Chief Preparator

CHIEF PREPARATOR

Position Overview

The Aspen Art Museum seeks a motivated professional for the position of Chief Preparator. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions, the Chief Preparator leads all aspects of exhibition preparation and installation for the museum's dynamic program of contemporary art exhibitions and artists' projects. This hands-on role works closely with curators, artists, and contractors  to realize ambitious installations and programming on schedule and within budget. As project manager, the Chief Preparator plans exhibit logistics, directs preparators and contractors, procures equipment/materials, and ensures safe working conditions.

The Chief Preparator can expect a variable schedule based on the museum's active exhibition calendar. While core hours are Monday-Friday, weekend and evening work is frequently required during production periods.

Primary Tasks/Responsibilities:

1. Exhibition Planning and Execution:
   • Collaborate with Curatorial department to research, conceive, and actualize curatorial and artistic endeavors aligned with exhibition timelines
   • Closely partner with artists to strategize, fabricate and mount artworks, customized installations and supplementary materials
   • Manage technical elements of builds and audio/visual arrangements encompassing planning, fabrication, procurement of supplies/gear/programs, deployment, and direction of third party suppliers
   • Manage all gallery lighting systems, fixtures and hardware in collaboration with Facilities Department
   • Secure required city permits and maintain compliance with building, safety, and local regulations in all public and staff-only areas of the facility.
2. Team and Resource Management:
   • Lead and manage a team of freelance preparators to ensure excellence in all aspects of exhibition preparation and artwork handling:
     1. Develop and implement best practices for artwork installation, de-installation, packing, and crating
     2. Oversee proper handling and operation of specialized equipment, including lifts, rigging systems, and audio-visual technology
     3. Create and maintain detailed work schedules, assigning tasks based on individual strengths and exhibition requirements
     4. Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities
     5. Implement and enforce strict safety protocols
   • Define work orders and govern daily preparatory personnel, crew, and external contractors to satisfy institutional deadlines, budgets, and priorities
   • Collaborate closely with the Head of Exhibitions in the recruitment, training, scheduling, guidance and delivering constructive feedback to install crew
   • Help shape and steer exhibition budgets alongside Head of Exhibitions and Executive Leadership
   • Maintain production facility, art storage locations both on and off-site, A/V inventory, and other back of house spaces
3. Artwork Handling and Conservation:
   • Coordinate with Head of Exhibitions and Curatorial staff on receipt, packing, art-handling, and crating of all artwork loans
   • Accountable for routine exhibition maintenance over the duration of all shows, in close collaboration with Visitor Services and Facilities teams
4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
   • In tandem with Head of Exhibitions, synchronize exhibition operations with Facilities, Security, and other Museum divisions and calendars
   • Collaborate with Education and Public Programs departments to support and enhance visitor experience through exhibition-related programming and events
   • Coordinate with Marketing and Communications teams to provide technical insights for exhibition promotion and documentation
   • Work closely with Development team to support donor events and special exhibition previews
   • Liaise with Visitor Services to ensure front-of-house staff are well-informed about exhibition logistics and any special requirements
5. Public Programming Support:
   • Support public programming by providing technical expertise for artist talks, performances, and special events
6. Professional Conduct and Development:
   • Establish and maintain effective, tactful, and courteous working relationships with fellow employees, artists, and the general public
   • Participate in cross-departmental meetings and initiatives to ensure seamless integration of exhibition needs with overall museum operations
   • Engage in knowledge sharing across departments to foster a collaborative and innovative museum environment
   • Cultivate a culture of precision, care, and respect for artwork among the preparator team
7. Additional Responsibilities:
   • Perform other duties as directed within the scope of the Chief Preparator's job responsibilities

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Art, Design, or a related field and at least 5 years of experience managing an exhibition crew working on museum-quality art and AV installations is required.
• Extensive Art handling experience in a museum or gallery setting
• Qualified candidates must demonstrate proficiency in fabrication/production/workshop skills and safety, including hand and power tools. Candidates with experience
• assembling and operating rigging equipment, and welding or metal work experience will have an advantage in the review process.
• Experience with SketchUp and Rhino, and the ability to work easily with multiple teams across the Museum.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, codes, and standards relating to egress and accessibility.
• Demonstrate initiative, leadership, and innovative problem solving skills.
• Capable of excelling in a high-paced, deadline-driven work environment with professional demeanor at all times
• Must be able to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift up to 50 pounds) and operate a pallet jack, scissor lift, and forklift (certification available).
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required to occasionally drive trucks to shuttle artwork locally

Hours and Work Schedule

This is a full-time exempt position primarily working M-F, with some evening and weekend work required as business needs change. The budgeted annualized salary range is $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience. Aspen Art Museum offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time-off, H/D/V, HSA contributions, 401k and other perks.  This job is based in Aspen, CO.

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Application Instructions

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Aspen Art Museum and the responsibilities presented herein, as well as your specific qualifications for the Head of Exhibitions role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected. All inquiries will be held in confidence. Aspen Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Aspen Art Museum Mission

Aspen Art Museum is an artist-founded institution dedicated to supporting artists in the development of bold ideas to shape our museum and the field of art today. We are both a platform and a place, highly attuned to the advancement of the vital ecosystem of art and the critical discourse surrounding it within the context and community of Aspen and beyond. As an exhibition-focused, non-collecting museum, we are positioned to make strong commitments to meaningful exchange, both responding to—and driving—cultural change.

Salary : $70,000 - $100,000