Exhibitions Coordinator, Museum Preparator

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

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Museum Preparator / Exhibitions Coordinator facilitates the development and presentation of exhibitions, including the preparation, installation, and maintenance of permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions. This position implements and manages projects in collaboration with scientists, researchers, facilities coordinators, and other campus partners. The successful candidate plays a critical role in ensuring exhibitions are visually engaging, safely installed, accessible, and maintained to professional museum standards while supporting the overall operation of gallery and exhibition spaces.

Key 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.

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate will have experience managing exhibition projects from planning through installation, strong technical and fabrication skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, a commitment to safety and accessibility, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of internal and external partners.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties.

A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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