The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) seeks an Exhibitions Manager who will act as the lead and primary contact between the Exhibitions and Curatorial teams and other Museum departments, artists, institutional partners, and external vendors, sharing information, resources, and collaborating on cross-departmental initiatives. This role also works closely with the Finance department and Chief Operating Officer to maintain budget controls and tracking, and to support the exhibition contracts process in partnership with the Senior Curator. 

The Exhibitions Manager reports to the Senior Curator, and directly manages the Chief Preparator, who supervises the Exhibitions Fabrication Supervisor, the Lead Preparators, and who oversees the hiring and building of a team of skilled “on-call” Exhibitions Technicians.

The successful individual in this position is expected to be a positive leader and to help The CJM deepen its leadership and reputation as a teaching Museum, and to seek opportunities to mentor the next generation of professionals in the field. In addition, for all positions, The Museum expects prospective employees to have an interest in and commitment to the mission and core values of The CJM, including contributing to its efforts towards anti-racism, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

• Develop, track, and implement production schedules, processes, and budgets for exhibitions and department, working in close collaboration with the Senior Curator and Chief Preparator
• Work with the Finance department to maintain budget controls and tracking, analyze cost options, track department expenses, reconcile department credit card transactions, generate and submit invoices and check requests, generate budget forecasts, and develop recommendations for cost efficiencies
• Support exhibitions contracts process, working with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Controller, and Senior Curator. Monitor terms and compliance during contract periods. As requested, serve as liaison with visual artists, other third parties and with Museum departments on contractual matters
• Collaborate with Education and Public Programs departments in cross-departmental initiatives, advising on budget, logistics, and special requirements
• Develop exhibitions calendar in collaboration with Senior Curator. Update and circulate calendar with other heads of departments
• Oversee internal department calendar with key dates and ensure smooth coordination of activities within the Exhibitions and Curatorial team and with other Museum departments. Track timelines for exhibitions and ensure that deliverable dates are met
• Work with the Development department to disseminate exhibition credit line guidelines and ensure compliance with contracts, loan agreements, and other requirements
• In close collaboration with the Curatorial team, manage rights and reproductions of images for publication, and photo and video documentation related to exhibitions. Work with Marketing and Communications department in the creation and implementation of image sharing protocols
• Participate in the review process of all promotional material generated by The CJM that includes images of objects on loan
• Participate in and support ongoing professional development to encourage team leads and staff to develop education and skills linked to equity and inclusion

Education and experience

• B.A./B.F.A. in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, or related field
• 5+ years’ experience project managing exhibition and/or art installation projects
• Interest and experience in contemporary art and/or Jewish culture a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and abilities

• Demonstrated history of effective project management in a museum context within strict deadlines. Possesses organizational awareness, and can effectively delegate, set, and re-set priorities
• Strong team leader and manager with interest and capacity to mentor entry level and developing museum professionals
• Ability to toggle between strategic planning for the department, and translate into micro-logistical details and next steps
• Displays self-awareness, acts with confidence, and expresses themself well
• Listens, acts with empathy, and manages conflict skillfully
• Displays ability to develop others professionally and engages colleagues
• Acts as a catalyst for change by proactively implementing, reviewing, and modifying internal best practices
• Maintains a positive attitude and contributes to team morale
• Engages others appropriately to keep them focused
• Adaptable and has experience in providing expertise and support to colleagues on cross functional teams and for various types of projects
• Knowledge and ability to read technical drawings, building plans, specifications, and diagrams. Experience with 3-D rendering
• Thorough knowledge of building codes, construction techniques, materials, and tools
• Excellent organizational and research skills with attention to detail

Other requirements

• Excellent manual dexterity
• Willingness to join ongoing certification and trainings offered
• Flexible to work some evenings and weekends depending on The CJM’s calendar of exhibitions openings, and special events