Exhibitions Project Specialist

Chicago Architecture Foundation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellness

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Hybrid schedule

Professional development

Job summary

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) seeks an Exhibitions Project Specialist to coordinate site activations and exhibitions across partner communities. You will manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept to completion, supporting interpretive content and collaboration with CAC teams.

This role focuses on off-site exhibits, festivals, and place-based activation, requiring strong organizational skills, timely communications, and adherence to grant requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, architecture, interior design, urban planning or a related field.
• 3–5 years coordinating complex projects, preferably in exhibitions, cultural programs, design or community-based work.
• Knowledge of architectural history, urban planning, design, historic preservation/cultural heritage conservation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning and implementation of place-based activation projects tied to grant funding.
• Track project timelines, tasks, and budgets using a project management platform.
• Prepare agendas, document meetings, distribute notes, and follow up on actions.
• Monitor KPIs and grant-related payments; support multiple exhibition projects concurrently.
• Collaborate with Learning, Public Programs, Marketing, Facilities and center staff; coordinate with external vendors/partners.
• Contribute to exhibition content, labeling, and interpretation; assist with design, fabrication, lighting, graphics, and installation.

Skills

Project coordination

Stakeholder management

Exhibitions coordination

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or urban planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management platform

Job description

Who We AreThe Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a certified nonprofit organization that uses tours, public programs, and exhibitions to support education and community engagement. From 75+ walking tours and an award-winning river cruise to a striking riverfront Center, CAC connects visitors with Chicago’s architectural heritage and urban future. Revenue from tickets and programs directly funds youth education initiatives, world-renowned events like Open House Chicago, and public information campaigns. These efforts empower residents and visitors to better understand architecture, urban design, and their role in shaping the future of cities. Team members contribute to an organization recognized for its impact on civic engagement and architectural education.Job SummaryThe Exhibitions Project Specialist coordinates the planning, design, and production of site activations located in partnering communities, as well as exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Center. This individual possesses strong operational and administrative skills with demonstrated ability and experience in coordinating complex, multi-faceted activities. The Project Specialist communicates effectively with a variety of local, national and international stakeholders and has an ability to navigate multiple stakeholder groups simultaneously. This position is responsible for organizing and tracking project tasks, coordinating communication among team members and collaborators. This position additionally contributes to exhibition and interpretive content where appropriate and collaborates in creating meaningful exhibition experiences for CAC audiences.This position is partially focused on a multi-year grant-funded initiative and acts as project coordinator in the development of off-site exhibits, festivals, and place-based activation projects that partner with community sites.Duties and ResponsibilitiesReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Coordinates planning and implementation of place-based activation projects associated with specific grant funding.Uses in-house project management platforms to track projects from concept through execution, including the development and maintenance of project timelines, task lists, and multi-departmental coordination.Prepares agendas, participates in meetings by documenting, distributing notes, and following up on decisions/action items.Tracks KPIs and other evaluation metrics for place-based activation projects.Processes and tracks payments associated with grant funding.Supports multiple exhibition projects at a time, in direct collaboration with Learning and Public Programs teams, and constant communication with Marketing, Facilities, and Center staff.Contributes to exhibition projects involving design, fabrication, lighting, graphics, digital interface, installation, maintenance and de-installation, from concept through execution.Supports off-site projects in partnership with community stakeholders, representing CAC with professionalism and positivity.Researches, acquires, and interprets architecture and design information, images, artifacts and technologies that contribute to the development of exhibit experiences.Works with external vendors and partners to coordinate exhibition-related projects, including graphics, digital interactives, and physical spatial designs.Contributes interpretive content and label writing where appropriate.Other duties as neededSkills and QualificationsRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in museum studies, architecture, interior design, urban planning or a related field, or equivalent experienceAt least 3-5 years coordinating complex projects with many moving parts, ideally in exhibitions, cultural programs, design or community-based workKnowledge of and/or interest in architectural history, urban planning, design, historic preservation/cultural heritage conservation, or a related disciplineKnowledge of exhibition practice and interpretation, including writing labels or interpretive contentExperience building and maintaining project timelines, task lists and budgets or payment tracking, preferably using a project management platformProficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)Willing to travel locally to partner sites and to work some evenings, weekends and flexible with international time zones, especially during installs and activationsPreferred QualificationsExperience developing, designing or fabricating exhibitionsExperience with community-based design or place-based programmingExperience supporting grant-funded projects, including tracking KPIs and reporting to fundersSkills and CompetenciesOrganization and attention to detail: Manages several projects at once, keeps tasks and deadlines on track, and follows through on action items.Communication: Writes and speaks clearly. Prepares agendas and meeting notes, and adjusts messages for staff, vendors, community partners and the public.Collaboration and relationship building: Builds trust across departments and with community partners, and represents CAC professionally off-site.Adaptability: Stays effective when schedules, priorities or site conditions change, and solves problems as they come up.Stakeholder coordination: Balances the needs of several groups at once, including Learning, Public Programs, Marketing, Facilities, vendors and community sites.Audience-centered thinking: Brings visitor and community perspectives into exhibition and activation experiences.Research and interpretation: Finds and makes sense of architecture and design information, images and artifacts to shape exhibit content.Accountability: Tracks evaluation metrics and grant-related payments accurately and on time.Working conditionsSupplemental Information to Assist Organizations In Their Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)http://www.niqca.org/documents/ADAPhysicalRequirementsChecklist.pdfPhysical requirementsSupplemental Information to Assist Organizations In Their Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)http://www.niqca.org/documents/ADAPhysicalRequirementsChecklist.pdfDirect reportsn/aBenefits & PerksHealth & wellness: Medical, dental, and vision plans for full-time employees, plus an Employee Assistance Program, FSAs, and pre-tax commuter benefits.Financial security: 401(k) with a dollar-for-dollar match up to 4%, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and optional voluntary benefits.Time off: 11 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, vacation starting at 10 days, personal time starting at 12 days, and paid parental leave.Work-life: Hybrid schedule for eligible roles and professional development support.