Head Preparator and Exhibit Manager

Description

The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Head Preparator and Exhibit Manager. Reporting to the Director of Exhibits, the Head Preparator and Exhibit Manager assists in the planning, preparation, and design of Museum exhibitions and leads all aspects of their installation and deinstallation. The Head Preparator and Exhibit Manager also coordinates the packing, moving, maintenance, and security of collections on display. Working with the Director of Exhibits and Exhibit Production Manager to coordinate and fulfill strategic activities of the Exhibits department, the Head Preparator and Exhibit Manager ensures the appropriate flow of information from the exhibits team to stakeholders; helps prepare and manage exhibit budgets, records, purchasing, timelines and assignments; and coordinates the internal and external activities related to the development and execution of exhibitions - ranging from small internally organized installations to projects that tour nationally and internationally. The Head Preparator and Exhibit Manager will also assist the Exhibit Production Manager with the upkeep and maintenance of permanent exhibits.

Requirements

Exhibit Preparation

• Manage all activities related to the installation and de-installation of Museum special, traveling, and permanent exhibitions, including: receiving shipments, packing and unpacking materials and artifacts, artifact handling, and installation/de-installation of artifacts and exhibition graphics, signage, and labels.
• Design and fabricate, or oversee the design and fabrication of, display and storage mounts for objects.
• Work with the Senior Registrar and Collection Managers to establish and maintain best practices for handling, lighting, crating, and shipping of all collection objects.
• Assist with the selection of relevant contractors/consultants for exhibitions, factoring in suitability and cost efficiency for the project.
• Light, or supervise lighting of, exhibitions according to conservation standards and research and implement gallery lighting solutions.
• Conduct regular inspections of gallery installations and coordinate maintenance and cleaning of exhibition spaces. 
• Remain current with approaches and developments in materials and techniques used in preparation and display of the museum collections.

Exhibit Management

• Plan and manage the schedule of construction and fabrication of exhibition walls, cases, pedestals, props, and other display elements.
• Develop and manage scope of work, service contracts and fee schedule for service contracts (exhibit development, fabrication, evaluation, etc.).
• Coordinate day-to-day and ongoing activities and assignments of the exhibit department in collaboration with the Director of Exhibits and Exhibit Production Manager.
• Develop and manage individual exhibition schedules and circulate schedules to relevant parties.
• Maintain Museum Exhibits calendar in synchronization with other Museum shared calendars and coordinates exhibit work with Operations, Events, and Facilities.
• Develop and manage exhibition budgets working with the Director of Exhibits and Associate Vice President of Collections & Exhibits.
• Research and maintain appropriate paperwork, certifications and records required for exhibits.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in art, design, architecture, or related field from an accredited college, or equivalent work experience 
• A minimum of five years of related work experience, preferably in a museum environment 
• Ability to work with hand tools and power tools to fabricate and maintain museum exhibits 
• Knowledge of carpentry, welding, and paint/scenic production preferred 
• Familiarity with modern production tools (CNC routers, 3D printers, laser cutters, etc.) preferred but not required along with basic use of CAD software to submit production drawings for review 
• Demonstrated skill in developing and installing special exhibitions including wall, platform and case construction 
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills 
• Strong oral, written, and visual communication skills as well as strong organizational skills 
• Must be detail-oriented, have good hand-eye coordination for performing precise tasks 
• Must be able to work collaboratively and respectfully in a team environment 
• Must be able to lift, carry and place objects on shelves, including overhead, up to 50 pounds without assistance 
• Willingness to work overtime during special events or heavy visitation periods or to meet deadlines 
• Ability to climb ladders up to 12 feet

In addition to offering competitive wages, the Museum’s benefits package includes: 

• Medical insurance – 2 plan options; Museum pays 75% of premium 
• Dental and vision insurance 
• Flexible spending account 
• 401(k) – Museum matches 50% of employee contribution up to 6%; employer contribution full vested after 3 years of employment 
• Life insurance and AD&D - $15,000 policy employer paid; additional life and AD&D available 
• Long term disability insurance 
• Paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year 
• Free parking 
• Tuition assistance and professional development 
• Employee assistance program 

The National WWII Museum is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity in its workforce.  We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.