Art Handler for Exhibitions and Operations

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid leave

12 paid holidays

Sickness and disability program

Deferred compensation with cash match

Life and long-term care insurance

Employee assistance program

Wellness program

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is seeking an Art Handler for Exhibitions and Operations to support planning and installation of exhibitions, gallery rotations, packing and transport of artwork.

Ideal candidates will have strong knowledge of art handling, project management experience with Asana, and the ability to work with lifting equipment and fabrication tools in a fast-paced museum environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of art installation methods, design and engineering techniques and conservation-appropriate handling, packing, and storage of art objects.
• Experience with project management and proficiency in Asana or similar software.
• Experience with lifts and hand/power fabrication tools and other material handling equipment.
• Ability to maintain and organize art storage areas.
• Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Plan and install exhibitions, organize gallery rotations, and coordinate packing and transport of artworks.
• Procure materials and assist with procurement processes as needed.
• Collaborate with team to resolve issues and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced museum environment.

Skills

Project management

Art handling

Asana proficiency

Equipment operation

Tools

Lifts

Fabrication tools

Materials handling equipment

Job description

Art Handler for Exhibitions and Operations

Full time

Title: Art Handler for Exhibitions and Operations

Post closes on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 11:55 PM EST.

About Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA’s growing encyclopedic collection houses more than 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of world history.

Our holdings include the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism, Postimpressionism, British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art.

Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post, VMFA is the only US art museum open 365 days a year with free general admission.

VMFA is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all.

About the Department:

The Collections Management department plays a vital role in the preservation and presentation of all objects and paintings in the care, custody, and control of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Members of the department are responsible for safe handling of the art, its storage, data management, and provenance research.

General Information:

The Collections Management department of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invites applications from individuals skilled in art handling, project management, and fabrication for the role of Art Handler for Exhibitions and Operations.

This position plays a critical role in the planning and installation of special exhibitions, gallery rotations, packing and transport of artwork, and procurement. To be successful in this role you need to embrace flexibility with a positive demeanor and utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills while navigating shifting priorities. We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast environment with changing priorities and works really well on a team; is able to pivot quickly between projects to meet urgent business needs; is comfortable navigating ambiguity and initiating structure when needed; demonstrates the ability to embrace changes and adapt to new methods quickly; can proactively identify potential roadblocks and help to develop creative, robust solutions; exercises sound judgement to resolve issues with limited information; is comfortable navigating gray areas; and with high-level direction.

Minimum Qualifications:

Considerable knowledge of art installation methods, design and engineering techniques, and of conservation-appropriate handling, packing, and storage practices related to the exhibition, transportation, and preservation of art objects.

Significant project management experience and proficiency in the use of Asana or similar project management software.

Experience with lifts and significant skill in the operation of hand and power fabrication tools as well as other material handling equipment.

Ability and knowledge to participate in proper maintenance and organization of art storage areas.

Good judgment, flexibility, and willingness to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.

Additional Considerations:

Documented success as a professional Art Handler in a museum or gallery environment.

Proficiency in the use of Collections Management Systems (preferably TMS) and Microsoft 365.

Experience with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s procurement system.

Consistent with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s skills-based employment model, VMFA recognizes multiple pathways to demonstrate competency for this role. Equivalent combinations of educational attainment, applicable training, relevant work experience, and job-related credentials may be considered to meet the requirements of the position.

The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health benefits, paid leave, and flexible work schedules.

The following benefits are available to classified employees:

• Vacation and Other Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health Benefits
• Sickness and Disability Program
• Deferred Compensation with Cash Match
• Group, Optional Life, and Long-term Care Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Retirement Plans
• State Employee Resources

Additional information relating to the benefits available to eligible state employees can be found online at: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I‑9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts uses the E‑Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800‑552‑5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

Experience a world‑class art museum with hometown hospitality. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses a remarkable permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art from almost every major world culture.

We’re open 365 days a year and general admission is always free.