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erika.katayama
06-27-2014, 10:31 AM
TITLE: Chief Preparator
REPORTS TO: Vice President for Exhibitions and Public Programs
DEPARTMENT: Exhibitions and Public Programs
SUPERVISES: Student Gallery Assistants, Walter & McBean Galleries/Contracted preparatory team as needed for special projects
STATUS: Full-time, Supervisory, Exempt
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Is a key member of the Exhibitions staff at the San Francisco Art Institute. Responsible for all art preparation, production support and the smooth and efficient flow of exhibit-related activities. Works closely with Vice President for Exhibitions and Public Programs and Assistant Curator and Exhibitions Manager to develop comprehensive work plan for exhibition installation, including technical support to artists, exhibition design, production, fabrication, construction, and installation processes. Responsible for administrative and logistical factors of realizing exhibitions and projects such as maintaining schedules, budgets, and managing costs; sourcing materials and equipment; and organizing transportation and insurance.
SPECIFIC DUTIES/RESPONSIBILTIES
Coordinates all exhibition-related art handling including moving, packing, crating, shipping, receiving and transporting objects for the department's short- and long-term projects


Oversees all aspects of exhibition construction and installation, including moving works of art in and out of storage and exhibition areas, installing and de-installing objects properly and assisting with condition reports
Hires independent contractors as needed for installation and de-installation, conservation, rigging, packing, crating, shipping, installation photography
Supervises and trains student workers in professional art handling methods

Prepares and coordinates fabrication and holistic installation plan for art exhibitions


Coordinates planning and fabrication of exhibition pedestals, props, temporary walls, and other display designs; construct display elements and crates
Coordinates signage, furniture fabrication, directs and maintains exhibition lighting
Monitor galleries for the maintenance of exhibition furniture, functioning of digital equipment, and other installation components
Generate materials and labor cost estimates based on exhibition plans

Maintains physical property and gallery spaces


Performs and directs ongoing maintenance of physical exhibition spaces
Maintains gallery tools and supplies such as lightbulbs, paint, lumber, etc.
Plans and develops improvements to physical spaces
Maintenance of spaces including Walter and McBean Galleries, storage area and offices; Diego Rivera Gallery, The Bunker, and other student exhibition spaces, in close coordination with Facilities, Academic Affairs, and School of Studio Practice, as necessary

Collaborates with the Assistant Curator on registrarial and administrative tasks related to mounting of exhibitions


Negotiates loan agreements and prepares loan documents for lenders
Maintains insurance files and manages insurance claims with regard to works of art
Prepares accurate condition reporting of objects, both incoming and outgoing

Supports MFA and BFA exhibitions in cooperation with Facilities and Studio Practice departments


Assists with exhibition and project planning
Provides expertise and training during art installation and deinstallation processes

• Must be able to work flexible hours as needed during installation periods and during public events
• Additional duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS: 3 – 5 years experience in exhibition preparation and management, in a museum, university gallery, or commercial context, preferably with supervisory and project management responsibility. Candidates should possess and MFA or equivalent degree and have significant experience with a range of artistic media and practices. The ideal candidate will possess advanced skills in carpentry, fabrication, drywall, painting, and computer skills including Sketch Up or AutoCAD, and Adobe Suite programs.
Ability to move or assist in moving heavy objects (must be able to lift 50 lbs) and ability to operate genie lifts, forklifts, pallet jacks, etc. Demonstrated proficiency of practices and methods in art installation and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge with initiative and judgment, concern for detail, accuracy, and neat execution of work.
Ideal candidate should be eager to tackle eclectic and diverse projects with ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a can-do attitude. The position will be an integral team member in a small, collegial office that maintains a high level of dedication in developing and presenting ambitious exhibitions and projects.