Position Title: Exhibitions Production Manager
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Director of Exhibitions
Position Classification: Full-time, exempt

About the Queens Museum
The Queens Museum is dedicated to presenting contemporary art and historical exhibitions and programs that relate directly to urban life and local and international culture. Established in 1972, the Museum is housed in a building that was originally erected as the New York City Pavilion for the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair. It then served as the original home of the United Nations General Assembly (1946-1950), an ice and roller rink, and a pavilion once again in the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. The Museum houses over 10,000 objects and materials from the two New York World’s Fairs including the Panorama of the City of New York, a 9,000 sq. ft. miniature scale model of the City commissioned for the 1964 Fair and last updated in 1992.

In November 2013, the Queens Museum completed an expansion to occupy the entire building, doubling its size to 105,000 square feet. This light-filled new space, designed by Grimshaw Architects, exemplifies the Museum’s mission to serve the diverse communities of New York City, and particularly the residents of Queens, with a commitment to openness and inclusion in its high-caliber visual arts and educational programming.

Since 2015, the Museum’s exhibitions have operated on an ambitious two-season cycle, with nearly all exhibition spaces turning over with new projects each Spring and Fall. Each season has featured different compositions of exhibitions and artist commissions, ranging from full-museum solo presentations such as Mierle Laderman Ukeles: Maintenance Art (Fall 2016), or Mel Chin: All Over the Place (Spring 2018) to a combination of artist projects, surveys, and thematic exhibitions such as our Fall 2017 season, which featured new commissions by Anna K.E., Ronny Quevedo, and Julia Weist, alongside a major exhibition by Patty Chang, and an exhibition on local architectural history, Never Built New York.

Position Overview
The Exhibitions Production Manager (EPM) functions as a member of the Curatorial department, reporting to Director of Exhibitions. EPM is responsible for managing over 20,000 sq. ft. temporary exhibition space as well as additional over 10,000 sq.ft. space dedicated to semi-permanent display of the museum collection and archives. EPM will plan design and installation/de-installation of temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays. Working closely with curatorial team, artists and Facilities Manager, EPM understands exhibitions deeply from a production standpoint, and participate in developing of a new exhibitions and commissions. Operate with problem-solving attitude, flexible schedule, and ability to be a team-player.

Responsibilities:


  • Organize and oversee installation and de-installation of exhibitions, using problem solving skills and performing multiple tasks at once
  • Identify, hire, and schedule temporary installation and production personnel and supervise their work directly during installation and de-installation
  • Work with other members of curatorial, other departments, as well as outside professionals to design and layout exhibitions with maximum accessibility
  • Manage complex projects including planning, budgeting, and meeting deadlines
  • Work with registrar on planning a safe and organized process for shipping and packing/unpacking of artworks; maintaining inventory and location of art; and

facilitating art storage on and off-site

  • Identify, procure, and install a range of audio/visual equipment as part of exhibitions
  • Operate complex museum lighting systems and implement exhibition lighting plans
  • Check and maintain conditions and lighting of artwork on display on a daily basis
  • Operate heavy equipment such as scissor lifts, and other equipment used to reach or move large artworks
  • Manage exhibition supplies, audio/visual and lighting equipment
  • Produce vinyl signage for exhibitions and other museum signage needs


  • Maintain good communication and working relationships with staff, artists, and vendors
  • Current driver’s license and be comfortable driving a van (museum vehicle)
  • Operate building security system in cooperation with Facilities and Security Departments



Minimum Requirements:


  • BFA or BA college degree or equivalent with good knowledge of contemporary art
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in similar capacity in a museum and minimum 2 years of in a supervisory capacity
  • Knowledge of the principles, technique, and equipment used in designing, fabricating, and installing exhibitions
  • Knowledge of museum-approved materials (acid-free, non-off gassing, archival, etc.)
  • Skill in using a variety of hand and power tools and handling trucks, fork lifts, lifts and other forms of moving equipment
  • Ability to follow design instructions, specifications, and blueprints
  • Ability to design display furniture such as mounts and pedestals
  • Ability to design and construct shipping crates and perform intermediate-level carpentry tasks as needed
  • Familiarity with safe working practices, such as OSHA regulations
  • Familiarity with museum standard and best practice as outlined by American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the Association of Art Museum Directors, and the Americans with Disability Acts (ADA)
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling software (preferably SketchUp)
  • Familiarity with database software (TMS, Filemaker, Collection Space)



To Apply:
Please email a cover letter and resume to: HR@queensmuseum.org and Hiwasaki@queensmuseum.org