Exhibitions Coordinator & Museum Prep Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State’s museum operations are seeking a Museum Preparator / Exhibitions Coordinator to develop, install, and maintain exhibitions in university galleries. You will coordinate with scientists, facilities staff, and campus partners to ensure displays are visually engaging, safely installed, accessible, and compliant with professional museum standards.

The successful candidate will manage project planning, artwork handling, and exhibit logistics, while mentoring student staff and guiding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; 3+ years of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, receive, install, and deinstall exhibitions for museum and gallery spaces.
• Direct the design, fabrication, installation, and lighting of exhibitions and exhibit environments.
• Create safe and secure displays for visitors and loaned artwork while ensuring the preservation and proper handling of collection objects.
• Evaluate exhibition site conditions and develop construction documents, installation plans, systems, and procedures.
• Coordinate and plan exhibition specifications, including artwork deliveries and pickups, condition reporting, exhibit design, and identification of exhibit furnishings and display materials.
• Provide cost estimates, procure materials and supplies, and maintain inventory of exhibition-related materials, equipment, and lighting needs.
• Conduct project planning and scheduling, coordinating installation and traveling exhibitions with internal and external partners to ensure successful execution.
• Maintain tight deadlines for exhibition changeovers and prepare gallery spaces for public viewing.
• Manage exhibition storage areas and ensure materials, artwork, and equipment are organized and maintained appropriately.
• Perform gallery maintenance functions to support the ongoing care, functionality, and appearance of exhibition spaces.
• Communicate and coordinate logistics with Facilities, the Office of Physical Plant, Events Management, and other partners to ensure projects comply with applicable building codes, ADA requirements, fire safety regulations, and other safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Facilities Supervisor and Events Management team to support exhibition operations and space readiness.
• Provide strategic advice and technical guidance related to the maintenance, display, and preservation of exhibits and artwork.
• Research and evaluate new materials, production techniques, fabrication methods, and industry best practices to improve exhibition quality and efficiency.
• Maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including artists, lenders, vendors, contractors, and institutional partners.
• Work collaboratively with museum and gallery staff to ensure daily operations and exhibition activities are carried out effectively.
• Teach, train, supervise, and mentor student employees and staff members involved in exhibition preparation and installation activities.
• May supervise staff members, including responsibilities related to hiring, training, development, scheduling, and performance management.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Penn State’s museum operations are seeking a Museum Preparator / Exhibitions Coordinator to develop, install, and maintain exhibitions in university galleries. You will coordinate with scientists, facilities staff, and campus partners to ensure displays are visually engaging, safely installed, accessible, and compliant with professional museum standards.

The successful candidate will manage project planning, artwork handling, and exhibit logistics, while mentoring student staff and guiding