Position Title: Collections + Exhibitions Manager             
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Part-time: August – December 2024; Full-time: January 2025 onwards  
Supervises: Collections + Exhibitions Coordinator, Interns, Art Handlers 

Position Summary and Purpose:

The Collections + Exhibitions Manager is a critical member of the Harvey B. Gantt Center’s exhibition team, providing coordination and general oversight for documentation, care, and conservation of the Gantt Center’s permanent collection and all in-house, on-loan, and traveling exhibitions. The incumbent will assist in the documentation of new acquisitions and collection objects as well as manage collection records in the museum database, applying best practices to the work of the Gantt Center. 

The role requires accuracy, attention to detail, strong communication and analytical skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work collaboratively. The Collections + Exhibitions Manager should be highly organized, solution-focused, and creative. Candidates should have an entrepreneurial outlook and be interested in exploring the impact that Gantt exhibitions can make in the Charlotte community.

Currently, this position reports to the President + CEO and collaborates extensively with curators, lenders, artists, insurers, shippers, and art handlers to coordinate and document exhibitions. The Collections + Exhibitions Manager oversees the Collections + Exhibitions Coordinator and may oversee interns, installation teams, and other consultants as required.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor environmental conditions and artwork installed in galleries daily
• Maintain daily/weekly reports of gallery and artwork maintenance
• Assist with the care, maintenance, and preservation of artworks and artifacts
• Research/recommend methods of restoration for artworks and artifacts
• Assist with object location data for artwork in storage
• Oversee exhibition installations and archival maintenance of all exhibition loans, permanent files, and records
• Update the collections management computer database
• Maintain loan agreements, donor letters, condition reports, insurance and transit arrangement, deed of gifts, and collections accession receipts
• Maintain, organize and digitize binders containing supporting documents for all exhibitions (past, current and incoming) including agreements, contact information, object list with images, insurance, shipping, marketing, website information, condition reports, and labels
• Receive, unpack, pack, and organize loan shipments to and from other institutions
• Oversee touring exhibitions including maintaining the database, tracking responses, and consulting with registrars, curators, and exhibition coordinators at each venue
• Assist with writing, editing, and researching wall text, labels, website content, catalog publications, gallery guides, press releases, and supporting exhibition information
• Collaborate with Marketing departments on visual identity of exhibitions, including fonts, colors, and other design elements
• Assist with adding Gantt Center Collection artwork to Google Arts & Culture
• Oversee de-install and install processes
• Assist with organizing exhibition proposals for review
• Assist with exhibition calendar
• Filing, copying, and general data entry
• Other duties as assigned, including inventory and special projects working with documentation or works of art

Non-essential Functions:

• Lead guided tours of Gantt Center exhibitions
• Attend Gantt Center exhibition openings
• Assist with training new personnel, as needed
• Assist during all staff events (e.g. MLK Day Celebration)

Competencies:

• Previous experience managing exhibitions at an arts/cultural institution
• Strong accuracy, attention to detail and adherence to schedules
• Ability to organize, prioritize and work independently with competing priorities
• High degree of initiative
• Knowledge of best practices and current standards for museum registrars
• Effectively communicate and maintain strong working relationships with supervisor, collections colleagues, curators, and co-workers
• Demonstrates flexibility and contributes to a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect, collaboration, and openness to many perspectives.
• Strong written communication skills. Comfort with telephone and email.

Basic Knowledge:

• Ability to operate a computer and general office equipment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite

Education and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in museum-related studies, preferably Arts Administration or Art History. The ideal candidate has experience documenting and cataloguing a museum collection, including using a collection management database (PastPerfect, preferably) and supporting applications.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

The Collections + Exhibitions Manager has an assigned workstation, telephone, and computer. The position requires frequent sitting, standing, and walking. May require sitting and working on a computer for extended periods of time. Requires ability to communicate with others in-person and on the telephone. May require occasional lifting up to 35 lbs. Requires ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, to meet client and organization’s needs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions. The Harvey B. Gantt Center reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and position titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the organization.

Application Procedure:

Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and two (2) references to Leandra-Juliet Kelley, Director, Collections + Curatorial Affairs, at leandra@ganttcenter.org. The subject line should read: Collections + Exhibitions Manager Position. No phone calls, please.