Exhibitions and Maintenance Coordinator

DATE POSTED : June 2024

JOB TITLE : Exhibitions and Maintenance Coordinator

DEPARTMENT : BFA Photography & Video

REPORTS TO : Director of Operations

COMPENSATION : $45,000 annually

POSITION STATUS : Full-time, Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

WORK SCHEDULE : Typical work schedule will be Monday Friday, 9 am 5 pm. Hours may vary depending on departmental needs, with weekend and overtime hours as required.

POSITION OVERVIEW : The Exhibitions and Maintenance Coordinator manages the organization, support, installation, disassembly, and documentation of student and department exhibitions.

They oversee the maintenance and repair of the Photography Department facilities and equipment and support the Director of Operations as needed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

GALLERY COORDINATION & INSTALLATION :

Must have the ability to plan for loans, gallery installations, and exhibitions, along with providing installation / work schedules and budgets

Oversee gallery spaces and work with students & staff to provide advice and develop solutions for proper preparation, installation, and lighting for individual student and department exhibitions.

Present best exhibition practices workshops to students and faculty

Coordinate and communicate with staff, students, and faculty to develop production plans and schedules for on and off-site gallery installations

Coordinate with students regarding special exhibition requests, dropping off and picking up work, packing work, and shipping work

Research technology solutions for use in gallery and exhibition presentations

Occasionally build pedestals, shelves, and other items for exhibition needs

Documentation of student and departmental shows

Assist the Special Programs and Events Coordinator in updating the department’s exhibitions webpage

Order department's inventory of supplies

FACILITIES & STORAGE MANAGEMENT :

Conduct assembly, construction, electrical, and general carpentry projects as needed

Manage and coordinate with management & staff regarding storage space usage

Coordinate to rearrange spaces as needed for efficient usage, delivery, and logistics of inventories

Manage studio / darkroom storage closets, paint closet, and department collection storage space

Oversee building preparation for exhibitions and public events

Work with physical plant, vendors, and staff to schedule and facilitate repairs and maintenance projects in a timely manner

Maintain an orderly office and repair space, including repair parts, materials, and tools for staff use

Coordinate with the building manager for proper waste disposal and recycling

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE :

Facilitate repair maintenance procedures and policies for departmental use as required

Package / send equipment for repair to outside vendors and maintain accurate accounts for all orders

Assist the Assistant Studio Manager to manage student fines for broken or damaged equipment.

Communicate with staff regarding equipment maintenance, repairs, and proper use.

Order and purchase repair supplies

Research new technology for updating camera, studio, and lab equipment inventory

Coordinate with the Director of Health and Environmental Safety :

Keeping updated MSDS sheets for all Darkroom chemistry

Perform standard operating procedures such as monthly pH testing of waste fixer

Monitoring and performing preventative maintenance checks and repairs to ensure the following types of equipment are in working order :

Darkroom

B&W silver recovery equipment

B&W enlargers, timers, easels, and other related equipment

Chemical mixers, transfer pumps, tanks, and chemical handling equipment

Water filters, filter panels, and water tempering valves

Processing sinks, related plumbing, and equipment

Print viewing stations

Print washers / dryers

Dry mounting presses

UV Exposure units

Equipment Hub & Studios

Cameras, lenses, and light meters (digital and analog / full frame to 4x5)

Tripods and grip equipment

Studio lighting and lighting accessories (strobe, continuous, LED, fluorescent)

Studio capture stations

Gallery Spaces

Gallery track light fixtures

Gallery-related media devices - flat-screen displays, projectors & media players

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES :

Conduct purchasing card transactions, reconcile monthly statements, and process requisitions for procurement when needed

Create online requisitions for repairs and maintenance supplies

Assist the staff during building maintenance periods and department projects

Attend weekly meetings with the Hub team : Studio Technicians, Studio Manager, Assistant Studio Managers, and the Director of Operations

Attend all meetings related to departmental exhibitions

Provide support to the Chair’s Office team, Director of OperatChair'snd Studio Manager on special projects or tasks as needed and requested

Assist the Chair and Special Programs & Events Coordinator with organizing and maintaining the department's art collection

QUALIFICATIONS :

Degree in Photography or a related field

Prior experience working within an educational environment is a plus

Advanced knowledge and troubleshooting skills in analog / digital photography and related studio equipment and technologies

Knowledge of analog darkroom maintenance, including the proper handling of chemistry

Good mechanical skills; basic knowledge of electric, plumbing, and shop / power tools

Excellent interpersonal skills - Must be able to effectively communicate (verbally and written) with colleagues, students, faculty, other departments, outside vendors, and a variety of personalities

Ability to work independently, take initiative, and multi-task

Strong organizational skills

Proficient in using Google Apps (Google Docs, Sheets, and Forms) in a Mac environment

Willingness to work overtime or weekends as necessary and be able to lift to 50 lb.

WORKING AT SVA

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades.

With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility.

Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world.