Senior Exhibition Preparator & Lead Installer

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Onsite parking

Job summary

The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU ICA) in Richmond, VA is seeking a Senior Preparator to lead planning, fabrication, and installation of exhibitions and commissions. You will manage art handling, AV systems, fabrication, logistics, and gallery operations while guiding a team of preparators and fabricators.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in woodworking, fabrication, and design software, with museum standards experience and a collaborative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Studio Art, Architecture, or related field.
• Five+ years of museum exhibition preparation, design, or fabrication.
• Leading exhibition installations and supervising technical staff.
• Strong woodworking, fabrication, and finish carpentry skills.
• Experience with audiovisual systems and media-based artworks.
• Proficiency with design and drafting software (Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Vectorworks, AutoCAD).
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and project management skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and operate shop equipment safely.
• Commitment to respectful, professional environment with diverse population.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, scheduling, and execution of all exhibition installations and gallery rotations.
• Develop relationships with artists, curators, vendors, and institutional partners.
• Coordinate and manage daily activities of preparators and contractors.
• Oversee installation schedules and workflow across multiple projects.
• Provide technical guidance and training to installation staff.
• Foster a safe, collaborative work environment.
• Hire and supervise a team of art handlers, preparators, and fabricators.

Skills

Woodworking

Fabrication

Finish carpentry

A/V systems

Project management

Training staff

Safety procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in Studio Art or Architecture

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

The Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU ICA) in Richmond, VA is seeking a Senior Preparator to lead planning, fabrication, and installation of exhibitions and commissions. You will manage art handling, AV systems, fabrication, logistics, and gallery operations while guiding a team of preparators and fabricators.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in woodworking, fabrication, and design software, with museum standards experience and a collaborative