Job Opening: Head of Programs and Exhibitions, The Commons

Job Title: Program/Project Administrator, Gr. 8

Position Title: Head of Programs and Exhibitions, The Commons, MIT School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P)

Reports To: Director of Communications (SA+P)

Effort: 100%

Term: Two years, with probability of extension

 

Position Overview:

The Head of Programs and Exhibitions will helm an exciting set of spaces and community-building events for “the Commons” for MIT’s top-ranked School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P).  The Commons includes exhibition spaces across departments at SA+P (e.g. Architecture, Urban Studies, Media Arts and Sciences), including a new dedicated space carved out of the redesigned Metropolitan Storage Warehouse (the Met) on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Vital to the academic and research programs of the school, the Commons is envisioned both as an assembly of curated physical sites and a set of related programs focused on architecture, design, urbanism, art, media, and technology. Collaborations between units, including the newly-launched, cross-Institute entity Morningside Academy for Design, will be a priority, as will participation by faculty and students. 

The Head of Programs and Exhibitions will engage faculty, students, and school administrators to budget, fundraise, develop, and install lively architecture, urbanism, and art displays, as well as plan related programs in a variety of spaces across SA+P, including but not limited to its new home in the Met. These exhibitions and programs will be designed for a range of audiences, including the general public. This position helps to shape an overarching narrative and voice for the Commons by thoughtfully scheduling programs and exhibition concepts sourced from stakeholders within SA+P, with intellectual support and participation from the faculty and deans of the School. Successful applicants will have robust connections to curatorial practice and public engagement, as well as strong project management skills, in order to successfully deliver a compelling program of exhibitions and events in dialogue with SA+P and its faculty. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

  • In close collaboration with SA+P faculty and associate deans[1], plan and mount a sequence of exhibits and installations in the Commons, including approximately three exhibitions per year in the 1,000 sq. ft. main gallery and four to five smaller installations in distributed spaces;

  • Contribute to the faculty-led vision for exhibits and serve as the expert on implementing that vision in order to ensure that faculty-led projects remain on schedule and aligned with approved plans, scope, and budget; conceive and curate exhibitions as needed;

  • Convene, schedule, and lead planning meetings; develop and communicate installation schedules and program run-of-show documents; follow up on action items; and ensure coordination across team members and internal departments for all activities in the Commons and other exhibition spaces.
  • Oversee exhibition and programming budgets; track actuals vs. projected costs and forecast project costs as more information becomes available. Collaborate with Financial Assistant to fulfill payments to vendors. 

  • Assist faculty and resource development staff by initiating and contributing to grant-writing and other fundraising activities as needed;

  • Assemble and direct teams of vendors, students, and others as necessary to design, fabricate, and install exhibitions; (outside contractor services may include registrar, installation, publication, and exhibit design);

  • Solicit and manage exhibit proposals and selection processes; maintain archives of same;

  • Encourage collaboration between units of the School and participation by faculty and students; 

  • Network and coordinate programs with other presenter organizations across the Institute, such as but not limited to the MIT Center for Art Science and Technology (CAST), MIT List Visual Art Center, and MIT Museum; and,

  • Collaborate closely with colleagues in the Communications department to provide timely and accurate information about exhibitions and programs, including installation milestones, program dates, project descriptions, credits, schedules, and creator details needed for public-facing materials. Review information for accuracy prior to dissemination. 

[1]  Primarily the SA+P Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and the Associate Dean for Research

 

Supervision Received:

Reports to the School’s Director of Communications, with close direction from the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, and additional guidance from an SA+P Commons committee made up of faculty and staff.

Supervision Exercised:

No direct reports. As leader of exhibition projects and public programs, will direct the work of others. 

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field required; Master’s or higher degree in related field preferred;

  • Demonstrated familiarity with art, media, architectural, and/or urban design discourses and display practices;

  • Demonstrated experience in managing complex exhibition, fabrication, or installation-based creative projects.

  • Experience building consensus among multiple stakeholders;

  • Ability to function effectively and build relationships in a highly diverse academic environment;

  • Strong organizational skills; ability to keep multiple workstreams aligned and well documented.

  • Creative problem solver;

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

  • Experience coordinating with artists, designers, fabricators, or vendors.
  • Ability to track budgets and maintain clear financial documentation.
  • Experience working in environments with strict safety and facilities protocols. Knowledge of museum/gallery safety procedures and facilities coordination a plus.

  • Experience bridging university and community concerns a plus.