Center for Curatorial Studies

Head Preparator

Employer Website: http://apply.interfolio.com/119826
The Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College (CCS Bard) and Hessel Museum of Art seek an experienced museum preparator for the full-time position of Head Preparator. The Head Preparator is a hands-on, detail-oriented manager charged with overseeing all technical aspects of the Museum’s art handling projects while supervising part-time casual art installers engaged in exhibition installation and gallery maintenance.
 
The Head Preparator is responsible for museum-quality art handling related to installation and deinstallation while maintaining a safe work environment. This includes: receiving, packing/unpacking, handling, and displaying fine art objects; planning and directing the fabrication of exhibition furniture, props, temporary walls, and other display designs; and securing the services of outside contractors.

The Head Preparator is a key member of CCS Bard and the Hessel Museum’s exhibitions team, responsible for producing an ambitious schedule of public exhibitions involving outside loans, new commissions, and works from the on-site Marieluise Hessel Collection, which is also used for teaching within CCS Bard’s graduate program in curatorial studies. The Head Preparator will report to the Director of Exhibitions and Operations on all aspects of Museum exhibitions and CCS Bard administrative matters, and work closely with the Head of Collections and Registration and the Museum Registrar.
 
This is a full-time role on site at CCS Bard in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, working a Monday-Friday schedule. Occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required for exhibition installations, special events, or programs.
 
Essential Duties

• Work with the Director of Exhibitions and Operations to build, train, evaluate, and maintain the Museum’s team of part-time art installers
• Organize, schedule, and direct the Museum’s art installers relative to the exhibition schedule and to support the Head of Collections and Registration
• Work closely with CCS Bard staff, faculty, and graduate students, as well as outside curators, couriers, and visiting artists in the planning, production, and implementation of shows and events both at the Museum and off-site
• In close collaboration with the Director of Exhibitions and Operations, plan for the preparation of gallery spaces, building of temporary wall systems, gallery furnishings, and execution of artist designs as needed for exhibitions; supervise and facilitate all shop and construction work performed by members of the installation team
• Produce estimates for materials, labor, and fabrication costs to assist in the exhibition budgeting process
• Coordinating with the Head of Collections and Registration as well as the Museum Registrar, supervise and participate in and all aspects of exhibition installation/deinstallation, art storage, and preparation of art for transport to ensure the safety of all exhibition and collection objects and team members
• Ensure that all exhibitions are properly maintained and ready for viewing on days the Museum is open to the public as well as for private viewings; keep all physical components of the museum’s galleries, walls, floors, lighting system, etc. in good working order
• Build and maintain electronic and physical systems to inventory and track all exhibition furniture and A/V equipment; maintain good working order of all exhibition furniture and equipment
• Help organize and maintain the in-house art storage areas and the off-site storage facilities to ensure the availability and safety of the collection and all exhibition-related furniture
• Manage and oversee all back-of-house work areas, including the workshop; maintain and organize all tools and equipment in these areas
• Train staff on operation of tools and equipment associated with woodworking, electrical, construction, gallery lighting, and audio-visual displays
• Offer presentations and conduct workshops with CCS graduate students on best practices associated with the technical aspects of art handling and installation

Qualifications

• Museum or gallery experience in art preparation; direct experience in museum standards and practices strongly preferred       
• Experience with art preparation management and woodshop supervision
• Leadership experience and the ability to manage, motivate, and evaluate staff
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
• Ability to remain flexible and focused in a demanding work environment
• Highly organized and able to plan and prioritize deadlines and assignments effectively
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work some weekends and holidays per the schedule above
• Proficiency with Mac OS and Google Workspace
• Valid New York State Driver’s License
• This position requires long periods of standing and sometimes long periods of desk-based computer use; the Head Preparator will need to be able to talk and hear, walk around, and occasionally work outdoors (during clement weather), as well as be able to lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 40 lbs.

Salary & Benefits
 
The salary range for this position is $65,000–$75,000, plus a generous benefits package.
 
To Apply

Applications are encouraged by February 15, 2023.
Please submit a cover letter, resume and list of three professional contact references to Interfolio at: http://apply.interfolio.com/119826
 

AA/EOE