Job description
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.
Job Description:
Position Title: Exhibitions Manager
Position Type: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Division: Art & Education
Department: Art Management
Reports to: Director of Art Management
Position Summary
The Exhibitions Manager will shape the forward-looking exhibitions planning and production processes for the museum’s dynamic program of art presentations and projects. Under the supervision of the Director of Art Management, the Exhibitions Manager is responsible for managing the development and implementation of Crystal Bridges’ temporary special exhibitions, focus shows, indoor and outdoor installations, and traveling exhibitions. This role deftly steers internal teams and external partners in the management and presentation of innovative and engaging installations and exhibitions. In service to the museum’s mission of providing access to art for all, the Exhibitions Manager supervises project management staff and is a member of the museum’s Leadership team.
The duties of this position are complex in nature, and the ideal candidate is experienced, professional, positive, proactive, highly organized, anticipatory, and an excellent problem solver. The Exhibitions Manager has the energy and ability to balance multiple priorities and to motivate and engage a wide variety of colleagues at various levels within the organization, as well as outside partners.
Position’s Principal Responsibilities
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Oversee all aspects of the Exhibitions Management team’s activities and lead cross-departmental efforts to manage the forward movement of each exhibition project.
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Collaborate closely with artists, curators, exhibition designers, preparators, registrars and other creative teams, along with internal and external collaborators, to steer the development and implementation of major exhibitions and gallery installations.
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Contribute to planning for the museum’s expansion (opening in 2026), including management of expansion project teams and implementation of collection presentations and temporary exhibitions in new and existing gallery spaces.
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Collaborate with internal colleagues to assemble traveling exhibition prospectuses and provide materials to prospective venues in a cohesive, understandable and actionable package.
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Working with Curatorial, solicit and schedule venues for museum-organized traveling exhibitions; develop effective exhibition tour schedules.
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Manage logistics for multiple, overlapping outbound traveling exhibitions; provide tour venues with timely information and support; work with venues to ensure obligations are met; liaise with external partners regarding joint projects.
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Implement planning and production processes that improve and streamline museum-wide efforts to cultivate impactful art presentations.
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Develop and oversee all assessment efforts related to exhibits.
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Provide exhibition-related content for grant applications and awards.
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Organize and manage positive, timely, and productive meetings.
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Develop, communicate, and administer project schedules.
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Create, track, and manage multiple project budgets; prepare reconciliation reports.
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Ensure projects stay on schedule and on budget and hold colleagues accountable to their deliverables.
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Provide timely prompts to team members and work with Director of Art Management to resolve budget and schedule issues.
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Draft exhibition and vendor contracts and facilitate their timely review.
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Work with exhibition designers to organize and oversee the work of contractors.
Additional Responsibilities
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Support and participate in the museum’s Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion efforts.
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Answer inquiries via phone and email in a prompt, professional manner.
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Organize, maintain and archive project files and exhibition documentation.
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Work with department assistant to process project-related invoices and payments.
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Complete all other duties as assigned within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Traits
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Associate or Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies, arts or business administration, finance, communications, or equivalent degree/experience
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Proven experience and success in project management and in meeting deadlines within fast-paced museum environments
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Demonstrated experience with accounting and project management software
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Demonstrated knowledge of current practices in exhibitions and touring exhibitions management
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Excellent communication and diplomacy skills
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Highly organized and detail oriented
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Able to motivate and engage a wide variety of colleagues at various levels within the organization, as well as outside partners
Work Experience
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At least three years demonstrated project management experience in museum or gallery exhibitions (leading teams, developing and tracking budgets and schedules, negotiating contracts, organizing and facilitating meetings)
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Demonstrated negotiation and problem-solving skills
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At least one year of supervisory experience
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Experience working with living artists and contemporary art strongly preferred
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Physical demands: This position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, and good eye/hand coordination. Vision abilities required by the job include close and distant vision. When not in the office, the person in this position will require the capability to move and be present in galleries during construction, installation and deinstallation, and be able to navigate through different Museum buildings and on the trails and grounds. When working in public spaces and galleries, physical stamina is needed to lift and carry supplies, and at times, assist with installation of labels, and other exhibition-related elements. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to travel independently.
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Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, outdoors, and in the communities served. When not in the office, the employee will spend time in the museum buildings, grounds, and galleries. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate.
All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. Crystal Bridges requires all employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, or meet Arkansas state requirements, subject to accommodations. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.
Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status of protected veteran, among other things or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
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