Manager, Art Handling and Packing for Relocation

MISSION

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Hiring Range
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Special Projects Salaried Staff
• Grade Level: 8

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The department of collections and loans (C L) oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, defining the processes that ensure compliance with the museum’s collection and loan policies as well as legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and/or sellers.

In four distinct areas, C L implements policies that govern the day to day application of museum best practices regarding documentation and record keeping; collection database and metadata management; logistics and shipping; art handling and packing; storage; insurance; and, risk management.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Manager, Relocation Art Preparation is a temporary special project position responsible for driving and overseeing the day-to-day operations for the relocation of objects from the museum campus to offsite storage facilities.

Reporting to the Director of Art Preparation and Logistics (APL) and working closely with the registrar, collection relocation and APL managers, the manager, collection relocation leads the operations regarding objects move including art handling, packing and storage and acts as the primary liaison between those teams to achieve smooth and efficient operations between curatorial departments, collections and loans and the contracted services brought on for the project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Scheduling

• Determine the best approach for packing, crating, and removing objects to ensure their safe relocation from the museum campus to designated offsite storage.
• Set the timeline, update, and coordinate the schedule with internal stakeholders and contracted service providers.
• Devise packing requirements to ensure all operations fit within museum's best practices. Consult with the art packing manager to achieve museum best practices.
• Oversee the packing and transfer of objects from onsite storage to offsite storage.
• Supervise the day-to-day work of contracted packers and art handlers hired to support the move.

Project management

• Work closely with the conservation and science, curatorial art handlers, and collection managers to ensure all objects are correctly handled and packed according to specifications following museum best practices; relay this information to contracted services.
• Coordinate with the managers of art preparation and logistics (APL), facilities and contracted services for the safe transport and movement of objects from the museum to offsite storage facilities.
• Assist at the receiving end with unpacking and storing objects shipped from the museum campus to offsite storage.
• Coordinate with the manager art handling on any movements requiring APL staff and machinery (forklift, stacker, personal lift).
• Coordinate with the director of APL and the manager of art handling on any movements that require object rigging and determine if these procedures are beyond internal capabilities.
• Communicate clearly and follow up in writing with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Asses each project, ensuring there is always enough art handlers to handle an object safely.
• Provide logical solutions to challenges in art handling/packing.
• Keep an updated inventory of all packing supplies and disposables required for the project, and coordinate with the director of APL to acquire new materials.

Safety protocols

• Adhere to training and guidelines in art handling as provided by the museum.
• Monitor the use of equipment, tools, and supplies required to perform daily tasks to ensure a safe work environment.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the proper operation and safety protocols for all material handling equipment utilized within the museum.
• Ability to assess tasks to identify and control any potential issues

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods walking and standing
• Frequently lifts, carries, and moves objects, including art, weighing up to 50 pounds
• Wears PPE as required
• Comfort working at elevated heights, such as on ladders, scaffolding, or aerial lifts
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree or industry specific training or certification highly desired.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Minimum 5 – 7 years of consistent art handling experience in a museum, gallery or similar required. Must demonstrate high level packing techniques and current best museum practices for 2D / 3D objects, including soft packing.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience specifically with crate fitting required. Experience with crate fabrication highly desired.
• Minimum 3-5 years of supervisory responsibility managing art handling staff in a museum, gallery or similar required.
• Proven experience with handling all types of objects from fine art to artifacts.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly pivot tasks while keeping projects moving forward.
• Demonstrating good judgment, willingness to take initiative, strong communication, and organizational skills.
• Computer skills are required, as is a strong knowledge of Google Suite and the ability to learn museum-specific collection database systems.
• Work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of safe and current best practices for art handling.
• Comfortable working around and being certified on heavy equipment, including forklifts, stackers and personal lifts.
• Knowledge of rigging equipment and rigging processes.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.