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School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Specialist, Art Preparation

School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

Generous paid time offPaid holidays (up to 14 days)Medical, dental, and vision insuranceGenerous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefitsTuition remission and Tuition Exchange ProgramGreat employee discountsComplimentary general admission to participating cultural institutionsSalary Grade 6

OUR VALUESAll staff members are expected to embrace the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution and to adhere to the museum’s shared values.Our museum reflects and deepens our collective humanity; the arts are integral to an inspired and just society.We respect and acknowledge each of our colleagues’ contributions and expertise across all roles within our organization.We share in the responsibility to create an antiracist culture built on equity, inclusion, and justice for all, acknowledging that these efforts are intersectional and ongoing.We encourage and advance a culture of hospitality, empathy, and gratitude for each visitor, supporter, and member of our staff.We embrace innovation and foster change with a progressive understanding of—and obligation to reconsider—our past.We sustain an open and dynamic civic platform, inviting and advancing the diverse perspectives of our city, staff, visitors, and supporters.ABOUT THE DEPARTMENTThe department of Collections and Loans (C+L) oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, defining processes that ensure compliance with the museum’s policies as well as legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and sellers.In four distinct areas––collections, loans, art preparation and logistics, and collections systems––C+L implements policies that govern the day-to-day application of museum best practices regarding documentation and recordkeeping; inventory and audit procedures; collection database and metadata management; logistics and shipping; art handling and packing; storage; insurance; and risk management.Through strategic and innovative applications of data and new technologies, the C+L team supports the growth of the museum and the modernization of collection care best practices.ABOUT THE POSITIONThis role provides art handling expertise for exhibitions and collection displays following museum best practices.RESPONSIBILITIESAssists the Manager of Art Preparation, with planning and scheduling, monitoring the progress of projects and to assure that work is being performed correctly and effectively.Art handling throughout the museum galleries, storage vaults and packing facilities. Responsible for safe handling in all installs, de-installs, transport, packing and unpacking artwork as assigned.Leads and supervises the work of art handlers during installation/de-installation and packing/unpacking works of art. Coordinates with other departments as necessary.Oversees incoming and outgoing shipments including packing/unpacking, and tracking the receipt and location of art work in the CITI database.Researches new applications of equipment, aesthetic and logical solutions to challenges in areas of art handling and display of works of art to improve safe handling.Purchases and maintains tools, equipment and supplies required to perform specialized tasks.Contributes skills and experience to art handling training program.QUALIFICATIONS3-5 years of art handling experience in a museum or gallery requiredStrong understanding and experience of rigging methods, AV and/or mount-making fabrication and installation requiredDemonstrated expertise preparing display case work, support structures and housing for artworks requiredExcellent competence using a wide variety of hand and power tools requiredDemonstrated knowledge of safe and best art handling practices as well as exceptional manual dexterity highly desirableDemonstrated ability to interpret design drawings. Knowledge of 3D drawing software a plusEffective communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to lift 60 lbs. comfortably; willing to wear PPE as required.Must be comfortable climbing and working on ladders, high lift equipment, forklifts and other warehouse equipmentMust be willing to be certified on the forklift, stacker and other warehouse equipmentExcellent computer skills; strong knowledge of Google Suite and SmartsheetCLOSING STATEMENT

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.UNION INFO

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

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