Project Manager

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.

OUR VALUES

All staff members are expected to embrace the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution and to adhere to the museum’s shared values.

• Our museum reflects and deepens our collective humanity; the arts are integral to an inspired and just society.
• We respect and acknowledge each of our colleagues’ contributions and expertise across all roles within our organization.
• We share in the responsibility to create an antiracist culture built on equity, inclusion, and justice for all, acknowledging that these efforts are intersectional and ongoing.
• We encourage and advance a culture of hospitality, empathy, and gratitude for each visitor, supporter, and member of our staff.
• We embrace innovation and foster change with a progressive understanding of—and obligation to reconsider—our past.
• We sustain an open and dynamic civic platform, inviting and advancing the diverse perspectives of our city, staff, visitors, and supporters.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Exhibitions department oversees the administration of the exhibition program at the Art Institute of Chicago. In partnership with curatorial departments and internal and external stakeholders, we provide guidance and strategic leadership in the planning and execution of temporary exhibitions, from collection-based presentations to major loan exhibitions, on site and on tour to other institutions. We manage the program’s budget and schedule and provide project management while fostering collaboration, engagement, and equity across all teams and individuals.

ABOUT THE POSITION

With the Director and Associate Director of Exhibitions, supports the administration of the museum’s exhibition program. Designs workflows and manages all aspects of planning, budgeting, and execution for several exhibitions concurrently, including domestic, international, single, and multi-venue exhibitions as assigned. Creates and maintains exhibition planning procedures, tools, and systems and advises curatorial and stakeholder colleagues on best practices. Participates in long- and short-term strategic initiatives in support of the exhibition program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy: Assists in developing, implementing, and refining cross-departmental processes and procedures for exhibition planning and scheduling. Supports the selection and implementation of software tools to aid in exhibition project management and execution. Develops innovative data-driven approaches to exhibition planning with the Department of Enterprise Software and Analytics.

Budgeting: Works closely with curatorial departments and internal stakeholders to forecast expense projections, create initial budget and scope proposals, and facilitate modifications as needed for approval.

Project management: In consultation with the project teams, develops project management strategies for assigned exhibitions; proactively identifies challenges. In consultation with stakeholders, develops timelines and tracks progress. Initiates and provides guidance on cross-departmental planning processes, including scope planning, content development, exhibition design, interpretive planning, and logistics. Maintains big-picture view of project management workflows to ensure cross-departmental alignment and buy-in. With stakeholder departments, directs selection and implementation of database management tools and templates.

Communication: Reports regularly on all aspects of exhibition budget and planning to the Director of Exhibitions; guarantees that pertinent information is shared and deadlines are respected. Acts as liaison to internal stakeholders involved in producing exhibitions and to external stakeholders involved in particular exhibitions, including partner institutions.

Institutional Partnerships: Facilitates development of tour strategy, proposals, and budget in consultation with the curatorial team, Collections and Loans, and Finance. Acts as liaison with partner institutions, including development and negotiation of tour terms, responsibilities, and agreements. Engages with the domestic and international exhibition organizing community; stays abreast of industry developments and best practices.

Artwork Production and Contracts: Initiates and facilitates artist agreements, vendor contracts, and payments for artwork production and/or exhibition consultants as required, with museum stakeholders and General Counsel.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be added to as needed at the manager’s discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position 90% of the time.

• Three years of museum exhibition experience preferred
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Significant experience organizing loan exhibitions
• Familiarity with the museum field and best practices
• Knowledge of project management practices and tools
• Superior communication, writing, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Diplomacy, discretion, and the ability to lead and engage teams of diverse personalities
• Willingness to embrace the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

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.