Head Art Preparator, Installations and Exhibitions | Asia Society

Head Art Preparator, Installations and Exhibitions

Location:          New York

Department:     Arts and Culture

Reports to:       Director, Museum Operations and Administration

FLSA Status:    Exempt

Job Type:          Full -Time, Benefits Eligible

Compensation: $75,000 - $83,000

Schedule:          40 hrs/week

Start Date:         March 2025

SUMMARY:

The Head Art Preparator, Installations and Exhibitions directs a team of art handlers implementing exhibitions and installations, as well as assisting with the design of exhibitions and casework, identifying and implementing technical solutions, overseeing installation and gallery equipment budgets, maintaining museum spaces throughout the year, and managing special projects. This is a role that requires management experience and a strong skillset, including communication skills. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversee installations and de-installations in collaboration with the Director, Collections and Exhibitions Management, including management of budget; development of installation requirements; assist with assembly and handling of artwork and crates; shipping and storage logistics; hire and supervise construction technicians as needed and crew of art handlers; and draft agreements and liaise with contractors.
  • Design and manage lighting and A/V technology for exhibitions and galleries, and develop solutions to installation and technical requirements in collaboration with project teams.
  • Support exhibition design and casework as needed in conjunction with curators, ensuring that designs align with goals while staying within budget and space constraints, and utilizing Sketch-up and other software as is appropriate.
  • Maintain all museum spaces, including lighting and mechanical and technical aspects of exhibitions; daily museum maintenance checks; and scheduling and supporting art handlers.
  • Develop and maintain inventory of museum technical equipment and tools, including care, repair, and replacement; and management of both onsite and offsite museum equipment storage spaces in collaboration with the Director, Museum Operations and Administration.
  • Assist in the maintenance of the permanent collections in collaboration with the Director, Collection and Exhibition Management and curatorial team, including collections conservation; maintenance of storage facilities; and movement of the collection as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 4-5 years of art handling and installation experience, including managing art handlers. Museum experience preferred.
  • B.A. in Fine Arts or Art History, and/or a graduate degree or certificate in Museum Studies a plus.
  • Developed verbal, written, and overall communications skills.
  • Ability to work cross-culturally with diverse teams and professionals from different educational and cultural backgrounds.
  • Works with others towards common purposes to achieve shared goals by developing and maintaining responsive, cooperative and mutually beneficial internal and external relationships.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and good writing skills.
  • Identifies new and creative ways of completing assigned tasks or solving a problem that improves, changes and results in value to the organization and constituencies.
  • Proven organizational skills, with a strong ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and think creatively.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of graphics design programs a plus.
  • Knowledge of construction techniques essential.
  • Knowledge and experience with A/V and lighting required.
  • Exhibition design experience and familiarity with digital design programs, including SketchUp, is preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $75,000 - $83,000

Compensation within this range is determined by skills, experience, and organizational equity.

Asia Society offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b)-retirement plan, numerous paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, self-development hours, and more. Please visit asiasociety.org/about/careers and click on “Employee Benefits” to view our full benefits summary.

Benefit package highlights:

  • An HRA plan is available to supplement our medical plan.
  • After 1 year of service (1,000 hours), the Asia Society contributes 6% of gross earnings to an eligible employee’s 403(b) account, regardless of whether the employee makes their own contributions.
  • The Asia Society offers Self-Development time off, including Self-Development Summer Fridays between July 4th and Labor Day.

ABOUT ASIA SOCIETY:

Founded in 1956, Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. We provide a platform for dialogue and encourage a diversity of views as we try to find the most effective ways forward. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has 16 Global Centres around the world.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this role, all applicants must submit a completed application to: [email protected]

A completed application must include:

  • Resume OR CV
  • Cover letter
  • Salary requirements
  • Subject line: Head Art Preparator, Installations and Exhibitions

Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Please regard your submission as received unless your email is bounced back.

 

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility in the workplace. Women and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.