Director of Installations

Position Summary

The Director of Installations leads the Art Center's Installations Department. They are responsible for planning, designing, and directing the fabrication, installation, disassembly of all art-related rotations and exhibitions, both at the main campus and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. They also help oversee the care and preservation of art, especially the Art Center's distinguished permanent collections, roughly 6,300 objects. The Director of Installations manages a team of preparators and art handles, and coordinates the overall operations of the Installations department, working closely with other departments to plan and execute all activities related to special exhibitions and permanent collections. The Director of Installations is a key member of the Exhibitions and Leadership teams, and liaises closely with the Facilities department.

Reporting Relationship

The position reports to the John and Mary Pappajohn Executive Director and is responsible for managing/supervising the Installations Department, which includes Assistant and Associate Preparators, Preparators, Conservation Technician/Works on Paper Coordinator, Installation Technicians, and outside vendors/contractors. The Director of Installations also liaises with a range of Senior Director- and Director-level colleagues as well as trustees and donors. As a result, the following expectations are required:

Model professionalism and leadership
Establish a safe environment
Set expectations and hold people accountable
Grow people for improved performance
Deliver results
Foster communication within and between departments
Embody and promote the Art Center's mission and strategic plan internally and externally

Major Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Leads a team of multi-skilled Preparators and Museum Technicians, ensuring all aspects of art handling,
fabrication, and installation are executed safely and effectively.
Oversees the installation of all objects related to exhibitions, rotating displays, and permanent collection
presentations, delegating projects to team members and liaising between curators, registrars, and artists.
Reviews and develops the exhibition and installation schedule in coordination with the Exhibitions Project Manager
and the Curatorial and Registration and Collections departments.
Liaises with Curatorial, Registration and Collections, Facilities, and Security Departments to ensure projects open on
time and meet museum safety and security standards.
Collaborates with the Curatorial Department to design and execute installation plans for changing exhibitions, both
temporary and permanent. Solves engineering and logistical problems during the execution of such plans, and is
hands on in the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions and sculptures at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Consults with the Curators, Registrars, and artists to ensure the proper handling, movement and installation of art
objects. Additionally, consults with the Curatorial and the Registration and Collections departments about
preservation and conservation matters and display techniques Assists curatorial and support staff with design
documents to aid in the visualization of gallery layouts.
Oversees and, when appropriate, assists on, the design and construction of fixtures, pedestals, frames, and
exhibition furniture
Facilitates and manages the proper lighting of artwork in all exhibition settings.
Oversees the design, construction, and packing of crates for outgoing permanent collection loans.
Works closely with contractors and vendors regarding exhibition construction and care of the collection.
Coordinates the work schedules of Installations staff and contracted personnel on a daily basis to ensure effective and efficient daily operations.
Manages the performance of all installations staff and ensures they receive proper training on in-house policies and procedures, the skills necessary to execute their tasks, and professional development as needed.
Ensures the correct implementation of safety procedures, material and artwork handling, packing, the use of tools and systems commonly used in the installation process, and adherence to protocols when working with artists.
Embraces a growth mindset, following important trends and changes to the field of art handling; routinely updates the department's standards and best practices
Manages the department's operating budget, processes invoices, and ensures adherence to budgeted expenditures
Acts as a courier for loans if necessary
Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintain professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adheres to the Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other organizational policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Professionalism in interacting with staff, consultants, and contractors.
Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities with a proven ability to think strategically, adapt to changing environments, operate effectively in high pressure situations, solve problems, and effectively guide teams to achieve goals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as organizational, delegation, and time management skills
Ability to plan for the short, medium, and long term
Proven knowledge of exhibition design and best fine art handling practices, including rigging large complex works as well as archival matting and framing techniques and firm knowledge of preservation and conservation practices as they relate to the varied mediums within the collection. Exercises good judgement and makes decisions in accordance with established Art Center policies. Ability to maintain confidentiality in matters that require privacy.
Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word, CAD, or other design software and media technologies.
Must be to work on time consistently, arriving to meetings and appointments on time, and ensuring responsibilities are covered when absence is necessary.
Carpentry skills strongly desired.
A thorough knowledge of power tools, hand tools, and safety practices.
Experience with construction management and fabrication, including life/safety and ADA requirements.
Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process and makes timely decisions.
Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit and embraces collaborative practice; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives and supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Required Education, Experience and/or Certification

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience; master's degree preferred.
Minimum five (5) years museum experience.
Minimum of two (2) years of Management/supervisory experience
Must be able to obtain an operator's license for powered industrial trucks and aerial equipment.

Work Environment

Indoor and outdoor work is performed, sometimes in adverse weather conditions including extreme cold or heat. Some evening and weekend work is occasionally required for special events or projects. Travel, including international travel, may be required for exhibition research or courier responsibilities.

Physical Factors

Work is medium to heavy: exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must be able to climb a ladder
Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods and frequently bend and stoop
Must have good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, and precision when working with tools

Equipment Used

Office equipment, machines, and supplies
PC equipment and software
Hand tools, electrical tools, pneumatic tools
Fletcher wall mounted and table mat cutting equipment, utility knives
Aerial lifts, forklifts, ladders, gantry and scaffolding

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment & advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center's policy to hire & promote qualified individuals based on their interest, aptitude, and qualifications, and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity, national origin, race, or skin color; gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal, State, or Local law.