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Inside Higher Ed · 1 week ago

Associate Director of Design and Art Handling, Cantor Arts Center

Stanford, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$120K/yr - $135K/yr

5+ years exp

Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, and they are seeking an Associate Director of Design and Art Handling for the Cantor Arts Center. This role involves leading the planning and operations of the department, overseeing exhibition design, fabrication, production, art handling, and installation, while promoting best practices and collaboration within the museum.

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Responsibilities

Lead the planning and operations of the department and serve as the museum’s leader for exhibition design development and delivery, promoting a departmental and museum-wide understanding of best practices for design (2D and 3D), fabrication, production, art handling, and installation/deinstallation

Cultivate a professional and highly collaborative team culture, ensuring the highest standards of communication, accountability, and excellence in all departmental operations

Work collaboratively with curators, artists, registrars, educators, and museum staff to develop and produce attractive, engaging, and durable exhibitions that comply with the highest museum standards for object safety and visitor accessibility

Oversee the design, fabrication, gallery preparation/turnover and installation/deinstallation of exhibition elements including display furniture, environmental treatments, mounts, didactics and labels, painting and/or reskinning of perimeter and mobile walls, lighting, A/V, and interactive components (mechanical, digital)

Develop, implement, and update the standards and written guidelines for the full range of design, fabrication, and art handling efforts, embracing high museum standards, industry best practices, and safety regulations

Continuously research, evaluate, and incorporate trends and innovations that improve and strengthen processes and practices for effective exhibition design and production

Serve as the principal designer for assigned projects, overseeing all phases of design from concept through deinstallation

Develop and produce design packages and submittals for review and/or approval including technical drawings, floor plans, and digital renderings including object layouts, wall treatments, mobile walls, casework, mounts, didactics, A/V and digital media displays, and lighting. Review and approve output and submittals produced by staff and contract designers

In close collaboration with the Project Manager of Exhibitions and Publications and the Associate Director of Registration, manage the logistics and scheduling of design and production efforts, ensuring timely completion and smooth installation

Demonstrated ability to use project management software (Airtable preferred)

Develop and lead training workshops for exhibition design, fabrication, production, gallery preparation, and art handling that reflect industry best practices, are OSHA and ADA compliant, and meet safety regulations

Represent the Cantor’s exhibition design and art handling programs to internal and external stakeholders, campus partners, and within the arts sector, positioning the museum as a leader in the field

In close collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director, and Project Manager for Exhibitions and Publications, develop and manage project budgets ensuring projects are completed on budget, on time, within scope, and meet the quality standards of the Cantor

Formulate and administer the department’s annual operating budget and financial transactions, including monitoring, analyzing, reporting, and approving expenditures. Participate in out-year budget planning for exhibitions and department operations. Collaborate with Development and exhibition planning teams on exhibition-related grants and fundraising proposals

Work with project teams and preparator staff to oversee the purchase and maintenance of equipment, materials, and inventories for exhibition needs

Oversee and direct the day-to-day efforts of staff to schedule and perform various tasks and assignments. Set and monitor performance goals, standards, and accountability. Interface proactively and collaboratively with all museum departments and central units

Supervise bargaining unit staff responsible for exhibition design, fabrication, mount-making, matting and framing, gallery prep, art preparation and movement, lighting, AV coordination, installation/deinstallation, routine maintenance of all galleries and installation spaces (cleaning, light replacement, paint touch-up, etc.)

Work with external contractors to schedule, fabricate, produce, deliver, and install design and display elements

Work with preparator staff to oversee the cleanliness and organization of the workshops (fabrication, matting/framing, mounts), and supply areas. Manage the inventory of exhibition furniture stored onsite and offsite. Uphold an up-to-date and accurate inventory of all tools, equipment, and supplies

Work in partnership with the Collections team to advise on, direct, and/or assist with, the receiving, handling, crating/packing, movement, and storage of artworks

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Exhibition designArt handlingFabrication techniquesProject management softwareDesign software proficiencyBudget managementTeam leadershipEffective communicationCollaboration skillsAttention to detail

Required

Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience

Demonstrated commitment to promoting and supporting an inclusive environment

Demonstrated experience with building a culture of professionalism and collaboration at the highest level, driving teams to consistently achieve exceptional results

Demonstrated experience in comprehensive design process for museum installations, including staffing and team coordination, scheduling and budgeting, and overall design phasing and document packaging/preparation

Demonstrated experience supervising designers, preparators, bargaining unit employees, and external contractors

Strong portfolio showcasing previous design projects and creative work

Strong working knowledge of various design software applications such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or REVIT, 3D Studio MAX, Rhino, Sketchup, Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project), and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator)

Working knowledge of Experiential and Universal Design concepts and applications, and of ADA guidelines

Demonstrated experience of the care and handling for fine art objects

Extensive knowledge of fabrication and construction methods and art handling and installation techniques

Working knowledge of electrical practice, electronics, and mechanical installations

Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with senior leadership, museum project teams, and a variety of vendors

Ability to work effectively and systematically on several projects simultaneously, meeting exhibition schedules on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards

Ability to think abstractly and design creatively within a variety of public spaces

Demonstrated effective communication skills, both verbal and written, that are open, decisive, and proactive

Strong financial management skills and demonstrated success with operational budgeting, tracking and reporting on exhibition-design budgets

Capacity to coordinate high-volume work, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail