About the position
The Head of Exhibitions and Publications is responsible for overseeing a team and leading the planning and execution of assigned exhibitions, permanent collection installations, publications, and special projects. Under the direction of the Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Interpretation, this role supports the daily operations of the department and ensures effective coordination across all related activities. The Head of Exhibitions and Publications also provides strategic and operational oversight of the institution’s Exhibitions and Publications program, guiding project timelines, budgets, and cross-departmental collaboration to produce high-quality exhibitions as well as print and digital publications. This position serves as a key liaison with external partners—including lending institutions, contractors, designers, and publishers—as well as with internal departments such as Collections, Curatorial, Finance, Education, Marketing, and Development. The role is central to ensuring that exhibitions and publications are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest professional standards.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of exhibition planners, fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
- Provide comprehensive project management for assigned exhibitions, gallery rotations, permanent collection installations, and special initiatives.
- Establish and maintain production schedules for all phases of assigned exhibitions and installations.
- Negotiate, draft, and manage exhibition and publication-related contracts and letters of agreement.
- Develop and manage detailed budgets for assigned exhibitions and publications.
- Manage the scheduling and execution of construction, installation, and deinstallation activities for exhibitions.
- Oversee the maintenance of complete and accurate records for each assigned exhibition and publication.
- Lead and manage all phases of the museum’s Publications program, from concept development through final production and delivery.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned exhibitions organized by other institutions.
- Support the Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Interpretation with departmental initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or Studio Art.
- Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible general museum experience in exhibition planning and administration.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex exhibition and publication projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and managing project budgets and schedules effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required.
- Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) or similar collections management databases is highly desirable.
Nice-to-haves
- Ability to understand color as applied to environmental spaces.
- Basic knowledge of lighting design and understanding of materials and fabrication techniques.
- Working knowledge of TMS database.
