Head PreparatorSalary transparent

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, located in Ridgefield, CT, is seeking a Head Preparator to oversee the installation of exhibitions in the Museum’s galleries and outdoor space. Founded by collector Larry Aldrich in 1964, today the Museum is a platform for artists at pivotal moments in their careers. The Head Preparator assumes a pivotal role in overseeing the installation of exhibitions and reports to the Registrar within a department led by the Museum’s Chief Curator.

The Head Preparator is responsible for assisting artists and curators in planning, executing, and realizing exhibitions for The Aldrich. In coordination with the Museum’s other departments, they provide support for significant institutional events and programs as necessary, including benefit art auctions and events needing AV support.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: ● Team Leadership: Recruits, hires, schedules, and manages a team of art handlers and other preparators for exhibition changes, defining and directing daily roles and responsibilities for crew during exhibition changes.● Art Handling: Oversees the safe packing, crating, transportation, handling, and installation of artwork in coordination with the Registrar. ● Exhibition Logistics: Plans and manages all aspects of exhibition logistics, from planning to de-installation with responsibility for meeting deadlines in all phases of exhibition planning.

Works collaboratively with artists and curators on lighting requirements for exhibitions. Supervises lighting of shows by exhibition installers.● Collaboration: Works closely with curator, registrar, and artists on specific aspects of their exhibitions, such as material needs, fabrication, installation labor, artwork displays, and AV needs. Liaisons both departmentally and interdepartmentally.● Budget Management: Develops and maintains the departmental budget for installation including labor, contracted labor and services, and exhibition materials.

Creates reports, and tracks exhibition planning and implementation expenses in conjunction with Chief Curator, Registrar, and curators.● Technical Expertise: Operates power tools, carpentry equipment, ladders, and lift machinery (like scissor lifts) safely. Provides technical guidance and solutions for installations. Manages the installation, maintenance, and inventory of all A/V based projects, consistently researching current tech standards.● Art Care Standards: Establishes and maintains high standards for art handling, collection care, and storage.

Cleaning artwork when appropriate at the direction of the Registrar.● Contractor Coordination: Oversees and coordinates with contractors for exhibition-related construction and fabrication. ● Event and program support: Provide art handling and AV support for significant institutional events and programs as necessary, including benefit art auctions and events.● Digital Archives: Maintain a digital archive of the Museum’s floor plans and galleries, including 3D renderings, architectural documents, and site plans.

Candidates must have:● A minimum of five years of experience in art handling & installation in a museum or a comparable setting.● Proficiency in understanding and utilizing artist’s media and materials, as well as installation techniques.● Expertise in art handling, packing, and transportation.● Advanced carpentry, woodworking, mount-making, and familiarity with gallery lighting systems.

Technical skills in fabrication and electrical work.● Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds, stand for long periods, climb ladders, and work at heights.● Knowledge of art conservation principles and best practices.● Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.● Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.● Adaptability to work in a rapidly changing and complex museum environment.● Competency in utilizing Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and proficiency in technology.

Proficiency in SketchUp is a plus.● A genuine enthusiasm for the Museum’s artist-centric mission.● Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion.