Manager of Exhibition Production
Manager of Exhibition Production
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Job Description
Position Description
Updated June 19 2025
Title: Manager of Exhibition Production
Division: Collections & Exhibitions
Reports to: Sr. Director of Curatorial Affairs
Position Status: Full-time; Exempt
Salary Range: $65000 - $70000/year
Position summary:
The Manager of Exhibition Production serves as project manager for and actively participates in all aspects of the preparation and installation of the VMHCs in-house exhibitions long-term gallery rotations traveling exhibitions and other related projects. This position directly supervises the exhibition designer and exhibition coordinator and works with curators conservators and collections staff to plan and direct the installation of exhibitions that engage diverse audiences.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Create circulate and implement detailed production schedules for each exhibition and communicate with key VMHC staff involved in producing exhibitions
- Prepare and manage exhibition production budgets and secure bids for outside services
- Supervise freelance contractors including graphic designers fabricators and installers
- Supervise all construction necessary for the installation of exhibitions
- Assist in reviewing and negotiating exhibition contracts
- Participate in the hiring and supervision of staff and contractors engaged in exhibit production and maintenance
- Negotiate purchase and manage materials and supplies; develop and cultivate vendor relationships
- Work with the exhibit team and other staff to maintain redesign or enhance existing exhibitions to improve visitor experience
- Serve on the team that develops the VMHCs five-year exhibition calendar
- Supervise the work of the exhibition designer in the production of gallery plans and elevations
- Oversee the VMHCs traveling exhibition program
- Oversee the regular maintenance of all exhibitions on display including cleaning casework and exhibit fixtures ensuring proper lighting and assisting with the upkeep of audiovisual equipment and digital interactives
Knowledge Skills & Abilities Necessary:
- Broad knowledge of current trends in museum development design display techniques and equipment
- Knowledge of current materials and object handling practices used in exhibition installation
- Ability to analyze exhibition tasks to estimate time and materials necessary to complete projects
- Ability to review detailed construction drawings and proven experience coordinating production with contractors
- Ability to coordinate the activities of multiple simultaneous projects to conclude all work within scheduled projects completion dates
- Ability to adjust to or compensate for unanticipated or unscheduled circumstances
- Ability to compile and synthesize verbal written and visual information into production strategies and work plans
- Ability to supervise and train employees including organizing prioritizing and scheduling work assignments
- Capability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds
- Drivers license in good standing
Education & Experience Requirements:
- Bachelors degree in art history museum studies design project management or equivalent work experience
- Five years of demonstrated experience either managing or producing museum exhibitions including supervisory experience
- Experience safely and expertly operating shop hand and power tools including band saws table saws drill presses miter saws lifts and other equipment is preferred
Application:
If interested in this job opportunity please apply and upload your cover letter and resume to
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society - a private non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation. For use in its state history museum and its renowned research library the historical society cares for a collection of nearly nine million items representing the ever-evolving story of Virginia.
The Virginia Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Required Experience:
Manager
Employment Type
Full-Time
