Gallery Construction Supervisor

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, fully onsite

Reporting to the Gallery Infrastructure & Fabrication Manager, the Gallery Construction Supervisor oversees construction in galleries, including booking vendors, planning vendor schedules, and developing build timelines with internal partners.

In the course of duties the position contributes to an inclusive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace, where innovation, discovery, and constant learning cultivate a deep sense of belonging and shared responsibility within the Exhibitions & Program Management team. 

In addition, the position assists with delivering and implementing new solutions and procedures to facilitate art stewardship and human and environmental sustainability to engage, inspire and reward audiences so that visitors feel compelled to return and recommend the museum to their family and friends. 

After 30 days, success entails overall familiarity with the facility and the close-partner staff. After the first quarter, this position should be able to manage gallery builds with consultation and assistance from supervisor. After the first year, the Gallery Construction Supervisor should be able to develop, plan, and execute gallery builds and participate in budgeting for subsequent years. 

• Book vendors and appropriate trades, and problem-solves situations on site under the guidance of the Gallery Infrastructure and Fabrication Manager.
• Collaborate with internal (exhibition designers, fabricators, preparators, media techs, graphic designers, registrars, conservators, and operations) and external (construction, electrical, and paint contractors) stakeholders to coordinate environmentally sustainable gallery infrastructure and schedules. 
• Ensure that construction in the galleries follows the project's needs, the safety of the artwork, and building, ADA, and safety code regulations.  

• Assume direct day-to-day oversight of hired trades when working in the gallery to ensure tasks are completed on time and within the approved budget, including:  
• Escort vendors through the galleries and ensure the safety of the art  
• Implement methods to prevent odor and dust from spreading to other galleries. 
• Verify that floors and other museum infrastructure is protected from damage. 
• Coordinate and share the contractor schedule, keeping in mind the allotted time and budget.  
• Ensure museum protocol and procedures are applied with each contractor and vendor during the construction period (including Covid policies).   
• Ensure the plans are realized according to the approved design specs provided throughout the construction period and remain available for any contractors' questions.  

• Obtain estimates from contractors and outside vendors to develop and track exhibition construction budgets. Process vendor invoices and assist in budgeting process. 
• Work with the facilities and engineering teams to ensure that safety protocols are followed, that required and relevant pieces of training are scheduled and led, and that equipment is maintained and operational.  
• Perform other duties related to planning and construction as required.  
• Oversee and perform gallery maintenance as directed. 

• Undergraduate degree, preferably in architecture, design, or fine art, or equivalent working experience. 
• Two (2) to three (3) years in a museum environment working in gallery construction and/or spaces  
• Working knowledge of OSHA safety regulations/guidelines.    
• Experience in coordinating and/or managing projects and staff.   
• Provide a sense of focus and calm under challenging or changing deadlines in a high-volume environment.  
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and discrete, diplomatic, and effective professional negotiating skills. 
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft applications (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Expertise with Adobe Creative Suite, Sketchup, and AutoCAD.  
• Expertise with Asana or other project management software platforms. 

• Requires early morning (5:30am) and weekend hours during construction. 
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 

Job posting open date: 1/8/25

All jobs posted will remain open for at least five business days.    

We encourage both internal and external candidates to apply within the initial open posting period as the application close date may or may not be extended beyond that initial period. Applications will not be accepted after a posting has been closed. 

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

SFMOMA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal of state law.

You may request reasonable accommodation if you are unable to or are limited in your ability to access job postings or provide additional information asked in the job posting.

You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting the People Team at talent@sfmoma.org.