IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY: 

Reporting to the Director of University Galleries, the Exhibition Coordinator and Lead Preparator oversees the planning, logistics, installation, and presentation of exhibitions. This role combines technical expertise, organizational skills, and a collaborative spirit to support the gallery’s mission and enhance the visitor experience.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works with curators, preparators, and artists to care for and oversee the installation of artworks, as well as manage temporary exhibitions.

Develop and manage exhibition schedules, budgets, and timelines.

Coordinate shipping, receiving, and safe handling of artworks, including condition reporting and packing.

Communicate with artists, lenders, and vendors regarding exhibition needs.

Serve as a liaison with campus facilities staff to address exhibition space and artwork maintenance or setup needs.

Supervise installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, including wall preparation, lighting, and object placement.

Design and fabricate exhibition furniture, mounts, and display cases as needed.

Operate and maintain tools and equipment, including ladders, and AV systems.

Ensure compliance with safety standards for all installation activities.

Regularly inspect and repair gallery equipment, pedestals, and walls. Maintain the cleanliness and professional appearance of gallery spaces.

Monitor climate control and security measures to safeguard artworks.

Design labels and other signage, including administrative production support, as needed.

Works with University Galleries’ staff as a team on loan requests, shipping, and installation logistics, and accompanying materials.

Assists with the maintenance and documentation of the collection.

Collaborates with Engagement and Outreach Manager on visitor experience to engage the diverse audiences we serve through accessible exhibition presentations and programs.

Supervises a team of part-time temporary art handers/preparators/exhibition technicians for exhibition installation and de-installation.

Keeps informed about developments in museum best practices, and current issues in the museum, and art worlds and plans for ongoing effective professional development.

Coordinates photography and scanning of exhibition installations providing.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Management retains the right to change or add job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Art History, Visual Arts, Curatorial/Museum Studies, or related field.  

A minimum of at least two years of relevant experience working in the field, preferably in an academic museum or gallery setting.

Experience coordinating and installing exhibitions in a museum setting or comparable organization.

Ability to occasionally work outside of normal office hours, travel, work evenings and/or weekends as necessary in the performance of assigned responsibilities.

Strong knowledge of art handling and installation techniques for various media.

Proficiency with tools, carpentry, and basic fabrication.

Familiarity with AV equipment and software, including projectors, sound systems, and media players.

Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) and work at heights.

Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

PREFERRED:

Experience coordinating exhibitions curated by others. Detail-oriented, meticulous, and conscientious in following through on assigned tasks. Proficiency with technical equipment, such as A/V systems.

Demonstrated knowledge of exhibition and design software, such as SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.

Previous experience in a college/university museum.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Department

University Galleries

Position Type

Professional - Non-Faculty

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/