Director of Exhibits
Director of Exhibits
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News and World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title: Director of Exhibits
Job Profile Title: Director D
Job Description Summary
Responsible for the development, design and coordination of, primarily, public exhibitions based on the holdings of the Penn Libraries. Maintain and coordinate exhibition calendar and related events. Work with exhibition curators to assess needs and requirements and assist curators by designing and producing exhibition-related materials (i.e., printed texts, catalogs, case texts, promotional materials, including rack cards, posters and digital content). Supervise exhibit staff. In cooperation with Registrar, coordinate traveling exhibitions, from loan negotiations to insurance, packing, transportation and registration. Oversee borrowing of materials from other institutions and individuals. Design and coordinate printing, mailing and distribution of invitations and posters for exhibition-related events. Serves as liaison to the Libraries’ Development Office and other departments as appropriate.
Job Description
The Director of Exhibits oversees and shape the strategic direction of Penn Libraries’ public exhibits. Responsible for the development, design and coordination of, primarily, public exhibitions based on the holdings of the Penn Libraries. Maintain and coordinate exhibition calendar and related events. Work with exhibition curators to assess needs and requirements and assist curators by designing and producing exhibition-related materials (i.e., printed texts, catalogs, case texts, promotional materials, including rack cards, posters and digital content). Supervise exhibit staff. In cooperation with Registrar, coordinate traveling exhibitions, from loan negotiations to insurance, packing, transportation and registration. Oversee borrowing of materials from other institutions and individuals. Design and coordinate printing, mailing and distribution of invitations and posters for exhibition-related events. Serves as liaison to the Libraries’ Development Office and other departments as appropriate.
Qualifications
• 5 or more years of experience in managing exhibits
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team of curators, staff and partners
• Knowledge of best practices and trends in exhibits
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and in collaborating and negotiating with diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated commitment to addressing local and global environmental challenges
• Ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment in daily work
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient with typical business-related software (Microsoft Office/Google Office Suite)
• Self-starter, with the ability to carry a project from concept to completion
• Experience in a position requiring successful multi-tasking of priorities and projects
• Creative, flexible, and analytical thinker
• Substantial experience as an exhibit developer and exhibit designer
• Able to critically review exhibit outlines, scripts, and plans
• Experience in museum or informal education in another setting, and in collaborating with educators or program staff
• Experience navigating a major research university
• Skilled with Adobe suite and exhibit software
• Knowledge and experience developing wayfinding systems
*** REQUIRED*** Please submit a resume and cover letter as one attachment when applying.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
University Library
Pay Range
$88,861.00 - $168,837.00
Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
