Exhibitions Lead Preparator

We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

As a member of the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) Museum team, the Exhibitions Lead Preparator will report to the Exhibitions Planning Director and will perform a range of duties associated with the production, installation, deinstallation, and ongoing care of its exhibitions. Under limited supervision, you will work with key stakeholders, including internal staff,

external project teams, and consultants to ensure that all exhibitions and interpretive elements are produced and maintained at the highest level of quality and seamlessly integrated with the museum base building.

During the current critical phase of building the OPC Museum and producing the inaugural exhibitions, the Lead Preparator will be an essential onsite presence and a key partner in supporting the development of fabrication and installation plans for the museum’s exhibitions. Post-museum opening, you will be responsible for a range of activities including daily maintenance, the fabrication of exhibit componentry and mount production for object rotations and special exhibitions, as well as overseeing art handling and fabrication contractors during exhibition installs and deinstallations.

The successful candidate will be proactive, resourceful, and detail-oriented, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment through up-to-date knowledge of best practice.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Exhibition Production:
• Ensure exhibition fabrication meets design intent and required rigor to operate daily; track items needing adjustment and remediation.
• Work with Director of Exhibitions Planning and Exhibitions Project Manager to plan and manage the installation/de-installation of exhibitions and object rotations, coordinating schedules and details with the Exhibitions, Collections, and Curatorial teams. Attend and participate in project meetings.
• Oversee and participate in construction, painting, fabrication of display fixtures, mounts, and crates as needed.Oversee printing and mounting of internally produced exhibition signage, including vinyl text, graphics, and object labels.
• Work with outside vendors and contractors in the development and implementation of specific projects, including oversight of quality, accuracy of work, and monitoring schedules.
• Oversee and maintain the appearance of exhibition spaces, including but not limited to dusting, cleaning vitrines, painting, and exhibition light replacement.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current museum practices relating to exhibition care and installation.
• Shop Management
• Manage and maintain the Exhibitions Woodshop, Graphics Shop, and onsite storage. Operate and maintain all tools and equipment associated with woodworking, limited in-house graphic production, mountmaking, and exhibit maintenance with the industry technological and aesthetic standards.
• Research new materials, production techniques, and technical advances.
• Provide timely estimates and schedules for construction of displays, cases, or pedestals as required.
• Ensure adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures in the operations of the preparator team and its work spaces.
• Administration
• Manage Exhibitions preparators, including hiring, training, scheduling, directing, disciplining, and providing annual performance reviews.
• Organize prep team’s short-term/long-term projects and set job assignments to meet institutional deadlines and priorities.
• Effectively develop and administer the exhibition maintenance budgets in conjunction with the Director of Exhibitions Planning and Project Manager.
• Prepare cost and material estimates for outsourced labor and gallery construction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Develop schedules, tracking mechanisms, and processes to manage the exhibition fabrication, maintenance, and object rotations production processes.
• Manage future development of exhibition fabrication standards for use by both internal preparators and external vendors.
• Establish tools to track and store all exhibition casework, furniture, and attic stock.
• Develop an exhibition action log and maintenance process to ensure timely repairs of exhibitry on public view.
• Participate in various working groups across the OPC and Foundation, such as teams working on exhibition rotation planning, temporary exhibition development, security, cleaning, and safety training.
• Garner full comprehension of the exhibition design, fabrication drawings, base building, and campus plans for the Obama Presidential Center and develop the ability to represent them to stakeholders.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• At least five to seven years of experience in the preparation, installation, and the handling of valuable art objects at a museum or gallery; at least two years of supervisory and management experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience with shop management and production schedule development.
• Proficiency in the safe use of a variety of hand and power tools, especially in the application of various materials.
• Advanced knowledge of materials, fabrication techniques, and construction processes.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specs, and architectural and construction plans.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with an ability to manage competing priorities.
• Fluency with a range of software SaaS programs, including Google Suite, Microsoft
• Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Asana, Slack, Zoom.
• Ability to travel and work extended and/or unusual hours as necessary.
  
  

The salary range for this role is between $79,040 and $98,800.

This is an in-office role based in our Chicago office located in Hyde Park.

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.