Director of Exhibitions

Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are located in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago a private urban institution of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a Director of Exhibitions.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Department of Exhibitions, Performance and Student Spaces, the Director of Exhibitions develops and implements exhibition and Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC) policies and procedures; oversees the coordination, presentation, installation, and delivery of exhibitions and public art projects; develops cross-departmental collaborations that highlight student, alumni, and professional work; and provide laboratories for experimentation and experiential learning. The Exhibition Director supervises assigned staff and student workers.

A Flexible Work Arrangement may be available for this position in mutual agreement with the Executive Director.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned staff and student workers in coordinating exhibitions and public art projects, programming, and gallery maintenance.
• Serve as a liaison between DEPS and internal/external parties to finalize exhibition details, including contracts, timeline, shipping, press materials, installation, reception, and other decisions concerning exhibitions and public art projects.
• With the Executive Director, work with designers to create related print, web, installation, and advertising materials.
• Ensure that all exhibitions and related programming are appropriately advertised.
• Delegate the organization of receptions, catering, supply ordering and associated staffing.
• With the Executive Director, plan exhibition and WAC schedule and assign projects to coordinating staff.
• Make recommendations on purchasing, budgeting, and renovations.
• Work with the exhibitions team to develop new programming, playing an active role in acquiring and developing exhibition proposals and selecting artists for WAC.
• Organize and curate exhibitions and public art for the department.
• Partner with other departments to ensure the safety and security of galleries and work displayed.
• Oversee exhibition and public art involvement in campus-wide events such as Manifest, Orientation, Open House, and Columbia Weekend.
• With the Executive Director, develop and lead the Exhibitions and WAC Advisory Boards.
• Works with StuComm and outside freelancers to photograph and document exhibitions, public art, and programming for publicity and archive purposes.
• Communicate progress of all phases of exhibition and public art development to Executive Director.
• Work with Executive Director and Exhibitions Coordinator to research, write, and acquire grants.
• Work with Development and Alumni Relations to create strategic plans to fundraise for exhibitions and public art programs.
• Work with Strategic Communications and External Relations to write press releases and attract critical attention.
• Oversee the installation and de-installation of exhibitions, creation of exhibition maps, and signage, and oversee contractors and staff who handle artwork.
• Manage the selection and organization of jurors, materials, and processes for juried exhibitions.
• Manage editorial content and gather visual material for gallery, WAC, and related programs. Write and edit a range of texts in conjunction with exhibitions, including but not limited to essays, labels, promotional texts, and content for publications, website content, press releases, and fundraising materials. Oversee the production of all print and educational material. Maintain aesthetic consistency between galleries and WAC, including design materials, didactics, layout, and web postings.
• Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in art history, museum studies, fine art, arts administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Three to five years of experience in an arts-related environment.
• Experience coordinating and planning exhibitions, public art projects, and supervising a professional staff.
• Experience with public art project management, art handling, construction techniques, tools and equipment.
• Strong graphic design background, knowledgeable about contemporary art and street art.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing budgets.
• Skills and experience mentoring students and educating on best practices.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Apple OS, MS Office. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop or similar design software.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds as well as work on ladders and hydraulic lifts.
• Excellent time, organization, and project management skills; must be highly organized.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.

Additional Information

• Position subject to a background screening.
• This is a union position.
• This position is overtime ineligible.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.