Exhibitions Support/Production Assistant

General Summary of Position:

The Exhibitions Support/Production Assistant will assist the Exhibitions and Collections Department as well as others in all aspects of planning, assembling, and articulating temporary exhibitions and related public programs across multiple spaces, both indoor and out. This includes providing administrative, logistical, and operational support for projects such as exhibitions, temporary installations, gallery activations, artist talks, panel discussions, performances, film screenings, literary events, and more.

Principal Job Functions

Assist appropriate staff in all aspects of planning, assembling, and executing temporary exhibitions and related public programs:

·         Develop the calendar of advance exhibition schedules.

·         Responsible for processing data for exhibition labels, checklist portions of brochures and catalogues, and maintenance of lists of artists involved in exhibitions.

·         Responsible for production and management of accurate records on all objects borrowed for display at the museum.

·         Coordinate flow of information within department and between departments regarding programs.

·         Responsible for label production.

·         Responsible for maintaining lists of artists involved in exhibitions and updating marketing on exhibition changes as needed.

·         Produce artist and performer contracts and work with accounting to implement payment.

·         Oversee juried and open call exhibitions including arranging and hosting jurors, developing and maintaining records of selected/rejected work, and coordinating and staffing artist work drop offs and pick-ups.

·         Coordinate with marketing and exhibitions to produce call-for-entries materials and related exhibition collateral.

Assist appropriate staff in program production:

·         Develop interdepartmental calendar of programs.

·         Correspond with exhibiting artists, performers, program participants, contractors/vendors, and other departments regarding event needs, general information, and any associated details.

·         Coordinate technical needs for exhibitions and programs, serving as the primary contact for logistics.

·         Manage production for exhibition/project signage, including coordinating information and delivering to marketing.

·         Provide support for program implementation including being onsite during event, preparation, and clean-up.

Assist appropriate staff to coordinate general Exhibitions and Collections department correspondence and record keeping:

·         Coordinate and organize the Exhibitions and Collections Department correspondence, artist’s records, and other paperwork connected with exhibition planning and implementation, whether loan, in-house collections, or traveling exhibitions. This includes gathering photography and corresponding directly with artists, lenders, and galleries.

·         Maintain exhibition archives (electronic and paper) and RAM’s exhibitions and publications history list.

·         Coordinate written and visual materials with the Marketing Department as needed.

·         Manage RAM Artist Fellowship and Emerging Artist review including working with the outside juror, corresponding with artists regarding their entries and status, and conducting follow-up with Fellowship and Emerging Artist recipients.

·         Generate letters to artists (or their representatives) notifying them of when their work is on display at RAM.

·         Generate “wrap-up” correspondence, consisting of press and installation photography to be distributed to artists and lenders at the close of an exhibition

·         Assist Director of Exhibitions and Collections with correspondence, research, and planning as needed.

·         Responsible for daily mail runs and mailbox distribution.

·         Share responsibility for opening and closing the RAM building (lights, locking/unlocking, etc.).

·         Share responsibility for answering outside calls when reception staff is not on duty.

·         Responsible for arranging guest or juror meals, transportation, lodging, and other details.

·         Responsible for acting as a spokesperson for the department as needed and for maintaining communication within exhibitions and interdepartmentally.

·         Act as a supporting figure in the digitization efforts for the collection as needed.

Benefits

Benefits include two weeks (10 days) paid vacation, group term life and disability insurance, eleven paid holidays, five personal/sick days, and compensatory time off immediately following the first full day of employment. Group health insurance, with employer paying 85% of the premium, is available following the first full month of employment. A retirement plan is available on the first enrollment date (January 1 or July 1) following 12 months of employment with a generous employer match/contribution. Employee discounts are available on studio art class fees and on purchases in the Museum Store.

Physical Requirements and working conditions

·         This position is primarily executed in an office environment with heavy computer use. Other workspaces include galleries and off-site settings at both campuses, as well as other possible venues. Travel between campuses and in the region is required. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle that could be used to perform some work-related duties is required. Some evening and weekend hours required.

Other Required Knowledge and Skills

·         Ability to be proactive in resolving issues and be flexible when needed.

·         The desire to work in a collaborative, supportive environment.

·         The adaptability to work flexibly, including taking the lead on certain projects, working independently on others, and asking for guidance and assistance.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

·         Ability to organize and maintain information in a variety of formats and media, including both electronic and paper files.

·         Ability to balance attention to detail, problem-solving, and technical needs.

·         Technical adaptability including interest in or ability to implement program management tools.

·         Ability to complete a variety of tasks, sometimes under strenuous deadlines.

·         Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with artists, co-workers, vendors, colleagues in the field, donors, and lenders.

·         Bachelor’s Degree required. Working knowledge of Art History, Art Education, Studio Art, Museum Studies, or related subjects.

·         Previous experience in museums, galleries, festivals, or other contemporary art platforms desired.

NOTE:  The job description above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of the exclusive standards, responsibilities, duties or skills required.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform other related duties, as may be required.

Mail or email cover letter and resume to:

Lena Vigna, Director of Exhibitions and Collections

Racine Art Museum and Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts

PO Box 187

441 Main Street

Racine, WI 53403

lvigna@ramart.org

No Phone Calls, Please