Description

Whether igniting a passion for the study of the past, empowering an interest in civic engagement, or providing an introduction to the Commonwealth, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers meaningful experiences for all. Whatever the role, your work here helps bring Virginia’s story—past, present, and future—to life.

If you are curious, creative, and passionate about preserving and sharing Virginia history, your next chapter starts now!

Position Summary:

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) seeks a qualified candidate for the position of Exhibition Technician, who has an authentic interest in the mission and work of the VMHC. The Exhibition Technician is principally responsible for managing the complex logistics of VMHC’s dynamic traveling exhibition program. They also serve as one of the museum’s art handlers and work closely with the VMHC’s exhibition team to maintain, install, and de-install long-term, changing, and special exhibitions. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

         Oversees the day-to-day management of the museum’s traveling exhibition program including:

o   Serving as the museum’s primary point of contact for potential and existing exhibition venues

o   Managing bookings and updating the exhibition schedule

o   Scheduling the inbound and outbound shipping of traveling exhibitions with third-party carriers

o   Preparing contracts and ensuring that contractual obligations are met

o   Issuing and tracking invoices associated with exhibition rental fees

o   Recording expenses and providing invoices and receipts to supervisors

o   Developing, recording, and interpreting evaluation forms and condition reports

o   Updating and editing the Traveling Exhibition pages on the VMHC website

o   Maintaining a database of potential exhibition venues

o   Coordinating with VMHC marketing staff to promote the traveling exhibition program and developing marketing materials for host venues

o   Coordinating and participating in the transportation and installation of VMHC traveling exhibitions at venues as needed

• Provides daily maintenance of all exhibitions on display at the VMHC, including:
• Cleaning casework and exhibit fixtures
• Ensuring proper lighting
• Assisting with the upkeep of audiovisual equipment and digital interactives
• Assists in the preparation of VMHC galleries for new exhibitions, including:

o   Patching and painting walls

o   Installing wall-mounted graphics

o   Moving display cases

o   Installing audiovisual equipment

o   Supervising contractors while working in gallery spaces

• Assists the exhibit designer in the production of exhibition furniture, components, and mounts

         Participates as part of the cross-departmental team that installs and deinstalls museum artifacts

         Maintains accurate inventories of exhibition furniture, audiovisual equipment, and museum lighting

         Maintains an inventory of cleaning products and orders new supplies as needed

         Participates in weekly status report meetings with the Manager of Exhibition Production

         Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Necessary:

•          Strong organizational and time management abilities, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail
•          Excellent oral/written communication skills and a commitment to good customer service
•          Proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), OneDrive, and Google Drive
•          Ability to work both collaboratively within a team environment and independently, effectively managing tasks, priorities, and deadlines with minimal supervision.
•          Ability to work at heights on mechanical lifts and ladders
•          Capability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
•          Understanding of basic carpentry and the ability to safely operate basic shop tools such as drills, sanders, bandsaws, and table saws
•          Driver’s license in good standing and capable of safely driving a 12-foot box truck

Education & Experience Requirements:

         Bachelor’s degree preferred

         Two years of related work experience as an event coordinator or working in a gallery, archive, library, or museum setting as an exhibition technician, preparator, or installer.

Notes & Special Requirements:

         Medical, leave, wellness and retirement benefits offered in accordance with company policy.

Application:

         If interested in this job opportunity, please apply and upload your cover letter and resume to https://virginiahistory.isolvedhire.com/jobsearch/?job_board_classification=Job_Opportunities.

Founded in 1831 as the Virginia Historical Society, the VMHC, a private, non-profit organization, is the oldest museum and cultural organization in Virginia, and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the United States. The museum cares for a renowned collection of more than nine million items representing the far-reaching story of Virginia.

The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.