M+’s exhibition programme is at the core of the Museum ambition. An active, influential and engaging programme of temporary exhibitions and collection rotations will be delivered upon the opening of the institution. With a first year dedicated to Collection, special exhibitions will take place in key spaces in the building starting in 2022. M+ is now looking for an efficient and highly experienced Exhibitions leader to support the ambitions of the curatorial programme.
The Head, Exhibitions & Displays will work closely with the Deputy Director, Collection & Exhibition, and play a leading role in the development and delivery of M+’s programme of exhibitions and collections displays ensuring curatorial ambition and budgetary objectives are met. The role will be responsible for the day-to-day management of three core teams within the Collection & Exhibition Department: Exhibitions, Installations & Displays and Design. As a core member of the Collection & Exhibition services team, this post will be responsible for recruiting and further professionalising the project management teams, ensuring the delivery of the exhibition programme and bringing significant practical experience of managing permanent and/ or temporary exhibition projects to the organisation. It is a core liaison role that works between all curatorial and collection related departments along with District-wide staff when necessary.
You will be responsible for:
- leading and managing the planning of the overall M+ temporary exhibition programme to ensure that all exhibitions are delivered efficiently to the highest possible curatorial standard, on time and to budget;
- overseeing all future rotating collection exhibitions and ensuring adequate planning and provision of resources are in place;
- managing and developing an exhibitions team, including recruitment and training of staff, and leading the development of exhibition policies and procedures;
- line managing the Exhibitions, Installations & Displays and Design teams to ensure efficient delivery of exhibition programme across the Museum;
- planning and allocating resources for exhibitions and effectively distributing work to ensure tight coordination and transparent communication amongst the Curatorial Department, Registration & Collections Management and Conservation teams;
- mastering overall exhibitions budgets;
- working with the senior management team across M+ to communicate and plan the delivery of the exhibitions and displays programme in a timely manner;
- recognising critical risks and taking action to mitigate them;
- ensuring all exhibitions are evaluated and evaluation is acted upon; continuously collecting and analysing audience and attendance data to inform the Museum’s efforts;
- collaborating with Development Department to secure sponsorship for the Museum exhibitions and installations;
- overseeing the planning and execution of the first collection installation at the M+ building as part of the Opening Display project;
- participating in strategic planning, budgeting and decision making for the Exhibitions & Displays activities; and
- acting as a champion for M+ exhibitions regionally and internationally.
You should:
- possess a recognised university degree in art history, museum studies or equivalent;
- have at least 10 to 15 years of experience managing all aspects of temporary exhibitions including international tours within a large cultural organisation and extensive experience with international projects and partners;
- have a proven record of working to international museum standards for transport, packing, handling and environmental requirements and negotiating contracts;
- showcase excellent project management skills and ability to plan work to meet agreed standards and monitor deadlines and budgets;
- demonstrate ability to work in a changing environment and to institute new standards, working methods and practices that result in improved efficiency and effectiveness whist maintaining moral and an enjoyable work environment for the team;
- be highly organised with a strong sense of integrity, personal responsibility and ability to prioritise effectively;
- be capable of addressing complex issues and resolving conflicts even when facing high pressure situations;
- demonstrate strong leadership skills and experience of managing, motivating and leading interdisciplinary teams, both directly as a line manager and indirectly on project teams;
- be well connected with a broad network of international peers and other museums professionals; and
- be a highly effective communicator with influencing skills (written and oral) in English and preferably in Chinese.
