Head Exhibition Designer & Lead Preparator

UR University of Richmond; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Richmond's University Museums seeks an Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator to oversee planning, coordination, and installation of all exhibitions and permanent collection displays.

The role reports to the Deputy Director and Curator of Exhibitions, directs a team including the Exhibition Preparator and student interns, and manages timelines, budgets, and vendor coordination to deliver high‑quality installations on schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of art preparator and exhibition planning experience.
• Knowledge of museum best practices for handling, installation, conservation and shipping.
• Fluency with time‑based media installation and CAD workflows.

Responsibilities

• Oversee exhibition planning and management for all museum exhibitions and installations.
• Develop timelines, budgets and installation plans with curators and leadership.
• Lead design and fabrication of exhibition spaces, casework and display furniture.
• Coordinate lighting, AV requirements and media for time‑based works.
• Supervise Exhibition Preparator, interns and contract staff; ensure safety and standards.

Skills

Exhibition planning

Project management

CAD drawings

SketchUp

Time-based media

Art handling

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in art-related field

Tools

AirTable

SketchUp

The Gallery System (TMS)

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

The University of Richmond's University Museums seeks an Exhibition Manager and Lead Preparator to oversee planning, coordination, and installation of all exhibitions and permanent collection displays.

The role reports to the Deputy Director and Curator of Exhibitions, directs a team including the Exhibition Preparator and student interns, and manages timelines, budgets, and vendor coordination to deliver high‑quality installations on schedule.