Exhibitions Coordinator, Museum Preparator

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .POSITION SPECIFICS The Museum Preparator / Exhibitions Coordinator facilitates the development and presentation of exhibitions, including the preparation, installation, and maintenance of permanent collection displays and temporary exhibitions.

This position implements and manages projects in collaboration with scientists, researchers, facilities coordinators, and other campus partners. The successful candidate plays a critical role in ensuring exhibitions are visually engaging, safely installed, accessible, and maintained to professional museum standards while supporting the overall operation of gallery and exhibition spaces.

Key Responsibilities Prepare, receive, install, and deinstall exhibitions for museum and gallery spaces.

Direct the design, fabrication, installation, and lighting of exhibitions and exhibit environments.

Create safe and secure displays for visitors and loaned artwork while ensuring the preservation and proper handling of collection objects.

Evaluate exhibition site conditions and develop construction documents, installation plans, systems, and procedures.

Coordinate and plan exhibition specifications, including artwork deliveries and pickups, condition reporting, exhibit design, and identification of exhibit furnishings and display materials.

Provide cost estimates, procure materials and supplies, and maintain inventory of exhibition-related materials, equipment, and lighting needs.

Conduct project planning and scheduling, coordinating installation and traveling exhibitions with internal and external partners to ensure successful execution.

Maintain tight deadlines for exhibition changeovers and prepare gallery spaces for public viewing.

Manage exhibition storage areas and ensure materials, artwork, and equipment are organized and maintained appropriately.

Perform gallery maintenance functions to support the ongoing care, functionality, and appearance of exhibition spaces.

Communicate and coordinate logistics with Facilities, the Office of Physical Plant, Events Management, and other partners to ensure projects comply with applicable building codes, ADA requirements, fire safety regulations, and other safety standards.

Collaborate closely with the Facilities Supervisor and Events Management team to support exhibition operations and space readiness.

Provide strategic advice and technical guidance related to the maintenance, display, and preservation of exhibits and artwork.

Research and evaluate new materials, production techniques, fabrication methods, and industry best practices to improve exhibition quality and efficiency.

Maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including artists, lenders, vendors, contractors, and institutional partners.

Work collaboratively with museum and gallery staff to ensure daily operations and exhibition activities are carried out effectively.

Teach, train, supervise, and mentor student employees and staff members involved in exhibition preparation and installation activities.

May supervise staff members, including responsibilities related to hiring, training, development, scheduling, and performance management.

What You'll Bring The ideal candidate will have experience managing exhibition projects from planning through installation, strong technical and fabrication skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, a commitment to safety and accessibility, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of internal and external partners.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant…