Job Title: Production Manager / ProducerStatus: Regular full-time position, exempt, five days per weekSchedule: Tue–Sat, 9:30am–5pm. Mon–Fri when galleries closed. In-person position with some remote flexibility. Evenings and additional weekend days as needed. Rotating on-call duties as requiredReports to: Curator and Manager of Curatorial AffairsDirect reports: Art handlers and other contract production staffSalary: $75,000–$82,000, with generous benefitsThe Production Manager / Producer is a key member of the curatorial department at Arts and Letters, responsible for the production of 5–7 exhibitions and 8–10 events annually. The role spans project management and hands-on production — developing timelines, managing external contractors, fabricators, and technical teams, supervising art handlers, and coordinating art shipping and transit logistics. They work in close collaboration with curators and artists across multiple concurrent projects at different stages of production. The Production Manager / Producer brings extensive technical knowledge of fabrication, art handling, and exhibition technologies, and moves fluidly between managing and doing. The Production Manager reports to the Curator and Manager of Curatorial Affairs. Key ResponsibilitiesExhibition ProductionProject manages all phases of 5–7 exhibitions per year—timelines, budgets, vendors, and staffing—from planning through installation and de-installation, in close collaboration with curators and artistsAdvises on feasibility, budgeting, and production needs for exhibition and event proposals Hires, manages, and supervises preparators and fabricators; installs and preps artworks directly as neededCoordinates art packing and transit logistics for exhibitions and Collection activitiesOversees exhibition maintenance and the upkeep of prep rooms, tools, equipment, and display furniture.Maintains expertise in art handling best practices and Arts and Letters exhibition equipment, advising staff on safe operation and troubleshootingBuilds and maintains strong network of fabricators, shippers, art handlersMonitors environmental conditions in storage and galleries, liaising with Facilities on gallery improvementsEvent ProductionAdvises on and procures setup, physical assets, technical equipment, and vendors for 8–10 events per yearProvides on-site production support and ensures setup and breakdown run on schedule, in coordination with the Visitor Services and Events Manager and Facilities Hires and manages freelance production staff for events as neededThe majority of our events occur on Saturdays; some weekend and evening availability requiredGeneralResponds to urgent production questions and troubleshooting outside regular hoursSupports production and art-movement needs for member and ceremonial eventsParticipates in departmental and staff meetings and contributes to a culture of diversity, equity, access, and inclusionWorks collaboratively with Arts and Letters staff on other institutional needs as requested; Arts and Letters is run by a small, dedicated staff that expects team members to pitch in where needed during busy timesReports to: Curator and Manager of Curatorial AffairsQualificationsThe ideal candidate brings 5–10 years of experience in exhibition production, art handling, or a related field, with hands-on technical skill as well as project-management strength. They can juggle competing deadlines, hold timelines and budgets, and hire and supervise preparators, fabricators, and freelance staff. Strong organizational and communication skills and close collaboration with curators, artists, and colleagues are essential, as is comfort with the physical demands of the role—lifting, ladder work, and extended time on-site. Proficiency with SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop is important, along with familiarity with Asana or similar project-management software. Above all, the ideal candidate is solutions-oriented and committed to supporting artists in realizing their vision.
