Exhibitions Manager

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The Exhibitions Manager role at FotoFest involves comprehensive oversight of all logistics associated with the production and presentation of FotoFest’s annual exhibitions and Biennial projects. Collaborating closely with FotoFest’s Executive Director, Curator, Auction Manager, as well as contracted vendors and installers, the Exhibitions Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all exhibitions are executed with impeccable timing, budget adherence, and alignment with FotoFest’s high exhibition standards. From coordinating exhibition schedules and budgets to managing installation processes and overseeing exhibition-related contracts, the Exhibitions Manager is a crucial team member who ensures the successful realization of FotoFest’s dynamic exhibitions.

Responsibilities

Ensure efficient and manageable project timelines for exhibitions, overseeing team workload and project development.
Manage registration and exhibition preparation in coordination with the Curator and Executive Director, organizing incoming loans, legal documentation, insurance, packing, and shipping logistics.
Create and manage condition reports for all loaned artworks and photographs, maintaining communication with the Curator, Executive Director, and lenders to ensure artworks’ care and condition.
Prepare artworks and photographs for installation, including framing, matting, and basic fabrication such as vitrine and sculptural artwork preparation; Familiar with established methods and techniques of framing and matting for temporary exhibitions.
Work with the Executive Director and Curator to oversee the long-term exhibition schedule, taking into account FotoFest’s curatorial mission, financial goals, and Biennial schedule.
Collaborate with the Curator and Director of Publishing to develop and maintain exhibition budgets throughout the year, providing monthly expense projections to the Executive Director.
Draft and oversee all exhibition contracts for outside vendors, including artists, contractors, and technicians.
Prepare exhibition spaces prior to installation, securing lease contracts with venues, organizing contractors, and preparing installation layout plans.
Hire, schedule, and manage framers, photography printers, and image specialists for exhibition preparation, securing vendors, drafting contracts, and overseeing production.
Hire, schedule, and manage installation team, technicians, and contractors for all FotoFest exhibitions.
Assist installation teams with art handling.
Oversee exhibition equipment inventory and resources, including frame stock, A/V equipment, and gallery furniture, identifying and recommending exhibition equipment and resources to FotoFest and exhibiting artists.
Oversee storage of all exhibitions-related materials, including crated artworks, exhibition furniture, and installation equipment.
Attend FotoFest operations meetings and serve as a liaison between the exhibitions department and other FotoFest departments.

The Ideal Candidate

Holds a bachelor’s degree (Studio Art, Conservation, or Arts Admin/Leadership preferred).
Has a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in exhibitions management and production, registration work, or related field.
Demonstrates effective leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate and lead teams while simultaneously managing multiple projects and budgets.
Possesses exemplary administrative skills, including the ability to lead, organize, delegate, and facilitate effective communication within teams. Proven ability to foster collaboration among internal and external teams, promoting a cohesive and cooperative work environment.
Proficient in installation techniques and skilled in the use of basic construction tools.
Proficiency in windows-based emailing, word processing, spreadsheet, and design software.
Exhibits strong written and verbal communication skills.
Possesses excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrates creativity and decisiveness in their approach to work.
Is a team-player and enthusiastic collaborator.
Possesses the ability to safely lift 30lbs.

The Benefits

The remuneration package for this role commences at $40,000 and encompasses a comprehensive array of benefits, including:

Full coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance benefits
Participation in a SIMPLE IRA program
Generous paid time-off, totaling three weeks, which includes two weeks of flexible accrued paid time-off, as well as one week of institutional paid time-off during the office closure for the winter holiday. Paid sick time is also provided.
Closure on holidays, including MLK Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

About FotoFest

FotoFest is a Houston-based contemporary arts organization co-founded by photojournalists Frederick Baldwin and Wendy Watriss. FotoFest is dedicated to advancing photography and visual culture through the presentation of exhibitions, public programs, and publications. The examination of social, cultural, and political histories and contemporary life through the lens of photography and related media is central to FotoFest’s mission.

In addition to the organization’s year-round programming, FotoFest organizes a city-wide biennial project in the form of large-scale central exhibitions, curated lectures, performances, a symposium, and film programs. The organization also hosts several professional development programs, including annually held Meeting Place Portfolio Reviews, which host over 400 artists and 150 professionals working in the field of art and photography. Through its Literacy Through Photography program, FotoFest organizes K-12 classroom-based learning projects designed to encourage creativity and strengthen student writing, comprehension, and expression, reaching thousands of students.

A platform for art and ideas since 1983, FotoFest is committed to promoting lasting international dialogue, cultural exchange, scholarship, and community enrichment by working with artists, audiences, academics, curators, and influential figures in art, culture, and society.

For more information visit: https://fotofest.org/about.

FotoFest’s Mission

FotoFest’s mission is to bring together a global vision of art and cross-cultural exchange with a commitment to social issues, community involvement, and the enrichment of cultural resources.

Our Commitment

At FotoFest, we prioritize upholding the values of equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities to all our employees and applicants, irrespective of their race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability status for service in the United States Armed Forces.

To Apply

To apply, send a cover letter (300 words max), resumé, and the contact information of three professional references to info@fotofest.org with the subject line “Exhibitions Manager.” Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This post will be removed once filled. Please do not call FotoFest for updates about the status of your application.