Description

Opportunity Title: Exhibitions Manager

Reports To: Director of Exhibitions

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000

OVERVIEW

The Exhibitions Manager will oversee the organization of assigned exhibitions and permanent collection installations and other special projects in cooperation and consultation with other departments. In collaboration with the Director of Exhibitions, will aid in the management of daily operations of the department and serve as liaison with outside institutions, contractors, and Collections Services, Registration, Conservation, Curatorial, Finance, Design, Interpretation, Education, Marketing, and Advancement Departments. The position is integral to ensuring the seamless completion of all exhibitions and installations. This position is a full-time, permanent position and will be in-person.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee and provide project management for assigned exhibitions (large loan shows, small rotations, community based projects, etc.), gallery rotations, and other special projects, including convening and chairing meetings, following up on action items, tracking deadlines, and other project details to ensure on-time completion of projects that do not exceed budgets.
Develop deadlines for exhibition and permanent collection installations including checklists, floorplans, text and all in-gallery content, and graphics. Monitor progress and follow-up with stakeholders, developing alternative plans as required.
Negotiate and draft exhibition contracts and letters of agreement, finalize in collaboration with the Director of Exhibitions and Legal Counsel.
Develop and oversee budgets for assigned projects, forecasting regularly, and reporting to key stakeholders as needed. Invoice outside institutions and track payments for Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields organized exhibitions and request invoices from other institutions as assigned.
Manage daily exhibition calendars and schedules in collaboration with the Director of Exhibitions and key stakeholders from across the museum. Lead planning meetings by preparing agendas, tracking action items, and ensuring communication of relevant information.
Work with all departments to maintain master files for each assigned exhibition and archive files according to guidelines. Ensure that all departments have access to information and material and that exhibition records are created and updated in a timely fashion.
Serve as primary liaison for assigned exhibitions organized by other institutions regarding all information, materials, and approvals.
Other duties, as assigned.
 

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Teamwork & Collaboration: Build and sustain strong internal and external relationships; contribute to institutional stability by collaborating seamlessly across teams.
Leadership: Lead by example with confidence and accountability; motivate and recognize others; set priorities and plan effectively.
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate respect, fairness, and enthusiasm in all interactions; respond to the needs of diverse audiences with professionalism and positivity.
Quality of Work: Deliver accurate, timely, and cost-effective results that meet the highest professional standards and align with institutional vision.
Problem Solving, Innovation & Adaptability: Identify opportunities for improvement, present actionable solutions, and support implementation to enhance outcomes.
Time & Project Management: Manage time and resources effectively; ensure projects are completed with efficiency and reliability.
Initiative: Act as a proactive, self-disciplined contributor who drives collaboration and seeks innovative approaches.
Fiscal Management: Oversee budgets, financial projections, and cost analyses to ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
Communication and Diplomacy: Express ideas clearly and diplomatically in written and verbal formats; listen actively and keep stakeholders informed.
Professional Conduct: Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism; uphold institutional policies and represent the organization with credibility.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

B.A. degree required; Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or Studio Art background preferred.
Minimum of five years of progressive exhibition administration experience required.
Demonstrated proficiency in coordinating multiple exhibition projects simultaneously with minimal oversight.
Experience developing and managing project budgets and deadlines.
Excellent computer skills with competence in Word, Excel, and Outlook are necessary. Working knowledge of databases and project management software is desirable.
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color, vision peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.