This role has closed
It was no longer listed by NEW YORK ACADEMY OF ART when we last checked on 11 August 2026. The details below are kept for reference.
PREPARATOR & FRAME SHOP MANAGER
- Salary
- $63,000 – $70,000
- Contract
- Full Time Permanent
PREPARATOR & FRAME SHOP MANAGERPOSITIONThe New York Academy of Art seeks a Preparator & Frame Shop Manager that supports daily operations of its Exhibitions Department. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who enjoys collaboration, problem solving, and contributing to a dynamic creative community. The position is full-time permanent and requires 5 days per week in-person during the hours Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm. Occasional weekend and overtime work may be necessary, and there also might be travel for art fairs.
This position reports to the Director of Exhibitions.HISTORY The New York Academy of Art was founded in 1982 by artists, scholars and patrons of the arts, including Andy Warhol, to foster a resurgence in the training of figurative and representational art.
The Academy has since developed into a 501 (c)(3) non-profit cultural institution housing the nation’s first graduate school of figurative art, a continuing education program, the region’s most in-depth figurative art library, an extensive exhibition and lecture series, and iconic New York City events such as Take Home a Nude and Tribeca Ball.
PREPARATOR RESPONSIBILITIES· Participate in all Academy exhibitions and major fundraising events (Tribeca Ball, Take Home a Nude, and Deck the Walls)· Install and de-install exhibitions in-house and at offsite locations, often adapting to evolving scope and logisticso Conduct and oversee detailed incoming and outgoing condition reports for artworkso Hang, mount, and light artwork; install wall labels, signage, and vinyl letteringo Patch and paint exhibition walls and assist with gallery maintenance· Train and oversee Exhibitions personnel or temporary art handlers· Pack and prepare artworks for local, national, and international transport and storage· Construct or repair pedestals, crates, and other display materials· Assist with transportation, setup, and breakdown of special events (e.g., Drawing Parties)· Drive and coordinate vehicle rentals for pickups and deliveries· Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace and manage inventory of packing and art-handling supplies. · Oversee organization of on-site and off-site storage facilities, including condition reports· Collaborate with the Director of Exhibitions on art-shipping logistics, including crate specs, soft-packing, COIs, and scheduling FRAME SHOP MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIESManage all aspects of framing for Take Home a Nude and other Academy exhibitionsHire, train, and supervise framing staff Establish and maintain regular frame shop hours and schedulesAssess frame and supply inventory from previous years and prepare the shop for each new framing seasonIn consultation with the Director of Exhibitions, order required materials including frames, matting, glass, and other suppliesMaintain and service framing equipment and tools Maintain a detailed artwork register with framing status, materials used, and cost breakdowns (i.e. glass, mat, labor, etc.)Collaborate on frame selection and ensure all works are appropriately presented for auction or exhibitionOversee framing and presentation quality for all works, including repairs, restoration, and event-day touch-upsEnsure all framed art is presentable for auction and oversee framing staff for onsite event touch-ups Oversee post-event breakdown, storage, and maintenance of framing tools, supplies, and framesSubmit an annual Frame Shop Report summarizing the year’s activities, inventory, and recommendations for the following yearREQUIREMENTS · Minimum 2-3 years of experience in art installation, framing, crating, or shipping within a gallery, museum, or arts institution· Ability to lift up to 70 lbs and work at heights (ladders, scissor lifts)· Valid driver’s license and experience driving a box truck; CDL license a plus but not mandatory· Proficiency with power tools, hand trucks, pallet jacks, and other art-handling equipment· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work collaboratively across departments· Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilitiesAdaptability and composure in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment APPLICATION· Familiarize yourself with the Academy’s history, mission, exhibitions, and events (nyaa.edu)· Send a cover letter and resume to exhibitions@nyaa.edu· If available, include 3-5 images from previous installs, crates, or frames· Provide two professional references with contact details
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