Assistant Manager of Collections & Exhibitions

Job Description

Job Description

Job Responsibilities & Expectations

The following outlines key responsibilities associated with this position. These responsibilities are intended to provide a general overview of the role and may evolve based on organizational needs. We recognize that employees bring diverse skills and strengths, and we encourage adaptability and collaboration in fulfilling job duties. GFS may adjust specific responsibilities to align with operational needs and will communicate such changes transparently and with support.

Role Overview:

The Assistant Manager of Collections & Exhibitions plays a key role in the success of the Curatorial department, working collaboratively with the other members of the Curatorial team, across departments, and with artists and other project partners.

They have an understanding of curatorial best practices and some experience working in collections and exhibitions management. They are a skilled, detail-oriented communicator with demonstrated aptitude for organization.

Successful candidates are eager to contribute through both administrative work and through completion of physical tasks, including maintaining and documenting the collection and assisting with the development and installation of exhibitions and works on loan.

A passion for contemporary art and working alongside living artists, fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences, is essential. This is an onsite position working primarily M-F 9 am-5 pm. Some flexibility is required for occasional availability outside these hours with advance notice. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Grounds for Sculpture (GFS) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, GFS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The organization expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with GFS employees' ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

Americans with Disabilities Act & Workplace Accessibility

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace where all employees can thrive. Employees and applicants with disabilities are encouraged to request reasonable accommodation to support their ability to perform the core functions of their role. Accommodation requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis in compliance with applicable laws to ensure equitable access to opportunities within our organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist the department with a range of activities related to the changing exhibitions, including, but not limited to, the following: preparing incoming loan agreements, drafting and updating checklists, writing condition reports, and assisting with gallery preparation and art handling.

2. Prepare contracts and agreements in coordination with the Curator and Director of Collections and Exhibitions.

3. Assist Manager of Collections and Exhibitions with documentation of conservation activities and movement of works in the collection. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the collection in both physical files and the collections database, ensuring alignment with documentation standards.

4. Provide logistical and administrative support for projects, including research, written and phone correspondence; communicate with artists, collectors, donors, and other key stakeholders with clarity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.

5. Manage internal and external rights & reproduction questions/requests; Provide credit lines for published images online or in print promptly with sensitivity to copyright issues.

6. Provide team support through scheduling meetings and preparing materials for internal and external use in a timely and organized manner.

7. Support correspondence with and recordkeeping of the Artist Studios in the Motor Exhibition Building.

8. Participate in seasonal care of outdoor sculptures, including cleaning and maintenance from April through October, using safe and approved methods.

9. Attend and participate actively in weekly Curatorial team meetings and monthly full-staff meetings to stay informed and engaged in departmental and institutional priorities.

10. Schedule travel for the department staff and visiting artists/guests as directed.

Assist with the annual inventory of the permanent collection, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation.

12. Conduct research for vendors, supplies, and materials; coordinate orders by obtaining estimates, complete credit applications and purchase orders, and schedule deliveries with follow-up as needed.

13. Valid driver's license with ability to travel by car to off-site locations is required.

14. Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Graduate / GED / Equivalent-required

2-4 years relevant work experience- required; 5-8 years-preferred

May substitute experience with education

Valid driver's license-required

Member of ARCS -preferred

Skills & Competencies:

1. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort learning new digital programs. Collections database experience preferred. 5. Knowledge of art handling and preventive collections care preferred; willingness to follow established protocols is essential.

2. Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare professional correspondence and engage with diverse internal and external communities respectfully and effectively. 6. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting project needs.

3. Experience in contemporary art and working collaboratively with artists and creative professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. 7. Knowledge of best practices for collections management and documentation standards.

4. Associate or bachelor's degree preferred in fine arts, art history, museum studies, or a related field; equivalent experience or a combination of education and experience will also be considered. 8. Demonstrates a professional, team-oriented demeanor with the ability to contribute positively to a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Primary Equipment/Applications:

Primary equipment used (forklift, hand-truck, standard office equipment, etc.) Standard office equipment including laptop/computer, digital scanner, portable hard drives, golf carts.

List required software (Excel, Word, Outlook,

PowerPoint, CAD, etc.) and required proficiency (i.e.,

Basic, intermediate or advanced) Proficient in the Microsoft Suite

May occasionally use ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding,

ramps, poles and the like.

Move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in

various environments including tight and confined

Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all

directions.