Collections and Exhibitions Planning Director

Position Overview: Reporting to the Museum Director, the Collections and Exhibitions Planning Director has primary oversight of the planning, administration, and execution of PAMM’s permanent collection initiatives and exhibition program. This position supervises, mentors, and aligns the activities and workflow within collections care, loans, temporary exhibitions, and ongoing presentations of PAMM’s permanent collection. The Collections and Exhibitions Planning Director is responsible for departmental efficiencies and operational management by communicating clear plans and priorities, structure, and roles and responsibilities of the department. This position works closely with the departmental heads of Preparation and Design, Registration and Curatorial, and other departments while exploring opportunities for the institution’s collection with the Director.

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to:

• Develops short and long-range planning in the Collections and Exhibitions department and manages efficient staffing and workflow processes following PAMM’s strategic plans and vision.
• Oversees the scheduling, administration, and production of the museum’s in-house and loan-based exhibitions as well as ongoing permanent collection presentations
• Responsible for exhibition-related negotiations, including proposals, contractual agreements, and fees
• Develops and monitors the annual departmental budget for the Collections and Exhibitions department
• Works with PAMM’s Associate Registrar, Collections, to oversee the preparation of materials for meetings of PAMM’s Acquisitions and Collections Committee; attends all Acquisitions and Collections Committee meetings.
• Annually assesses PAMM’s fine arts insurance needs and negotiates insurance policy renewals to maintain adequate coverage for the permanent collection and current and future loans to the museum.
• On an annual basis, works with Associate Registrar, Collections, to assess the maintenance and storage of the museum’s collection at off-site facilities, negotiates lease renewals, and acquires additional storage to accommodate PAMM’s growing collection.
• With expertise in best practices, collaborates with PAMM’s General Counsel to periodically review and update the museum’s forms, policies, and procedures that pertain to the acquisition of artwork, loan agreements, exhibition agreements, commission agreements, etc.
• Working with the heads of preparation and registration, establishes and communicates installation and security requirements for exhibitions to key staff and implements security protocols to best protect artworks on view during museum hours and events
• Leads the department’s ongoing efforts in collection digitizing projects, rights and reproduction activities and initiatives, and other projects to optimize intellectual property.
• Develops and manages the museum’s traveling exhibition program and proactively seeks partnerships and opportunities with local, national, and international museums.
• For PAMM-organized touring exhibitions, serves as primary contact with partnering institutions, including negotiating tour terms, responsibilities, and contracts, and manages budgeting and reconciliation of shared costs.
• Regularly prepares reports for PAMM’s Board of Trustees meetings, including results of Acquisitions Committee meetings and updates on loans.
• Contributes to grant applications and fundraising proposals as requested
• Represents the Collections and Exhibitions department and serves as staff liaison.

Requirements

Required Degree: Bachelor’s Degree/4-Year Degree

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, Arts Administration or closely related specialty and seven (7) years of experience in exhibition planning and production and collection management.
• Thorough knowledge of best practices in collection management including the handling, care, installation, and storage of art, registration methods, and fundamental exhibition practices, policies, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge and familiarity with laws pertaining to ownership and custody of artworks; tax laws relating to charitable donations; insurance laws; import/export laws; and basic understanding of intellectual property concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities, as needed.
• Ability to effectively represent PAMM to outside professionals, lenders, donors, and artists.
• Ability to manage sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and museum collection databases; experience with The Museum System Collections (TMSC), preferred
• Demonstrated success in the planning and execution of exhibitions with challenging logistics.
• Spanish language proficiency is helpful.

Teamwork Skills: 

• Be an enthusiastic, helpful and positive member of the team
• Be professional, responsible, and mature in conduct and behavior
• Be understanding of, encouraging and friendly with all co-workers
• Be self-motivated and use time wisely
• Maintain an open line of communication with each department on pertinent information
• Maintain effective communication through meetings and memorandums
• Adhere to all work rules, procedures, and policies established by the company, including but not limited to those in the employee handbook.

Physical Demands:

• Walk, bend, lift (up to 15 pounds) files, office supplies, and electronic equipment.
• Finger dexterity to pick up paper and use computer keyboard.
• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
• Ability to hear in normal tones, including telephone and face-to-face conversation.