Description
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts seeks a dynamic individual to manage the daily administrative and operational activities essential to Bemis Center’s year-round exhibitions and public programs. Working closely with Bemis’s Chief Curator + Director of Programs, the Exhibitions Manager oversees the organization and implementation of exhibitions and related public programs, and collaborates across all institutional departments to realize the successful execution of Bemis’s renowned Exhibitions Program.
About You:
- You have proven knowledge of exhibition and registrarial techniques and the overall care and security of artwork.
- You are willing to work in a hybrid environment that puts artists first and foremost.
- You are a collaborator, effective communicator, and unflinching professional able to create and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Work directly with exhibiting artists and the Chief Curator and Director of Programs on the planning and execution of 4–6 exhibitions per year, in addition to the Benefit Art Auction Exhibition, and when appropriate the creation of new works of art commissioned expressly by Bemis Center.
Act as a liaison for visiting exhibiting artists, curators, gallerists, and presenters participating in public programs and coordinate their transportation, lodging, payment schedules, budgets, and on-site itineraries.
Assist the Chief Curator and Director of Programs with exhibition tours and the introduction of guest presenters for public programs.
Collaborate with the Chief Curator and Director of Programs and other members of Bemis’s team to implement public programs.
Oversee and facilitate artwork loans for exhibitions, including the execution of loan forms with lenders, facility reports, and the completion of condition reports.
Coordinate the crating and shipping of incoming and outgoing exhibited artwork.
Manage the safety, security, and insurance coverage for each work of art.
Assist the Chief Curator and Director of Programs in the planning and coordination of all exhibitions and public programs presented at Bemis Center.
Create and update schedules for exhibitions and related public programs.
Prepare the agenda, circulate minutes, and provide action items after weekly staff meetings.
Manage contractors with the design, preparing of galleries, and install and/or de-install of exhibitions
Reconcile monthly expense reports for department budget.
Work closely with the Operations Director on department-related purchases and exhibition-related invoices and payments.
Collect and manage exhibiting artist records, including bios, W9’s, and contact information.
Maintain print and digital exhibition-related archives.
Work with the Communications Department on all exhibition-related didactic and marketing materials, including gallery wall text, object labels, press releases, press images, website and social media posts, and media spots/interviews.
Collaborate across Programming and Development Departments to generate content for grant applications and reports, sponsorship proposals, and engagements with individual donors, including private events and/or tours for members and sponsors.
Manage and update exhibition brochures and catalogues as required, including timelines, contracts, budgets, and distribution.
Requirements
- A genuine trust in the creative process and interest in supporting the ideas, goals, and practices of artists at different career stages and working in all media.
- A bachelor’s degree in arts administration, art history, fine arts, or a related field or the equivalent years of experience in an art museum, art gallery, or arts nonprofit is preferred; or in a related field, or a combination of education, work experience, and lived experience.
- At least 3 years experience as an administrator, preferably in a small to medium size arts organization or other nonprofit organization is strongly preferred or any equivalent combination of work experience, lived experience, and/or special skills. Superior organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks are essential.
- Proven knowledge of exhibition techniques and the overall care and security of artwork.
- Experience with installation of all artwork and registrarial work.
- Clear understanding and ability to speak to Bemis Center’s mission in a clear, spirited manner.
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities.
- Outstanding verbal communication skills and comfort with public speaking.
- Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently and as a team player in a fun, yet demanding arts organization.
- Experience working with interdisciplinary artists, ideally in a museum, university gallery or educational setting.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including artists, Board Members, alumni, strategic partners, funders, and the public.
- Experience applying an equitable analysis to all duties to achieve organizational goals and demonstrate Bemis Center’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility preferred.
- If you have made it to this bullet, you can guess that you need excellent computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Availability on occasional evenings and weekends with ability to assist with special events outside of regular business hours. Availability to travel.
Compensation
This is a salaried position, based on knowledge, skills, and experience. The salary range is $46,000-$50,000 and includes our standard benefit package, including medical, dental, 12 paid holidays, and paid vacation.
How to apply
If interested, please submit a one-page cover letter, resume, a brief writing sample, and three references to jobs@bemiscenter.org with Exhibitions Manager in the subject line.
GET MORE ART IN YOUR INBOX
Contemporary Arts
724 S. 12th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
402.341.7130
info@bemiscenter.org