Temporary Project Manager, Collection Relocation

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About the Department

The Department of Collections and Loans (C+L) oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, defining the processes that ensure compliance with the museum’s collection and loan policies as well as legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and/or sellers.

In four distinct areas, C+L implements policies that govern the day-to-day application of museum best practices regarding documentation and record keeping; collection database and metadata management; logistics and shipping; art handling and packing; storage; insurance; and, risk management.

Position Summary

The project manager for collection relocation is a temporary position responsible for guiding and overseeing the process for the relocation of objects from the museum campus to off-site storage facilities.

Reporting to the associate vice president of Collections and Loans, working closely with the relocation team, and managing a small team dedicated to relocation, the project manager ensures the safe, efficient, and timely transfer of objects while minimizing interference with museum daily activities and maintaining a clear line of communication with all stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Planning and Scheduling

• Develop detailed project plan in writing, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management, while maintaining an overall view of the project and workflows.
• Assess changes, update timelines and milestones, track progress, and write reports to highlight issues, solutions, and recommendations.
• Ensure alignment with the overall goal and deadlines.
• Proactively identify risks, prepare mitigation plans, and develop contingency strategies for unexpected challenges, ensuring minimal impact to the move and the collection’s integrity.
• Act as central coordinator, ensuring every aspect of the collection relocation and parties involved focus on their activities without disruption.
• Maximize team productivity and ensure the use of time and resources by planning structured and purpose-driven meetings.

 Team Management

• Guide and manage the temporary relocation team, setting and monitoring goals and objectives.
• Evaluate performance to ensure reports are equipped to perform their roles effectively.
• Communicate expectations and priorities, holding team members accountable.

 Budget Management

• Work with Collections and Loan’s team to monitor expenditure, seeking cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality and safety.
• Ensure vendor contracts are in place when engaging for services.

 Communication

• Create and implement a communication plan for all phases of the relocation.
• Manage communication with internal and external teams by organizing meetings, preparing agendas, documenting minutes, and tracking follow-ups, ensuring all parties are informed.
• Maintain a close relationship with stakeholders, providing updates, guidance, and support throughout the relocation process.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in project management/logistics with an art background
• Proven experience leading complex projects.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with digital tools and data reporting
• Attention to detail and a focus on safety and compliance.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (like Scrum, Agile)

Compensation & Benefits

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:  

• Hiring Range:  $90,000

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons. 

• Benefits          
• PTO Overview 
• Job Classification: Exempt
• Employment Category: Special Project Staff
• Grade Level: 9

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at  apply_help@artic.edu.