Exhibits Coordinator and Curatorial Assistant | McAllen, TX

Position: Exhibits Coordinator and Curatorial Assistant

Department: Curatorial

Supervises: N/A

Supervisor: Curator

Classification: Non-Exempt 

Job Number E 201 

Our Mission: The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) located in the Rio Grande Valley inspires audiences of all ages to explore art and science through its permanent collections, exhibits, programs, and partnerships by empowering learners to discover their interests and pursue their passions.

Job Description: The Exhibits Coordinator and Curatorial Assistant is responsible for coordinating museum exhibits and maintaining the database for the permanent collections. This position administers exhibition contracts, fine arts insurance, object condition reporting functions, assists with the production of exhibition text, coordination with guest artists and curators, and scheduling and supervising all incoming and outbound shipping related to the Department. Manages the exhibition schedule calendar and assists with curatorial and collection management tasks. 

Responsibilities: They will be responsible for: 

• Coordinating information, communications, and tasks related to exhibitions, including contracts, loan agreements, arrangements with artists and/or guest curators, scheduling deliveries and installation/deinstallation, shipping, insurance, gallery preparation, fabricating interpretive text and labels, , selecting and preparing casework, condition reports, and photography. Handle all shipping arrangements for exhibitions, including methods, insurance, and labeling.

• Assist the Curator in preparing exhibition proposals for internal staff and Curatorial Affairs Committee review and Board approval, including researching available exhibitions, making follow-up inquiries on availability, cost, duration, and special considerations. Manages the exhibition calendar for all exhibition areas within the museum. Manages the exhibition schedule. Including up-dating internal records, gallery designations, and scheduling staff previews.

• Provides exhibit information to the Development & Marketing Department for publicity and fundraising needs.

• Work collaboratively with Curator and Exhibits Technician on exhibition design (layout, color, etc.), gallery preparation, casework, text, labels, and scheduling. Communicate exhibition designs and provide information to the Exhibits Technician.

• Maintain digital and paper files for current and past exhibitions, design documents, condition reports, contracts, invoices, and other information.

• Prepares updates to the permanent collections records for Curator’s approval and enters information into the Catalog It database and hardcopy files.

• Responsible for keeping the collections storage vault clean, organized, and orderly.

• Assist with Curatorial and Collections Management activities. Including, object photography, object research, and assist in providing supervision of interns working in Curatorial Department.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate problems and concerns with suggested solutions.

• Must have computer experience in Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Creative Cloud software

• Facility with records management and expectation to fully master Catalog It collections database within 3 months of start date.

• Must be highly organized with attention to details, good time management skills and able to meet deadlines.

• Ability to solve problems and confidently make quick decisions when necessary

• Eagerness to learn from work-related experiences, ability to collaborate with coworkers, and communicate with constituents (i.e., artists, guest curators, vendors, etc.) in a professional, respectful manner.

• Must pass a background check. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluent in English and Spanish, oral and written.

• Undergraduate degree

• Knowledge of database software

• Knowledge of collections management practices and object handling experience

• Knowledge of museum and/or gallery installation standards

• Experience with a variety of design software such as SketchUp

Exhibits Coordinator and Curatorial Assistant Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit at a desk/workstation and use a computer for prolonged periods of time >4 hours.

• Ability to stand for up to four hours.

• Ability to physically move and handle artwork, which requires being able to lift up to 30 pounds regularly.

• Capable of confidently using ladders, hydraulic lift, cutting tools, etc to satisfactorily perform job duties.

Deadline to submit application: December 31, 2024

Compensation range: $17 per hour

FT Employment: 40 hours a week

Schedule: M-F with some weekends 

Benefits:  Health insurance and supplemental insurances such as dental, vision and life through the City of McAllen with the first 30 days. Entitled to all other existing benefits after 90 days.

Instructions on how to apply and online application: https://theimasonline.org/employment/