Head of Exhibitions

Head of Exhibitions

$110-125k

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

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

Salary

The salary for this position is $110,000 to $125,000 annually depending on experience. The Aspen Art Museum offers a competitive package of benefits.

Location

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

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.