Curatorial + Exhibitions Coordinator

About MOCAD

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) presents exhibitions and programs that explore the best of contemporary art, connecting Detroit and the global art world. MOCAD is focused on art as a means to nurture social change and human understanding, reflecting our community. We encourage innovative experimentation by artists, musicians, makers, cultural producers and scholars to enrich all who participate and to educate visitors of all ages in the power of art. Whether from Detroit, or around the world, we welcome creative voices who can guide us to an equitable and inclusive future. We believe that art can change us, and it’s our responsibility to hold a space where challenge, acceptance, hope and beauty can coincide.

MOCAD opened to the public in 2006. It is operated by a staff of roughly 25 employees who work to deliver two to three exhibition and programming seasons per year in both MOCAD’s main building and Mike Kelley’s Mobile Homestead. MOCAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About the Role

The Curatorial + Exhibitions Coordinator (CEC) is key to the Curatorial and the Exhibitions and Facility Operations Departments, whose team members work closely together to plan and deliver a dynamic exhibitions program, from conceptualization through to finalizing installations. Under the direction of the Director of Exhibitions + Facility, the CEC takes the lead in creating and maintaining organization procedures for Exhibitions and Curatorial Departments and is crucial in organization-wide coordination through working collaboratively with other departments. Furthermore, the CEC in plays a key part in coordinating print communications and assisting with the annual art auction and supports the Facilities staff in coordinating building and grounds upkeep.

Classification

Status: Full time, Exempt.

Compensation Range

$40-45K

Schedule

Monday-Friday; some evening and weekend hours as needed. In-office vs at-home schedules are staggered at present due to pandemic safety guidelines. When it is safe to resume public programs, this role may require some adjustment to cover programs on evenings and weekends as needed.

Key MOCAD Relationships

Supervised by: Director of Exhibitions + Facility Operations

Key MOCAD relationships: Curatorial Department Members – Assistant Curator, Susanne Feld Hilberry Senior Curator; Installation Assistants; Facilities Staff - Facilities Associate and Facilities Assistant; Director of Development.

Role Responsibilities

Exhibitions + Curatorial

• Lead in Exhibitions and Curatorial administration including artist/curator contracts, exhibition checklists, exhibitions calendar, install/de-install schedules, loan and commissioning agreements, hire and scheduling of contracted install staff, external/third party permissions and copyright for all exhibition content, shipment of artwork, and coordination of travel and accommodation arrangements for artists/curators/special guests.
• Act as point communication between Exhibitions and Curatorial department and other MOCAD departments and work collaboratively to leverage exhibition opportunities and to problem-solve.
• Act as registrar to complete incoming and outgoing condition reports, maintain filing, and follow up on damage reports when necessary.
• Maintain physical and digital records and document processes and procedures to inform MOCAD practices and process and for archival purposes.
• Track and maintain relevant budgets, and complete and submit reports to the Business Operations Office as required.
• Create bespoke mechanical guidelines for each exhibition and deliver its training to staff as required.
• Manage Exhibitions Department intern schedule and duties.
• Work at all exhibition openings and other MOCAD events as needed.
• Perform weekly checks and necessary cleaning/upkeep of artworks in exhibitions while on display.
• Assist Director of Exhibitions + Facility Operations with coordination of repairs.
• Maintain inventory of equipment related to the Department.

Gala + Art Auction

• Collaborate with the Development Department in the planning, management, and delivery of the annual gala and art auction, including administration, logistics, auction inventory records, and liaison with auction hosting company staff members.

Print Production

• Lead on the research for and production of exhibition copy (including invitations) in collaboration with programming and development department.
• Hold editorial oversight and adherence to style standards.
• Create and maintain a workflow and timeline for all materials produced.
• Liaise with design team to source, appoint and commission external agencies/freelancers.
• Secure permissions and copyright for printed content.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience working in contemporary art gallery or museum, arts education, community-centered organizations.
• Substantial project management, administrative and budgeting experience.
• Significant aptitude for creative development and delivery of visitor engagement opportunities.
• Attention to detail across procedures and documentation.
• Museum registration and its administrative processes.
• A collaborative disposition with outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work productively with diverse constituencies and in a multi-project environment.
• A keen passion for education and contemporary arts and culture.
• A friendly and professional demeanor.
• Ability to give and receive effective feedback.
• Working knowledge of Apple OSX, Google Apps (Gmail, Drive, etc.), MS Office Suite (Word and Excel), and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop).
• The role requires physical demands including work at a desk and screen, bending, lifting, and ladder work.

Desired Skills and Experience

• BFA or BA in a relevant field.
• Knowledge and understanding of organizational accounting/financial procedures.
• Basic knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign.
• Reliable transportation for running errands and attending off-site meetings, programs and events on behalf of the Museum (mileage reimbursed.)

To apply for this role, please email your resume and cover letter as a PDF to jobs@mocadetroit.org by April 30, 2022. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to inquiries about hiring or this position.