JOB TITLE: Exhibition Designer - Preparator

REPORTS TO: Director of Interpretation, Collections & Education

FLSA: Exempt

SALARY: $45,000 - $55,000

ORGANIZATION MISSION

Located at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the National Civil Rights Museum chronicles the American civil rights movement, examines today’s global civil and human rights issues, provokes thoughtful debate and serves as a catalyst for positive social change.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Preparator is responsible for the installation of artifacts and art objects for Museum exhibitions. He/she plans and directs the fabrication, installation and disassembly of temporary and permanent Museum exhibits and is responsible along with the Registrar for collection storage.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL

• Reports to and works under the general supervision of the Director of Interpretation, Collections & Education (DICE) • Manages budget preparation, reports and maintains budget regarding permanent exhibition repairs • Collaborate with Interpretation, Collections & Education team on variety of projects and programming • Communicates issues and concerns to senior directors, the president, and internal as well as external stakeholders.

PREPARATOR

• Responsible for maintenance and/or repair of exhibit related objects, graphics or signage • Fulfills repair needs generated from condition reports in timely manner • Collaborates with Collections Manager/ Registrar: o Issues found in weekly exhibit checks o Condition reporting on incoming loans and exhibitions o Shipping & receiving of artifacts and exhibitions; art handling, storage, packing, and transport techniques o Coordinating cleaning of exhibitions with housekeeping staff. • Collaborates with Interpretation, Collections & Education team for the timely installation of exhibitions and interpretive materials. • Supervises vendors, contractors including hired laborers (i.e. art handlers) in exhibition and historic spaces.

• Collaborates and coordinates with Operations (Director of Operations, Facilities Manager) regarding maintenance and other work within the exhibitions and historic structures.

DESIGN

• Designs, plans, creates, and produces exhibits for traditional and non-traditional spaces both onsite and offsite. • Collaborates with community partners and stakeholders for the creation of exhibitions (when required) • Uses digital software to complete exhibit design (ie CAD, Adobe Photoshop, Sketch Up) • Creates budget proposals and cost estimates • Creates Request for Proposals and recommends vendors • Collaborate with overall Interpretation, Collections, and Education team on the development of exhibitions • Collaborate with marketing team, and Creative Brand Manager on the visual aesthetics of design

OTHER FUNCTIONS

Exhibition Designer/Preparator will be required to perform additional functions (essential or otherwise), which may be assigned from time to time. The position may require work on weekends, nights, and holidays.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL / SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS:

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Accuracy: Maintain a high level of detail and accuracy in management and completion of tasks, maintains clear, clean, and accessible records • Adaptability: Adjust to changing situations, learns new and different tasks, responds appropriately to constructive feedback • Attitude: Maintains a positive attitude and contributes to an encouraging and empowering work environment. Has a sense of humor. • Communication: Strong written and verbal skills, can speak and write clearly and concisely. Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. • Collaboration: Ability to work with diverse staff, and outside stakeholders • Dependability: Maintain an acceptable attendance record, complete work as scheduled • Flexibility: Balance departmental priorities with museum-wide goals and objectives. • Interpersonal: Comfortable interacting with diverse audiences including the general public, the department, and across the museum. Strong people skills. • Requires ability to operate general office equipment and carry furniture, fixtures, exhibits, boxes, etc. weighing up to 60 lbs. (some assistive equipment available at Museum) • Must exhibit strong people skills and be comfortable interacting with the general public • While the majority of the work is performed inside, some outdoor work is required during various Museum-related functions • Operates at heights, using ladders or hydraulic lift • Bending, stooping, kneeling, standing and walking

• Operates in a standard shop environment which includes exposure to nuisance dust levels, paints and adhesives and mechanical/low voltage electrical hazards associated with Preparator/Production Assistant duties (protective equipment provided by the Museum) • Must be able to multi-task and prioritize work • Ability to work in a team environment, to provide tangible solutions, explain and carry out methods and procedures, and contribute to the group • Excellent organization skills, detail oriented, trustworthy, reliable • Must have a sense of humor!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Preferred bachelor’s degree in art and with two to four (2-4) years of experience in Museum Exhibition and/or maintenance • Knowledge of the design and construction of Museum exhibitions including standard tools, practices and methods used for painting, carpentry, use and fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives, et. al. • Proficient in CAD, Adobe, and/or other digital design software. • Familiarity with appropriate suppliers and sources for qualified labor assistance, • Experience designing crates to transport artwork, handling sensitive work, and knowledge of Museum standards • Ability to perform work utilizing safe work practices, consistent with Museum policies and procedures and OSHA standards • Ability to climb ladders, handle power tools • Demonstrate commitment and flexibility in order to achieve high quality service Must possess a valid State Driver’s License