Exhibitions Manager

The Position

MCA Denver is looking for a creative logistics expert to help the museum manage its exhibition program. The ideal candidate has strong problem-solving skills, an ability to think proactively and holistically about scheduling and production, a deep dedication to the care of artworks, and a collegial and professional demeanor that translates into leading efficient and committed installation teams. The Exhibitions Manager at MCA finds inspiration in helping artists' dreams come true. This person is responsible for the project management and execution of exhibition plans at MCA and works closely with the curatorial team, external vendors, and seasonal preparators on realizing our exhibitions' goals.  

The position is full-time with benefits and during most weeks requires a minimum of two days per week onsite to connect with the larger team, while planning may productively occur remotely.  In the weeks leading up to and during exhibition turnovers, this position is expected to be on-site five days a week. We are headquartered, and this position is based, in the downtown Denver area.

About You

• You are a creative problem solver who takes initiative and approaches new concepts with curiosity. 
• You are detail oriented while also being able to see the bigger picture. 
• You employ excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• You can adeptly project manage creative projects across departments, working to involve key stakeholders and manage outside collaborators, including artists, contractors, and vendors, as well as assign and meet deadlines.
• You have a proven ability and eagerness to identify technology gaps and learn new skills quickly.
• The desire to work with a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative team during museum operating hours and the ability to promptly respond to on-site maintenance needs related to exhibitions, occasionally during nights and weekends.

A Day in the Life

Exhibitions

Responsible for the project management and execution of exhibition plans established by MCA, for both exhibitions organized internally as well as those lent from other institutions. Working in collaboration with the curatorial team, this entails: 

• Create and manage a detailed schedule for installation and deinstallation.
• Ensure the completion of all related exhibition needs, including contracts for wall construction and painting, matting and framing, lighting, hardware, AV equipment, supplies, providing facilities reports, and installation fabrication.
• Manage all aspects related to insurance for the transport and display of artworks at MCA.
• Participate in art handling for installation and deinstallation as needed.
• Produce illustrated floorplans to assist in the planning phases of exhibitions through virtual or physical models. 
• Research new materials and techniques for innovative displays and to ensure the safety of exhibitions.
• Maintain current exhibits by completing visual inspections regularly, surveying object condition, managing any ongoing care, conducting minor cleaning, and inspecting for repairs.
• Manage and organize storage areas for artwork and the exhibition preparation/fabrication workshop.
• Assist with the Museum’s Annual Gala art auction.
• Assist with corporate art lending library offsite installations.
• Travel as needed 1-2 times a year to support exhibitions.

Collaboration

• In coordination with the curatorial team, collaborate with artists on floorplans, procurement, and display needs for art production and exhibitions.
• Collaborate with galleries and lenders on determining display needs for artwork.
• Manage, schedule, and instruct the Exhibitions Department’s external vendors such as painters, wall construction teams, AV specialists, and fabricators.
• Hire, schedule, instruct and supervise a team of Seasonal Preparators.
• Collaborate with internal departments and the curatorial team in exhibition fulfillment.

Financial

• Work with the Senior Curator to establish and adhere to departmental operating budgets. 

What You Bring to Us

1. 4-year degree in Fine Arts, Art History or Philosophy required, or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.  
2. Requires minimum of 5 years’ experience in art handling and collections management.
3. Experience with fabrication and organizing domestic and international art shipments is strongly preferred.  
4. Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and photography and design software such as SketchUp, Vectorworks or similar exhibition design platforms is necessary.  
5. Experience operating heavy equipment such as moving and lift equipment preferred.
6. Working knowledge of museum best practices and standards in handling artworks (during transportation, unpacking, condition reporting, and hanging) and in installing and de-installing artwork. Working knowledge of manipulating different types of materials (such as wood, composites, plastics, metal). 
7. Working knowledge of gallery lighting.

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to speak, understand, and communicate in English effectively, in person and in writing. Ability to hear adequately in person and by phone, in personal and group settings.
• You need to be able to sit or stand for up to 8 hours per day. Ability to reach for, move and/or lift up to 50 pounds and use your hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, mobility to access a wide variety of meeting and museum settings, and to perform a variety of tasks that involve standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, and twisting, climbing stairs or using an elevator, possibly reaching chest high and overhead for materials, with reasonable accommodation.

About Us

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA Denver) is a nonprofit organization providing an innovative forum for contemporary art that inspires and challenges, creating understanding and dialog about the art of our time. MCA Denver is paving a new path for a 21st century museum that is Both/And: We are both advancing the field of contemporary art and providing a platform for creative expression, in the broadest sense of the term.  We present both world-class exhibitions and quirky events, serious lectures and epic parties.  We are both sophisticated and unpretentious. We welcome all audiences, celebrate all voices, and share all stories to provide one-of-a-kind experiences for our community. 

Our Core Values

We are:

Adventurous – We are risk-takers. We are creative, open, curious, and sometimes weird.

Excellent – We strive to be the best in our field, we have high expectations, we believe in being resilient, creative problem-solvers, and professionals.

Human Centric – We are collaborative. We strive for emotional intelligence, and we value relationships.

Inclusive – We are welcoming to all audiences, voices, and stories. We believe in being authentic and inclusive.  We actively seek and engage with diverse perspectives.

MCA Denver is committed in policy, principle, and practice to maintaining an environment that prohibits discriminatory behavior and provides equal opportunity for all persons. MCA Denver affirms its commitment to provide a welcoming and respectful work and educational environment, in which all individuals within the museum community may benefit from each other’s experiences and foster mutual respect and appreciation of divergent views. All employment decisions at MCA Denver are based on business needs, job requirements and individual applicant qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), family or parental status, or any other status protected by law. MCA Denver will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Our History

MCA Denver was founded in 1996 by philanthropist Sue Cannon and a group of committed volunteers and artists who responded to the community’s need for a contemporary art museum in Denver. In 2007, we opened our new, 27,000-square foot, environmentally sustainable facility in the Riverfront neighborhood of lodo Denver. Our building has five galleries on two floors as well as dedicated education spaces, a gift shop, an innovative art lending library, and a rooftop bar and café.  In 2021, MCA Denver opened a satellite location at the Holiday Theater in Denver’s Northside.  This 380-seat auditorium is the site of some of the museum’s programming and events.

Visit us at https://mcadenver.org to learn more.

Application Process

• This is an exempt, salary position. The salary range is $60,000 to $64,000 commensurate with experience and includes our standard benefits package, including a medical plan, dental plan, basic term life insurance, short term disability, 403b retirement, holiday pay and generous paid time off.
• Please submit your interest via our applicant portal https://mcadenver.org/exhibitions-manager
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority consideration will be given to those received by April 10, 2024.