Director of Exhibition Planning and Design - Philadelphia Museum of Art

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. 

The Director of Exhibition Planning and Design oversees the effective planning and execution of all temporary exhibitions and installations at the museum, as well as traveling exhibitions. Reporting to the Deputy Director and Chief Curator, this position manages the staff of Exhibition Planning. Exhibition Design and Installations and Packing. 


Specifically, you will:

• Oversee the exhibition budget for exhibition and installations, as well as all aspects of the planning and design process.in order to ensure the successful execution of all temporary exhibitions and gallery installations at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This could include displays at the Main Museum, the Rodin Museum and the Perelman Building along with traveling exhibitions.  Leading a staff of three associate directors, this position will be responsible for ensuring that all logistical requirements, budget requirements and fund allocations are closely aligned,   
• Partner with executive staff and the Office of the Chief Curator on long-term planning for the exhibition and installation program.  
• Working closely with executive staff and the Office of the Chief Curator, work to develop a national and international network of strategic partnership with other institutions, and a program of traveling shows.  
• Develop and maintain the detailed exhibition and installation calendar with the Associate Director of Exhibition Planning.  
• Collaborate with the Office of the Chief Curator to develop exhibitions and commissions to be presented at the museum.  
• Oversee all stages of planning and implementation for installations and exhibitions and assigned; ensure smooth and effective execution of these exhibitions (e.g. on time and within budget).  
• Organize and lead exhibition and installation planning and implementation meetings with appropriate staff; facilitate communication between all parties involved in exhibition planning and implementation and provide leadership to resolve conflicts.  
• Manage the staff of Exhibition Planning, Exhibition Design, and Installations and Packing in support of exhibitions and installations.  
• Work closely with the budget manager and finance team to develop exhibition expense projections for exhibitions and installations; track and manage the annual exhibition budget. Prepare forecast throughout the year that track and manage budgeted expenses.  Provide analysis of year-over-year trends.  Identify revenue opportunities for traveling exhibitions that are aligned with the goals and objectives of the museum.   
• Review all invoices related to assigned exhibitions with departmental staff and ensure invoicing of participation fees is processed in accordance with the contract schedule.  
• Work with the legal department to develop contracts and conduct negotiations with exhibition partners; ensure all contractual obligations are met.  
• Provide strategic direction and oversee the work of the Exhibition Designers to ensure projects remain on timelines and within budgets. 
• Oversee other museum needs and initiatives, as needed; recent examples include coordinating capital improvements with the exhibition schedule and broad range of capital planning budgets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

• 8-10 or more years of experience working in Exhibitions area for a museum, gallery, or foundation.  
• Experience developing and managing budgets in excess of $3,000,000.  
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts and legal agreements.  
• Experience managing others effectively and working collaboratively in team settings.  
• Strong analytical skills.  
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.  
• Excellent organizational ability.  
• Willingness to travel, as needed.  
• Degree in art history / museum management preferred.  

Position and Compensation Details
 

• The salary for this position is $148,133
• This position is Full-Time, Exempt and 35 hours per week.
• This position reports to the Chief Curator.
• Physical requirements:
  • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements
 

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:
 

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:
 

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.
 

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