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Purpose of Role

As a member of the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) Museum team, the Exhibitions Preparator will report to the Manager of Exhibition Production and will perform a range of duties associated with the production, installation, deinstallation, and ongoing care of its exhibitions. Under supervision of the Manager of Exhibition Production, you will work with key stakeholders, including internal staff, external project teams, and consultants to ensure that all exhibitions and interpretive elements are produced and maintained at the highest level of quality and seamlessly integrated with the museum base building.

During the critical phase of completion of building the OPC Museum and installation of the inaugural exhibitions, you will be an essential onsite presence and a key partner in supporting the installation plans for the museum’s exhibitions. Post-museum opening, you will be responsible for a range of activities including daily maintenance, the fabrication of exhibit componentry and mount production for object rotations and special exhibitions, as well as art handling and fabrication contractors during exhibition installs and deinstallations and other tasks assigned by the Manager of Exhibition Production.

The successful candidate will be proactive, resourceful, and detail-oriented, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment through up-to-date knowledge of best practice.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Exhibition Production:

  • Ensure exhibition fabrication meets design intent and required rigor to operate daily; track items needing adjustment and remediation.

  • Work with the Manager of Exhibition Production to plan and manage the installation/ de-installation of exhibitions and object rotations, coordinating schedules and details with the Exhibitions, Collections, and Curatorial teams. Attend and participate in project meetings.

  • Oversee and participate in construction, painting, fabrication of display fixtures, mounts, and crates as needed. Oversee printing and mounting of internally produced exhibition signage, including vinyl text, graphics, and object labels.

  • Work with outside vendors and contractors in the development and implementation of specific projects, including oversight of quality, accuracy of work, and monitoring schedules.

  • Oversee and maintain the appearance of exhibition spaces, including but not limited to dusting, cleaning vitrines, painting, and exhibition light replacement.

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current museum practices relating to exhibition care and installation.

• Shop Operations

  • Maintain the Exhibitions Woodshop, Graphics Shop, and onsite storage. Operate and maintain all tools and equipment associated with woodworking, limited in-house graphic production, mountmaking, and exhibit maintenance with the industry technological and aesthetic standards.

  • Research new materials, production techniques, and technical advances.

  • Provide timely estimates and schedules for construction of displays, cases, or pedestals as required.

  • Ensure adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures in the operations of the preparator team and its work spaces.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Develop schedules, tracking mechanisms, and processes to support  the exhibition fabrication, maintenance, and object rotations production processes. 

• Contribute to the future development of exhibition fabrication standards for use by both internal preparators and external vendors.

• Leverage tools to track and store all exhibition casework, furniture, and attic stock.

• Maintain an exhibition action log and maintenance