• An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae
• A formal letter of interest (addressed to Jennifer Kirker, Associate Director, Kelsey Museum) that details experience showing the applicant is prepared for this role and explains why this particular opportunity is the desired next step in their career
• A list of 3 references

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at the University of Michigan seeks a full-time Exhibition Coordinator to design, construct, install and maintain museum exhibitions and displays. The ideal candidate will have a passion for archaeology and the ancient world as well as a record of success in innovative exhibition design, production and installation in museums. The Exhibition Coordinator should have experience in bringing scientific research to life using visible, audible and kinesthetic experiences designed for the public and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with complex teams and meet project deadlines.

The Kelsey Museum is a dynamic research institution and academic museum that serves diverse audiences throughout the year. The Exhibition Coordinator will develop an exhibition schedule that supports the museum's mission, vision, values and strategic plan, focused on building intentional campus and community programming that supports academic curricula; fosters access, inclusivity and cultural understanding; and ultimately engages the archaeologist in us all through dynamic exploration of the past.

This is a full-time position. Flexibility with schedule may be required during peak installation and deinstallation periods.
 

About the Kelsey Museum
The Kelsey Museum is located on the central campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and houses a collection of more than 100,000 objects from the ancient Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East. In addition to its permanent galleries and special exhibitions, the museum sponsors research, archaeological fieldwork, and a wide range of academic and public programming. It serves as the home of a graduate program, the Interdepartmental Program in Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology, and is closely affiliated with the university's Museum Studies Program. The education department is vital to the Kelsey's mission and vision, serving a growing audience of approximately 1500 K-12 tours and 2500 university classes annually. 
 

50% Exhibitions Planning and Development

Ensures alignment of exhibitions with mission, vision, values and strategic plan 

Advise and lead faculty and non-faculty curators in exhibition design and development Utilizes creativity, resourcefulness and out-of-the-box approaches to design

Build exhibition furniture and object mounts as needed

Coordinate object movement with Collections and Conservation teams 

Coordinate the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions

Ensure adherence to museum standards and compliance with ADA & other regulations 

Coordinate work with contractors and vendors when necessary

Maintains knowledge of best practices in museum exhibitions

30% Department coordination

Supervise one direct report, the museum graphic designer

Manages the department budget in coordination with museum leadership

Create project schedules and budgets, track deadlines and expenses, and ensure exhibitions are completed on time and on budget

Advise Museum Leadership on exhibition procedures; may recommend policy Contribute to AAM reaccreditation

Cultivate a healthy, positive work culture based on collaboration and respect 

Participate in museum meetings and initiatives

Other duties as assigned

20% Facilities Coordination

Develop and maintain knowledge of facilities components and systems associated with exhibitions and exhibition spaces

Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the exhibition galleries Serves as important member of the museum's Emergency Response Team

Monitor exhibition lighting

Coordinate with LSA facilities as needed for painting and repairs 

B.A. in museum studies, education, anthropology, archaeology, art history, classics, related field or equivalent professional experience. Strong background in hands-on art production.

Experience and knowledge:

• Applied knowledge of professional museum principles, practices, and procedures;
• Minimum 5 years of museum exhibition experience;
• Excellent communication (speaking, writing, presentation, and listening) skills and an ability to effectively communicate within all levels of the University, as well as with external audiences;
• Self-directed and motivated;
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment;
• Collaborative by nature, flexible, and resourceful;
• Ability to interpret the collection and to communicate knowledge about it in a manner relevant to distinct audiences;
• Ability to engage and interpret scholarly research in the fields of museum and art education or informal learning;
• Demonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration;
• Must be able to move up to 50 pounds objects from different locations including onto carts, exhibitions and above head.

• Track record of successful exhibition design, production and installation;
  • Ability to critically review exhibition outlines, scripts and plans;
  • Training and experience in making mounts for variety of objects in exhibitions;
  • Successful record of collaboration;
• Cultural sensitivity and diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and commitment to the highest standards of professionalism;
• Professional and personal integrity, self-awareness, and optimism;
• Experience working in higher education/university museums;
• Knowledge of ancient Mediterranean art and/or archaeology;

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

We understand that excellent candidates may not meet all of the qualifications listed. We want to find the best candidate for the job.

The target salary range for this position is $56,400-70,500. The actual salary offered may be higher based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

To learn more about the Kelsey visit https://lsa.umich.edu/kelsey   

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.