Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator at University of Richmond in UR Main Campus

Job description

Job Description Position Reposted. R eview of applications will begin on September 28, 2026 REQUIRED : Attach Resume and Cover Letter The Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator for the University Museums oversees the planning, coordination, and implementation of all exhibitions and permanent collection installations at the Harnett Museum of Art and the Lora Robins Gallery. A critical member of the Museums' collaborative team and reporting to the Deputy Director and Curator of Exhibitions, the Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator is responsible for managing the Museums' exhibition program, developing exhibition production timelines, budgets and installation plans, and ensuring exhibitions open on time and at the highest standards. A skilled art handler with broad experience in all media, the Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator leads all exhibition preparation and fabrication and coordinates all audiovisual displays and new media in the Museums’ galleries. They supervise the Assistant Preparator, occasional contract workers, and UR student interns. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work conditions are primarily inside, however, infrequent outside work will occur. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to paint, solvents, adhesives, and air-borne particles, and to minimize risk while using specialty hand and power tools. Position requires ability to climb ladders; to have flexibility and ease of mobility; ability to lift and move large and heavy objects using basic moving equipment; and ability to stand for long periods of time. Position requires the ability to work unscheduled overtime during periods of installation/deinstallation and to support special programs and events. Position requires the use of personal vehicle. JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Exhibition Planning and Management [40%] Oversees exhibition planning and management for all museum exhibitions and permanent collection installations in coordination with museum leadership Creates and develops exhibition and installation timelines using specialized project management software, including AirTable Ensures benchmarks are met according to schedule Presents timelines to entire museum staff and assigns tasks as appropriate An expert in exhibition design, creates exhibition layouts professionally designed with CAD software, including in SketchUp, with assistance from Assistant Preparator and in consultation with curators Ensures exhibitions and objects are installed according to the highest museum standards and best practices, and in accordance with programmatic, conservation, aesthetic and ADA requirements With Deputy Director and Director of Operations, prepares and administers exhibition budgets and estimates, and ensures that expenditures are within agreed upon budgetary limits Researches, recommends and hires specialized contractors and specialized equipment as needed for complex exhibition projects and as approved by museum leadership Oversees and coordinates routine gallery inspections, touch-ups and cleaning Exhibition Preparation and Installation [35%] Manages and executes all aspects of exhibition installation, deinstallation, and construction Prepares exhibition spaces in advance of exhibitions, schedules any necessary contractors or campus partners, coordinates gallery painting, and facilitates building all temporary walls and installation components With museum curators, determines display casework and presentation furniture as needed for specific exhibitions, produces construction plans and shop drawings for all necessary furniture, and coordinates and builds all exhibition casework and display furniture as needed with Assistant Preparator Oversees the inventory and movement of cases, museum furniture, and other exhibition-related objects In consultation with curators, identifies framing and other artwork preparation needs for each exhibition Assigns and supervises artwork preparation, including artwork framing, by