Assistant Director, Gallery and Exhibition Planning – Harvard Art Museums

Job Description
The Assistant Director of Gallery and Exhibition Planning works across museum teams to realize
temporary exhibitions, presentations in the collection galleries, and related spaces from
initiation through closure. With the Director, they shape and guide the development and
realization of exhibitions and collection displays that create meaningful encounters with works
of art of varying media and from diverse regions, time periods, and areas of human experience.
This position also supports the reach of the collection through traveling and partnered
exhibitions. Leads planning process for establishing the schedule of exhibitions; develops and
manages short- and long-term budgets for the exhibition program and oversees administration
of all temporary exhibitions and collection displays; serves on the Directors’ team and other
institutional teams as assigned.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
 In collaboration with the museum’s leadership, defines projects, coordinates planning
and scheduling with contributing departments, manages execution, and tracks
progress. With leadership, develops a strategy, defines and sets the concept goals, and
ensures a balance of divisional representation, media, etc.
 In all matters works closely with related staff in Curatorial, Collections
Management, Editorial and Design Services, Institutional Advancement and
Finance. Provides guidance and direction, as needed, and maintains active
communication.
 Drafts, develops, and manages exhibition budgets. Works closely with Curatorial,
Finance, and Institutional Advancement to identify funding sources and to complete and
submit the working budgets. Under the general direction of the museum’s Director,
monitors expenditures, its impact on funding and provides approval as appropriate.
Reconciles deviations or unanticipated expenses.
 Drafts, develops, and manages contracts and relationships with external partners and
contributors, including artists and institutions related to commissions and traveling
exhibitions.
 Sets institutional review process, from proposal to approval; develops and
communicates strategies and processes to stakeholders and project teams.

Continuously reviews and revises for effectiveness and relevance, consulting with
stakeholders as appropriate.
 Forms cross-departmental exhibition project teams and manages toward timely
completion; sets milestones within the project plan, assigns activities and timelines.
Sets project team meeting schedules, directs agendas, and facilitates discussions.
 Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be
considered for this role.
 Minimum of seven years of exhibition project management experience in an art
museum or other cultural properties institution.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
 Bachelor’s degree in art history, museum studies, arts administration, or other
relevant discipline strongly preferred.
 Supervisory experience desirable.
 Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
 Demonstrated successful problem-solving abilities.
 Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of
an organization.
 Experience in monitoring and/or managing complex budgets. Skills in meeting
management and facilitation very helpful. Proven ability to accomplish goals amid
sometimes conflicting priorities.
 Must be able to work both independently and as an effective team member.
Additional Information
 Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
 Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this
position
 Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment
reference and background screenings: Identity, Education, Criminal

Other Information:

o This position may be considered for a hybrid schedule. Additional details will be
discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources
may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship
requirements prior to employment.
o This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.
o For more information and to apply, please visit the Harvard Careers website: 
https://us.smrtr.io/4R6Ns
o This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard’s Salary Ranges  to
view the corresponding salary