Job description
DATE POSTED: June 2024
JOB TITLE: Exhibitions and Maintenance Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: BFA Photography & Video
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations
COMPENSATION: $45,000 annually
POSITION STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)
WORK SCHEDULE: Typical work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Hours may vary depending on departmental needs, with weekend and overtime hours as required.
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Exhibitions and Maintenance Coordinator manages the organization, support, installation, disassembly, and documentation of student and department exhibitions. They oversee the maintenance and repair of the Photography Department facilities and equipment and support the Director of Operations as needed.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
GALLERY COORDINATION & INSTALLATION:
Must have the ability to plan for loans, gallery installations, and exhibitions, along with providing installation/work schedules and budgets
Oversee gallery spaces and work with students & staff to provide advice and develop solutions for proper preparation, installation, and lighting for individual student and department exhibitions.
Present best exhibition practices workshops to students and faculty
Coordinate and communicate with staff, students, and faculty to develop production plans and schedules for on and off-site gallery installations
Coordinate with students regarding special exhibition requests, dropping off and picking up work, packing work, and shipping work
Research technology solutions for use in gallery and exhibition presentations
Occasionally build pedestals, shelves, and other items for exhibition needs
Documentation of student and departmental shows
Assist the Special Programs and Events Coordinator in updating the department’s exhibitions webpage
Order department's inventory of supplies
FACILITIES & STORAGE MANAGEMENT:
Conduct assembly, construction, electrical, and general carpentry projects as needed
Manage and coordinate with management & staff regarding storage space usage
Coordinate to rearrange spaces as needed for efficient usage, delivery, and logistics of inventories
Manage studio/darkroom storage closets, paint closet, and department collection storage space
Oversee building preparation for exhibitions and public events
Work with physical plant, vendors, and staff to schedule and facilitate repairs and maintenance projects in a timely manner
Maintain an orderly office and repair space, including repair parts, materials, and tools for staff use
Coordinate with the building manager for proper waste disposal and recycling
REPAIR & MAINTENANCE:
Facilitate repair maintenance procedures and policies for departmental use as required
Package/send equipment for repair to outside vendors and maintain accurate accounts for all orders
Assist the Assistant Studio Manager to manage student fines for broken or damaged equipment.
Communicate with staff regarding equipment maintenance, repairs, and proper use.
Order and purchase repair supplies
Research new technology for updating camera, studio, and lab equipment inventory
Coordinate with the Director of Health and Environmental Safety:
Keeping updated MSDS sheets for all Darkroom chemistry
Perform standard operating procedures such as monthly pH testing of waste fixer
Monitoring and performing preventative maintenance checks and repairs to ensure the following types of equipment are in working order:
Darkroom
B&W silver recovery equipment
B&W enlargers, timers, easels, and other related equipment
Chemical mixers, transfer pumps, tanks, and chemical handling equipment
Water filters, filter panels, and water tempering valves
Processing sinks, related plumbing, and equipment
Print viewing stations
Print washers/dryers
Dry mounting presses
UV Exposure units
Equipment Hub & Studios
Cameras, lenses, and light meters (digital and analog/full frame to 4x5)
Tripods and grip equipment
Studio lighting and lighting accessories (strobe, continuous, LED, fluorescent)
Studio capture stations
Gallery Spaces
Gallery track light fixtures
Gallery-related media devices - flat-screen displays, projectors & media players
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct purchasing card transactions, reconcile monthly statements, and process requisitions for procurement when needed
Create online requisitions for repairs and maintenance supplies
Assist the staff during building maintenance periods and department projects
Attend weekly meetings with the Hub team: Studio Technicians, Studio Manager, Assistant Studio Managers, and the Director of Operations
Attend all meetings related to departmental exhibitions
Provide support to the Chair’s Office team, Director of OperatChair'snd Studio Manager on special projects or tasks as needed and requested
Assist the Chair and Special Programs & Events Coordinator with organizing and maintaining the department's art collection
QUALIFICATIONS:
Degree in Photography or a related field
Prior experience working within an educational environment is a plus
Advanced knowledge and troubleshooting skills in analog/digital photography and related studio equipment and technologies
Knowledge of analog darkroom maintenance, including the proper handling of chemistry
Good mechanical skills; basic knowledge of electric, plumbing, and shop/power tools
Excellent interpersonal skills - Must be able to effectively communicate (verbally and written) with colleagues, students, faculty, other departments, outside vendors, and a variety of personalities
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and multi-task
Strong organizational skills
Proficient in using Google Apps (Google Docs, Sheets, and Forms) in a Mac environment
Willingness to work overtime or weekends as necessary and be able to lift to 50 lb.
WORKING AT SVA
School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Click here to learn what it's like to work at SVA.
The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion is a core principle of the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a significant number of historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, diverse abilities, and foreign countries, and all are encouraged to apply.