Job No. 156003
- Job Title:
- Exhibit Coordinator - McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture - UTK
- Employer:
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The University of Tennessee
- Location:
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Knoxville , TN
- Posting Date:
- 29-Jul-2025
- Description:
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Job Description
The Exhibit Coordinator, reporting to the Curator of Exhibitions, is responsible for supporting the Museum's mission through project management, design conceptualization, preparation, and installation of exhibitions, collections installations, and building projects. The Exhibit Coordinator will produce graphics and drawings for museum project components, accounting for available space, visitor experience, object and visitor safety, project budget and timeline, and institutional mission and quality standards.
Responsibilities
Design: 45%
Under the direction of the Curator of Exhibitions, meets with Curators, Educators, and others to conceptualize, design, and plan engaging exhibition plans suitable for public display.
Generates scaled computer renderings, as well as models, prototypes, design drawings, and mock-ups to communicate design concepts (including museum furniture, object layouts, materials/paint colors, floor treatments) for exhibitions and building projects.
Designs and conceptualizes object mounts, museum furniture, interpretative materials, museum graphics, and other related exhibition elements, ensuring that all design elements are clear, visually appealing, and contribute to storytelling.
Works collaboratively with museum team leaders to ensure that object lists, installation information, design concepts, and other needed logistics are in order and communicated clearly to internal/external stakeholders.
Co-supervise exhibitions design/production intern, as needed.
Preparation: 30%
Handles, prepares, and transports art and museum objects according to museum best practices.
Constructs mounts and other museum display furniture for exhibitions and building projects.
Under the supervision of the Curator of Exhibitions, installs and deinstalls (and/or oversees the work of contractors installing/deinstalling) exhibitions, ensuring proper handling, security, and preservation of objects.
Keeps track of inventories and orders supplies as needed.
Manages the use, inventory, and maintenance of the OSHA-compliant workshop, and maintains all workshop tools, machinery, and materials.
Coordinates general maintenance and monitors the condition of exhibitions and physical installations, in consultation with the Curator of Exhibitions.
Project Management: 25%
Facilitates and supports the creation and management of comprehensive multi-year project timelines for exhibitions, ensuring all aspects of the project are effectively managed and delivered on time and within budget.
Provides guidance and direction in project-based meetings and ongoing communication between parties, as needed.
Works with outside designers, architects, and contractors, project managing construction of exhibition-related projects as needed.
Coordinate logistics, including transportation, installation, lighting, and technical requirements for exhibits.
Oversees and evaluates external vendors and contractors, reviews external proposals for alignment of scope and budget, and coordinates vendor selection and hiring.
Tracks, manages, and communicates staffing, scheduling, phasing, budgets, approvals, and scope shifts for assigned areas.
Plans, circulates, and implements detailed production schedules for exhibitions, rotations, and physical projects, communicating with key personnel and coordinating meetings as needed.
Archives final exhibition drawings, installation views, and other relevant materials.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in museum studies, design, architecture, or other related field.
Two or more years experience working in a similar position at a museum, gallery, or other similar cultural institution. Equivalent experience in commercial settings may also be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively with others under pressure amidst shifting priorities, managing time, staying organized, and meeting deadlines effectively.
Knowledge of museum exhibit design and best practices, construction, carpentry, and finish work.
Ability to manipulate heavy and/or large objects and to climb ladders.
Proficient skill in 3-D modeling tools such as Google Sketchup (preferred), Autocad, or other industry accepted software, as well as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience in assisting with culturally complex, sensitive, or confidential projects--including a demonstrated ability to listen and deal empathetically with various people and cultural groups.
Knowledge of museum standards for handling, installing, and packing museum objects and art.
Ability to safely use power tools, specialized equipment, and/or heavy machinery.
Ability to determine labor, equipment, and material costs on projects.
Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
Master's degree in museum studies, design, architecture, or other related field.
Five years of relevant experience in a museum, gallery, or similar cultural organization.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Additional 2-D or 3-D graphic, environmental graphic, interactive media, or way-finding design experience is preferred.- Knowledge of video editing software for exhibition audiovisual elements.
Knowledge of lighting design.
Knowledge of the principles and benefits of Universal Design.
Knowledge of object mount-making, soldering, and audiovisual equipment.
- Contact information:
- The University of Tennessee
- Knoxville, TN 37996
- United States
- Employer's Website:
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