Head of Programs and Exhibitions – MIT School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P)

Institution: MIT School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

The MIT School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) is seeking a Head of Programs and Exhibitions to lead “the Commons,” a network of exhibition spaces and public programs across the School. The Commons includes multiple sites—among them a new dedicated gallery space within the redesigned Metropolitan Storage Warehouse (the Met)—and supports exhibitions and events focused on architecture, design, urbanism, art, media, and technology.

This role is central to shaping the curatorial vision, public engagement strategy, and operational delivery of exhibitions and programs across SA+P. The position combines curatorial development, project management, budgeting, fundraising, and cross-departmental coordination within a highly collaborative academic environment.

Position Details

• Job Title: Program/Project Administrator, Grade 8

• Position Title: Head of Programs and Exhibitions, The Commons

• Contract: Two years (with probability of extension)

• Effort: 100% (full-time)

• Reports to: Director of Communications (SA+P)

• Location: On-site, Cambridge, MA

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and mount approximately three major exhibitions annually in the main 1,000 sq. ft. gallery space, plus four to five smaller installations across distributed sites

• Collaborate closely with faculty and associate deans to implement faculty-led exhibition concepts while ensuring alignment with approved scope, schedule, and budget

• Conceive and curate exhibitions as needed

• Lead planning meetings, coordinate installation schedules, and manage program run-of-show documentation

• Oversee exhibition and programming budgets, track projected vs. actual costs, and collaborate on vendor payments

• Support fundraising and grant-writing efforts in collaboration with faculty and development staff

• Assemble and direct teams of vendors, contractors, students, and collaborators for exhibition design, fabrication, and installation

• Manage proposal and selection processes; maintain project archives

• Foster collaboration across departments and with entities such as the MIT Center for Art, Science & Technology (CAST), MIT List Visual Art Center, and MIT Museum

• Work closely with Communications to ensure accurate and timely public-facing materials

Profile

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s or higher preferred)

• Demonstrated familiarity with art, media, architecture, and/or urban design discourses and display practices

• Experience managing complex exhibition, fabrication, or installation-based projects

• Strong stakeholder coordination and consensus-building skills

• Proven budget management and financial tracking experience

• Excellent organizational and communication skills

• Experience working with artists, designers, fabricators, and vendors

• Ability to operate effectively within a diverse academic environment

• Knowledge of museum/gallery safety and facilities protocols (a plus)

• Experience bridging university and community contexts (a plus)