding pricing.
- Establish project timelines; monitor and revise as required.
- Coordinate activities with preparators in conjunction with curators, registrars, outside vendors and other SAM personnel involved in special exhibitions or installation projects.
- Ensure artwork is prepared for exhibition, including creation of mounts, framing of paintings, etc.
- Monitor condition of permanent galleries. Consult with staff on logistics of gallery changes and gallery maintenance
- Conduct research on exhibitions through the study of catalogues and reference materials and through travel to other venues.
- Serve as acting department head in absence of Director of Design and Installation.
- Represent the Museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism.
- Adhere to Museum policies and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner.
- Participates in and collaborates on special projects including but not limited to, emergency procedures, building renovations, and long-range planning.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in interior, theater, graphic, or industrial design; or equivalent experience.
- Proficient in the use of design software such as Vectorworks, SketchUp or AutoCAD
- Five years exhibition design and management experience in a fine arts museum.
- Two years of experience in a supervisory position preferred.
- Valid Washington state driver’s license.
- Ability to be both creative and practical in order to plan innovative and attractive exhibits that can be constructed in accordance with established budget and technical limitations.
- Knowledge of basic art handling, conservation and art security requirements.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to effectively communicate visual ideas.
- Organizational ability with strong management and supervisory skills.
- Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure; excellent time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work with close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Proficiency in the areas of design of space, lighting technology, art handling, drafting, carpentry, use of power and hand tools and heavy equipment, and metal and plastic fabrication.
- Ability to work with the public, architects, vendors, and co-workers professionally and tactfully.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure: Work areas are indoors and outdoors at the three SAM venues, in warehouses, and workshops. Position requires work with heavy machinery, under platforms, above ceilings, and on ladders and scaffolding. Noise levels range from light to excessive and there is exposure to varying air-quality standards.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Stationary Work: Approximately 90% of time is spent standing or moving around the work area. Balance of time (approximately 10%) is spent stationary while working at a desk.
Communication: Clear and effective communication with volunteers, donors, members, the public, and co-workers is necessary.
Vision: Corrected vision close to 20/20, color vision (red, green, and blue), and good depth perception are necessary to effectively carry out design responsibilities and for use of computer screens.
Moving: Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to fifty pounds required when transporting artwork. The ability to move up to twenty pounds on occasion is necessary for moving files, equipment, and supplies. Must be able to regularly position self to access files.
Climbing/Balancing: Ability to climb and balance when carrying and retrieving artwork and when working on ladders and scaffolding.
Reaching/Handling: Excellent manual dexterity is necessary for handling artwork and creating exhibits, and for computer keyboard use, and the ability to retrieve and work with appropriate tools, equipment, and supplies.
Office Work: Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.
Centering equity, diversity, and inclusion as an organization, and as individuals, Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
The Seattle Art Museum will consider applicants who may need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions/duties. Please contact the Human Resources Department at (206) 654-3188 or HR@seattleartmuseum.org for additional information or to request reasonable accommodations for the application or interview process.
TO APPLY: Please visit https://seattleartmuseum.applytojob.com/apply to submit SAM employment application, cover letter and resume.
Deadline: September 20, 2021
