Assistant Gallery Technician

About SAIC

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.

About the Department

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Department of Exhibitions and Exhibition Studies brings the boundary-pushing work of acclaimed and emerging artists to Chicago audiences. 

With shows and projects led by Department of Exhibitions staff, faculty, and student curators, the School's exhibition spaces are teaching galleries that engage process as a pedagogical model and mode of research. Exhibitions are free and open to the public. 

Position Summary

Responsible for the preparation, installation, maintenance, and de-installation of the exhibitions at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s galleries.  Under general supervision, or following instructions, relocates artwork and production/display elements within the building and storage areas. Prepares artwork for shipping to other museums, galleries, and lenders after exhibitions. Manages student worker crews.

 Responsibilities

• Handles works of art, under supervision.
• Oversees, trains and assists work-study students hired to prepare, maintain, and de-install the exhibition site.
• Assists in transporting and installing art in galleries, storage, etc.
• Assists Gallery Technicians, Senior Exhibition Manager, and Registrar with all gallery activities.
• Lays out and implements gallery configurations.
• Coordinates schedules and duties with the Senior Exhibition Manager.
• Assists exhibiting artists with their installations, troubleshooting and problem-solving art hanging methods, electrical, and equipment issues.
• Positions signage and lights in the exhibition space and office area.
• Opens and closes the exhibition site.
• Maintains and inventories tools and materials.
• Assists at special receptions, performances, and other events scheduled during the run of the exhibitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Fine Arts or related field preferred
• Two years of art handling and art installation experience in a museum or gallery required
• Ability to communicate effectively with people and other departments
• Knowledge of policy and ability to apply that to unique situations
• Ability to make objective decisions using sound judgment
• Basic math skills

Physical Requirements

• Capable of stooping, bending, stretching, and lifting
• Must be comfortable working on ladders and at heights
• Requires a demanding level of concentration
• Requires regular lifting of objects weighing up to twenty-five pounds

 Compensation & Benefits

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:  

• Hiring Range

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons. 

• Benefits        
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification:Temporary
• Employment Category: Full-time
• Grade Level: 5

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