Director of Exhibitions

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume, both as PDF documents, to their application. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. Review of applications will begin on June 6, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.

Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.

The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.

NEWBERRY EXHIBITIONS PROGRAM: The Newberry Library organizes five exhibitions each year: two in the larger, Trienens Gallery; and three “From the Stacks” rotations, some thematic or timely and others featuring representative items from across the library’s collection. Exhibitions at the Newberry provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the Newberry’s diverse collection, which includes some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages. Recent exhibitions have focused on a variety of topics, from Renaissance-era inventions to Chicago avant-garde artists to Latin American revolutions of the 19th century. Upcoming exhibitions will explore handwriting practices and technologies, movable (“pop up”) books, and the history and culture of Indigenous Chicago. 

All Newberry exhibitions are free and open to the public. Library exhibitions seek to appeal to diverse audiences (all exhibition text is bilingual, English and Spanish) and create opportunities for conversations that bridge the past, present, and future. 

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Vice President for Collections and Library Services, the Director of Exhibitions provides leadership, vision, direction, and management for the Newberry’s exhibition program. In collaboration with colleagues across the library, the Director of Exhibitions will have multiple opportunities to co-create engaging, relevant exhibitions that highlight Newberry collection strengths and introduce the library’s holdings to new audiences. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Ensures that the exhibitions program fosters a deeper understanding of our world by inspiring research and learning in the humanities and encouraging conversations among diverse audiences.
• Develops and manages relationships with Newberry colleagues, department heads, and senior staff members to build strong bonds between the Exhibitions Department and the rest of the library;
• Chairs the Newberry’s Exhibitions Committee;
• In conjunction with the Exhibitions Committee, establishes scope and priorities for the Newberry exhibitions program including mission, vision, goals, and audiences;
• In conjunction with the Exhibitions Committee, solicits, reviews, and approves exhibition proposals;
• Manages the exhibitions calendar, developing and maintaining a three- to five-year schedule that meets institutional goals, including balance of topics and formats;
• Initiates, evaluates, and manages potential collaborations with other cultural institutions and individuals;
• Establishes schedule for each exhibition; meets regularly and works closely with exhibition curators and other staff to develop exhibition concept, item selection, layout, and organization;
• Coordinates and collaborates with all stakeholders (including the Communications, Conservation Services, Development, Digital Initiatives and Services, Facilities, Information Technology, and Public Programs departments) in the successful production of exhibitions and related educational opportunities (seminars, public programs, teacher programs, etc.); 
• Manages exhibition budgets and workflows;
• Oversees exhibition loan request process;
• Mentors new exhibition curators and manages guest curators;
• Serves as an exhibition curator;
• Develops and implements a plan for audience evaluation of exhibitions; 
• Supervises the Assistant Registrar/Exhibition Specialist; 
• Performs all other tasks needed for the achievement of departmental goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in a humanities discipline or Museum Studies; 
• Three to five years of experience managing exhibitions or closely related area in a museum, library, or other cultural institution;
• Supervisory and budget management experience;
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and project management skills;
• Demonstrated excellent writing and editing skills;
• Knowledge of best practices for exhibitions in cultural institutions;
• Grant-writing and/or fundraising experience preferred.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, exempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Incumbent may work evening and weekend hours, as needed.

BENEFITS: The Newberry offers a comprehensive benefits package including a variety of health, dental, and vision insurances; generous paid time off (vacation time, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays); a 403(B) retirement plan with an employer match; employer-provided basic life and long-term disability insurance; and much more.