Senior Preparator

Senior Preparator
Full-time RegularFirst/Mid LevelChicago, IL, US
30+ days agoRequisition ID: 1015Apply
Salary Range:$70,280.00 To $91,360.00 Annually
We have an opening for a Senior Preparator who oversees the daily operation of preparator and technician staff and spaces and ensures the successful installations of exhibitions through the supervision of staff, enforcement of best practices in collections care, the achievement of departmental and institutional timelines, and scheduling goals. To be successful in this role, you will:

Oversee full preparator and technician teams, manage daily schedules and team assignments at storage locations and in galleries, proactively identify schedule conflicts where additional staffing may be required, and conduct daily meetings during installations.
Supervise, mentor, train, and oversee direct reports on a day-to-day basis, including oversight of special projects and staff management to ensure the effective and efficient operation of all assigned activities and responsibilities and accountability for results.
Assess installation plans developed by Senior Exhibition Production Manager for feasibility and implementation and provide constructive feedback. Develop daily schedule based on final exhibition installation plan.
Collaborate with artist(s) featured in exhibitions to install their works as required within budget and on time.
Manage installation schedules and oversee exhibition fabrication needs for major exhibitions.
Attend interdepartmental meetings related to exhibition planning.
Serve as gallery floor lead on all major exhibitions, managing teams for the duration of the installation and deinstallation.
Manage installation challenges working with Senior Exhibitions Production Manager and Registrars to achieve solutions as needed.
In collaboration with Registrars, develop plans for all exhibition maintenance and event planning.
Work with the Collections and Exhibitions department on maintaining best practices for art handling, storage, packing, and crating.
Oversee maintenance and updates to the woodshop, collection storage, and the MCA warehouse; delegate maintenance tasks to Lead Preparator.
Serve as international and domestic courier for MCA collection works and MCA exhibitions as assigned.
Oversee training and compliance with all OSHA related activity within the department.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

5-7 years of museum or other professional art handling experience.
2 years supervisory experience.
Proven ability to manage projects and budgets.
Knowledge of and experience with best practices in art handling, packing, transport, and installation of various types of artworks.
General fabrication and construction skills including woodshop and carpentry experience, working knowledge of gallery lighting, experience working with small mechanical and power tools, and familiarity with moving large/heavy objects and crates.
Experience operating fork/aerial lifts as aides to installation and art movement; have or be willing and able to obtain a lift operator certificate.
Mathematics and measuring skills.
Demonstrated ability to work with care and accuracy while performing job duties.
Ability to work independently, with a partner, or with a larger team, to complete tasks in a timely manner.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to safely lift 60 lbs.
General mobility throughout all museum properties.
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE:

Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans.
Paid time off.
Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
Free admission to many special and member events.
Reduced price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
Access to our onsite library.
Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.
Full-time staff are also eligible for a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance plus free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.

This is a full-time position, with a Monday – Friday 9a-5p schedule that may occasionally include evening and weekend availability as required to fulfill responsibilities and for related museum activities.
40 hours per week.