Head of Exhibitions and Publications

Description

Reports to: Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Interpretation

Department: Exhibitions

Classification: Exempt, Full-time

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Mission: The Dallas Museum of Art is a space of wonder and discovery where art comes alive.

The DMA will:  

• Place art and our diverse communities at the center around which all activities radiate.
• Pursue excellence in collecting and programming, present works of art across cultures and time, and be a driving force in contemporary art.
• Strengthen our position as a prominent, innovative institution, expanding the meaning and possibilities of learning and creativity.

Scope of Position

The Head of Exhibitions and Publications is responsible for overseeing a team and leading the planning and execution of assigned exhibitions, permanent collection installations, publications, and special projects. Under the direction of the Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Interpretation, this role supports the daily operations of the department and ensures effective coordination across all related activities. The Head of Exhibitions and Publications also provides strategic and operational oversight of the institution’s Exhibitions and Publications program, guiding project timelines, budgets, and cross-departmental collaboration to produce high-quality exhibitions as well as print and digital publications.

This position serves as a key liaison with external partners—including lending institutions, contractors, designers, and publishers—as well as with internal departments such as Collections, Curatorial, Finance, Education, Marketing, and Development. The role is central to ensuring that exhibitions and publications are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest professional standards.

Essential Functions 

• Provide Strategic Leadership and Supervision: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of exhibition planners, fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment. Set clear professional standards and expectations, support staff development, and promote open communication, initiative, and ownership of individual areas of responsibility.
• Oversee Exhibitions and Special Projects: Provide comprehensive project management for assigned exhibitions, gallery rotations, permanent collection installations, and special initiatives. Responsibilities include chairing project meetings, managing timelines, tracking progress, coordinating action items, and ensuring that projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinate Planning and Production Timelines: In partnership with internal stakeholders, establish and maintain production schedules for all phases of assigned exhibitions and installations—including checklist development, floorplans, interpretive content, in-gallery media, and graphic elements. Monitor deliverables and adjust plans as needed to meet deadlines.
• Contract and Agreement Management: Negotiate, draft, and manage exhibition and publication-related contracts and letters of agreement in coordination with the Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Interpretation and other relevant departments, ensuring institutional standards and priorities are met.
• Budget Oversight: Develop and manage detailed budgets for assigned exhibitions and publications, including forecasting and reporting. Coordinate with external and internal stakeholders to track expenses, invoice lending institutions, and process payments and reimbursements as necessary.
• Schedule Oversight: Manage the scheduling and execution of construction, installation, and deinstallation activities for exhibitions and permanent collection installations in collaboration with the Director of Collections, Exhibitions, and Interpretation and cross-departmental partners.
• Documentation and Archiving: Oversee the maintenance of complete and accurate records for each assigned exhibition and publication in collaboration with Exhibition planners. Ensure materials are properly archived and shared according to institutional guidelines, including timely and accurate data entry in TMS.
• Publications Program Oversight: Lead and manage all phases of the museum’s Publications program, from concept development through final production and delivery. This includes coordinating with curators, editors, designers, and publishers; setting and tracking production schedules; ensuring timely delivery of content and assets; managing budgets and contracts; reviewing proofs and layouts; and overseeing distribution. Ens