Head of Experience Production and Preparation at Asianart

Head of Experience Production and Preparation

Job Category: Asian Art Museum

Requisition Number: HEADO001289

Posted: September 29, 2024

Location: 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Company Description

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 18,000 inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Dynamic special exhibitions, cultural celebrations, and public programs for all ages provide rich art experiences that unlock the past and spark questions about the future.

Job Description

The Asian Art Museum is seeking a highly skilled Head of Experience Production and Preparation to lead a talented team in managing the logistics, technical aspects, and installation of museum exhibitions and experiences, including special exhibitions, collection gallery displays, programs, and events.

In this role, you will work closely with a cross-departmental creative team, providing leadership and guidance for the construction, installation, de-installation, and art handling processes. You’ll also serve as a key advisor for Experience Design, collaborating on innovative production methods to enhance the museum's exhibitions and experience offerings to the public.

This position supervises a team of experience production and preparation staff as well as temporary as-needed contractors.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee the installation, de-installation, carpentry, matting and framing, mount-making, welding, and storage of exhibition assets. Manage artwork rotations, collections projects, and all other department tasks while ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.
• Serve as a key advisor to the division head on project feasibility, scheduling, design, and budget considerations. Identify potential challenges and recommend effective solutions.
• Deliver cost projections and alternate production options; anticipate project needs for staff and materials.
• Review design proposals and advise on production methods to align projects with museum experience goals, staying within scope and budget.
• Collaborate with conservators, curators, designers, and other teams to plan and execute exhibition construction, mount-making, and framing, ensuring the use of secure hardware and archival materials. Lead design project implementation.
• Manage department budgets, providing time and labor estimates to senior management based on cost analyses. Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Coordinate the transportation and movement of artworks and exhibition materials between museum locations and off-site facilities. Oversee storage and maintenance of crates, carpentry tools, digital screens, and other multimedia displays.
• Purchase and maintain necessary equipment and materials for exhibition needs. Collaborate with teams to manage inventories and optimize storage space.
• Provide project oversight for all construction related to museum experiences, ensuring alignment with budget and purchasing processes. Prepare bid specifications, evaluate vendors, oversee contracts, and ensure contractor compliance with museum and OSHA standards.
• Analyze operational policies and procedures, prepare reports with findings, and develop recommendations to improve efficiency. Draft and implement new policies as needed.
• Ensure team training and communication on best practices for exhibition preparation, OSHA, ADA compliance, and other safety regulations. Lead staff training and performance management.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of tools and equipment; plan for future needs.
• Work closely with division and department heads to prioritize short-term projects and contribute to long-term museum planning.
• Lead research and testing of materials and construction technologies, maintaining detailed records of successful methods and materials used in projects.
• May include additional duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, construction, and installation of exhibit displays.

The above minimum qualifications reflect special conditions associated with the position to be filled. They may differ from the standard minimum associated with this classification.

Desirable Qualifications:

The desirable qualifications may be used to select among finalists at the end of the selection process. We don't expect any one candidate to have all the listed below - please know that you can be a great candidate without all of the below qualifications. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have a mix of the desirable qualifications and a passion for this work – please don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the preparation, construction, and installation of exhibit displays with at least four (4) years working in a supervisory role, preferably in a museum, gallery, or studio setting.

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process.

Selection Procedures - After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following:

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (Weight: Qualifying) – After submitting your application and receiving the confirmation email, you will receive an email with a link to the Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (MQSQ). Candidates will be required to complete a MQSQ as part of the employment application.

This is a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A.