Contract Museum Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Overview:

The Senior Director of Exhibitions and Collections is responsible for the administration, coordination, and successful implementation of all operational aspects of MOCA’s exhibition program. This position provides managerial oversight for the museum’s exhibitions, directs the day-to-day activities, and establishes protocol and workflow for the Exhibition Management, Registration, and Production departments. The Senior Director of Exhibitions and Collections provides strategic vision and ensures that all operational aspects of the exhibition program are in alignment with the overall objectives. The Senior Director of Exhibitions and Collections will work closely with department heads to help them understand the financial and/or operational implications of the museum’s programming decisions. The position works closely with the Chief Curator to develop strategy, and advance short and long-term museum goals as it relates to the exhibition program and will meet with other members of the Senior Management team to keep them informed of all areas mentioned above. In conjunction with Curatorial, Registration and Exhibition Production department directors the Senior Director of Exhibitions and Collections oversees all exhibition project and department general operating budgets, as well as tour expenses and reconciliation.

• Supervise Associate Director of Exhibition Management, Director of Production and Director of Registration & Collections, and work with all curatorial staff to determine timelines and related needs
• Provide ongoing day-to-day direction, supervision and guidance to assigned administrative teams in their operations, policies, and procedures. Evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution. In conjunction with Department Heads, develop, monitor and oversee related budgets.
• Work closely with Exhibitions Management, Registration, Production and Curatorial Departments to ensure coordinated, timely and cost-effective exhibition program.
• Evaluate processes and activity performance to maintain competency, encourage best practices, and implement new strategies.
• Oversee all aspects of multi-year exhibitions including planning, exhibition and touring
• Primary liaison to Deputy Director regarding all aspects of program management
• Partners with the Chief Curator to manage and coordinate the exhibition program that advances the Museum’s visibility and reputation and includes exhibitions that travel nationally and internationally to ensure the Director’s strategic vision is realized. Works closely with the Director for exhibition management areas.
• Supervises Director of Registration and Collections in the care and stewardship of MOCA’s permanent collection
• Oversees MOCA’s current and advance exhibition calendar and tour schedule. Insures timely dissemination of exhibition schedules and related information
• Drafts and manages timelines for individual exhibitions that provide deadlines for budgets, checklists, loan requests, fundraising proposals, installation, printed matter, and other requirements
• Attends exhibition production meetings and ensures budget and timing stays on track
• Finalizes exhibition and co-organization agreements in consultation with organizing curator(s), registrar, exhibitions staff, and co-organizing museums
• Supervises and advises on all contract negotiations with guest curators, artists, and other individual contractors.
• Works with key MOCA staff to schedule and negotiate incoming exhibition contracts, fees, and tour costs with the organizing institution
• Oversees all exhibition organization and exhibition tour budgets, works with Exhibition Management, organizing Curators, Finance, Registration, and Production departments to determine exhibition budgets for upcoming fiscal years, regularly communicates with museum staff to monitor exhibition expense activity throughout the year
• Reviews ledger reports for exhibitions as well as Exhibition Management, Production and Registration departments and makes corrections as necessary. Maintains “year-to-date” budget forms that include actual expenditures and provides budget projections on a monthly basis. In consultation with Associate Director of Exhibition Management performs budget reconciliation of all exhibition budgets at the end of the fiscal year

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in art history or equivalent preferred, with extensive knowledge and emphasis in Contemporary art.
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience, and minimum of three years of experience leading and managing museum projects, programs, and mentoring others.
• Advanced knowledge of, and experience in, museum exhibition and collection development.
• Strong staff management and mentoring skills.

Annual Salary: $155,000 – 170,000

Position covered by MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement: No

The Museum of Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws. Our policy reflects and affirms the Museum of Contemporary Art’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory practices.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.