Description

Overview

The Head of Exhibitions leads the planning, logistics, and physical realization of Aspen Art Museum's ambitious exhibition program — translating curatorial vision into flawlessly executed installations across the museum's galleries and occasional off-site venues. Reporting directly to the Chief Curator, this role serves as the operational leader of the exhibitions team, directly managing the Chief Preparator, Preparator, Registrar, and art handling crews to ensure every aspect of exhibition delivery meets the highest institutional standards.

This is a senior leadership role at the intersection of curatorial ambition and operational precision. The Head of Exhibitions is equally comfortable in the gallery during a complex installation and managing the day-to-day needs of annual programming.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management
- Directly supervise and mentor the Chief Preparator, Preparator, Registrar, and art handling crews, providing clear direction, performance feedback, and professional development support
- Build a cohesive, high-functioning exhibitions team with a culture of precision, collaboration, and care for artworks and artists
- Plan and manage staffing needs across the exhibition schedule, including coordination of freelance art handlers and specialized contractors for installations requiring additional capacity
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with expert contractors in art handling, fabrication, and conservation to supplement internal team capabilities
- Foster close working relationships across the Curatorial, Operations, Development, and Marketing departments to ensure seamless exhibition delivery
- Demonstrate adaptability and leadership in navigating rapidly changing priorities and evolving exhibition timelines

Exhibition Planning & Production
- Lead end-to-end logistics for all exhibition installations, overseeing art transport, installation scheduling, gallery layouts, and deinstall
- Collaborate closely with the Chief Curator and curatorial team from the earliest planning stages to understand artistic intent and translate it into detailed operational plans
- Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules for each exhibition, ensuring all elements — loans, shipping, installation, lighting, AV, and signage — are completed on time
- Partner with artists, lenders, and the curatorial team to realize exhibition concepts with fidelity to artistic vision and adherence to conservation standards
- Coordinate all aspects of gallery configuration and installation with the Chief Preparator, ensuring technical execution meets curatorial and conservation requirements
- Manage occasional off-site exhibitions and special projects, adapting logistics and staffing to non-museum environments

Registration 
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for the documentation, care, and management of artworks on loan, aligning with industry best practices
- Oversee the organization and maintenance of all digital and physical records related to loans, exhibitions, and artist contracts, in coordination with the Registrar
- Coordinate the logistics of all incoming and outgoing loans — encompassing insurance, packing, shipping, and condition reporting — with the Registrar as the primary executor
- Ensure all artworks are displayed and stored in accordance with conservation standards throughout the exhibition lifecycle
- Oversee exhibition-related documentation including contracts, loan agreements, and condition reporting

Budget & Financial Management
- Collaborate with the Chief Curator to develop and monitor exhibition budgets across the full annual program
- Generate regular financial reports detailing exhibition-related expenses and propose cost-saving measures as needed
- Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors, art handlers, fabricators, and specialized service providers

Application Instructions

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Aspen Art Museum and the responsibilities presented herein, as well as your specific qualifications for the Head of Exhibitions role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected. All inquiries will be held in confidence. Aspen Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Mission

Aspen Art Museum is an artist-founded institution dedicated to supporting artists in the development of bold ideas to shape our museum and the field of art today. We are both a platform and a place, highly attuned to the advancement of the vital ecosystem of art and the critical discourse surrounding it within the context and community of Aspen and beyond. As an exhibition-focused, non-collecting museum, we are positioned to make strong commitments to meaningful exchange, both responding to—and driving—cultural change.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this position is $110-125k annually, commensurate with experience. Aspen Art Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, professional development opportunities, housing and relocation support, and museum membership benefits.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in registrar and exhibition management roles within a museum or gallery setting
- Demonstrated experience directly managing a team, including preparators, registrars, or art handling staff
- Proven track record leading complex, multi-stakeholder exhibition projects from planning through installation and strike

Skills & Abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Filemaker, and Sketchup/Rhino
- Deep knowledge of art handling best practices, conservation standards, and loan agreement protocols
- Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail across multiple concurrent projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with artists, lenders, curators, and external partners
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly during exhibition installations and openings

Location

This position is located in Aspen, Colorado with in person office duties.