Associate Director, Exhibitions Fabrication

Department: Exhibitions
Reports to: Chief Exhibitions Officer
Job Type: Full Time–Regular
Job Classification: Salary (Exempt)
Workplace Location: Los Angeles – Academy Museum
Compensation: $90,000.00 - $98,000.00

Summary/Objective:
The Associate Director of Exhibition Fabrication leads the Museum’s exhibition fabrication, construction and mounts scope. The position directly supervises two full-time staff and leads a department of four full-time staff and four-to-five temporary staff. The Associate Director oversees in-house fabrication resources and external fabricators, general contractors, and specialty makers to deliver exhibition casework, gallery construction, scenic elements, object mounts, and other unique and bespoke exhibition components. The position manages schedules, budgets, quality, and resources across multiple concurrent projects and works closely with Exhibition Design, Curatorial, Conservation, Registration and Collections Management, Security, and Facilities to ensure design intent, conservation standards, safety, building requirements, and operational needs are met.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Lead the Exhibition Fabrication department and oversee fabrication, construction, object mounts and installation for multiple concurrent exhibitions.
• Direct the fabrication and construction of exhibition casework, gallery walls, scenic elements, object mounts, and specialty/bespoke components.
• Develop and manage project schedules, milestones, budgets, estimates, and fabrication resources from concept through completion.
• Manage external fabricators, general contractors, mount makers, scenic fabricators, and specialty vendors, ensuring quality, schedule, budget, and Museum standards are met.
• Partner closely with Exhibition Design and Curatorial to translate design intent into effective fabrication and construction solutions.
• Collaborate with Conservation and Registration and Collections Management to ensure appropriate handling, mounting, display, and conservation standards are met.
• Coordinate with Security and Facilities/Building Operations to ensure gallery construction and fabrication meet building, electrical, fire/life safety, security, and operational requirements.
• Oversee mock-ups, prototypes, testing, shop drawings, and technical solutions as needed to ensure quality, functionality, and design integrity.
• Establish fabrication standards, workflows, and best practices while identifying opportunities to strengthen in-house capabilities and efficiencies.
• Maintain shop schedules, equipment and material inventories, and fabrication resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies:

• A high school diploma or certificate of completion required.
• 10+ years of experience in exhibition fabrication, construction, industrial design, interior or furniture design, tradeshow/exhibit fabrication, scenic/props, cabinetry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience managing complex projects, budgets, schedules, vendors, contractors, and fabrication teams.
• Proficiency with Vectorworks, Rhino, or similar CAD programs.
• Extensive knowledge of construction methods, fabrication techniques, materials, and applications.
• Extensive knowledge of common shop equipment and practices, including hand tools, power tools, table saws, panel saws, routers, laminating, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of wood and composite wood substrates, acrylics, plastic laminates, adhesives, finishes, paints, metals, basic metal fabrication, and CNC machinery.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with museum exhibition fabrication, art handling, or collections environments preferred.
• Trade school, vocational, technical, or apprenticeship training in fabrication, construction, carpentry, cabinetry, scenic production, or a related field preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to safely climb and work on ladders.
• Ability to move throughout the work area as needed to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to move and transport up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work with paints, cleansers, and other similar products.
• Ability to work in environments where dust may be present.
• Ability to work safely in a variety of work conditions, including an active construction site.
• Ability to operate a forklift, scissor lift, and use material-handling equipment (training and certification provided by the museum).

Required Vaccination: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required, including any booster vaccinations as applicable. Exception: Medical and religious accommodations approved by the Office of People & Culture.

Our Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 15 days of PTO, plus company-paid holidays.
• Additional time off, including summer hours, winter hours, and a cultural floating holiday.
• Paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• 401k retirement plan with a company match.
• Clean Air Commuter Program
• Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych Guidance Resources.
• Wellness benefits through Cigna Healthcare.
• Free access to 16,000+ online courses through LinkedIn Learning.
• Free Academy membership screenings.
• Free tickets and screenings at the Academy Museum.
• Employee discounts through LifeMart and Working Advantage.

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