Head of Exhibition Preparation & Installation

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department Ackland Art Museum-520500 Career Area Facilities and Skilled Trades Is this an internal only recruitment? No Posting Open Date 07/27/2026 Application Deadline 07/31/2026 Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA) Position Title Curatorial Specialist - Journey Salary Grade Equivalent NC07 / GN10 Working Title Head of Exhibition Preparation & Installation Position Number 00003439 Vacancy ID P021229 Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment Hours per week 40 Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Location CHAPEL HILL, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range $62,000 - $68,000 Pay Band Information

To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Notice to Applicants

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Position Summary Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Ackland Art Museum is both the best college or university art museum in North Carolina and a very complex organization. With nearly 30 employees, dozens of volunteers, and a budget of approximately $4M per year, the Ackland maintains a collection of over 20,000 works of art. It produces four big exhibitions and many smaller installations annually.

The museum receives nearly 60,000 visitors, always free of charge, who come from all 100 North Carolina counties, across the nation, and internationally each year. The Ackland serves UNC students, faculty, and the public through its special exhibitions, programs, and activities based on its permanent collection. The staff of the Ackland works with approximately 150 faculty and graduate instructors each year to provide opportunities for them to meet their teaching and research goals by bringing their classes to the museum (approximately 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students). The Ackland provides approximately 20 internships annually for both graduate and undergraduate students. It welcomes and trains a corps of 30 docents to work with K-12 schools and the public.

Position Summary

The Head of Exhibition Preparation and Installation leads and manages all aspects of exhibition preparation, design support, fabrication, construction, installation, and de-installation for museum exhibitions and permanent collection displays. This position oversees art handling, packing and transport, mount making, gallery preparation, exhibition maintenance, and art storage operations to ensure the safe care and presentation of works of art. The position collaborates closely with curatorial, registration, conservation, and facilities staff to plan and implement exhibitions, manage museum spaces, and support long-range facilities planning.

Additionally, the Head of Exhibition Preparation and Installation supervises preparatory staff and contractors, manages departmental budgets and resources, and ensures adherence to museum and industry best practices for the care, transport, and display of art.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment and one year of experience that demonstrates possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

• Experience overseeing the entire lifecycle of an exhibit installation, including facility management.
• Experience in handling a diverse array of fine art and media.
• Knowledge of the exhibition furniture standards required to display and support art.
• Experience managing staff.
• Experience collaborating with various departments and living artists.

Required Licenses/Certifications Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Ability to use diverse hand and power tools (including cabinet and shop equipment of varying sizes and complexity), moving vans, hydraulic lifts, dollies with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to climb and to work on ladders for extended periods of time; to reach works of art above shoulder level; to lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds; and to stand or to walk for an eight-hour workday with or without reasonable accommodations.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Valid NC Driver's License Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/322922

Contact Information

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Curatorial Specialist position.
• Bachelor's in related field, and 1 year of experience in area of assignment.
• Associate's in related field, and 3 years of experience in an area related to the assignment.
• Master's, or Doctorate in related field
• Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in an unrelated field, and 5 years of progressive experience in an area related to the assignment.
• Combination of post high school education and 5 years of experience in an area related to the assignment. (ex. 1 year of college and 4 years exp.)
• Did not complete HS but have a combination of HS education and experience to equal at least 9 years of experience in an area related to the assignment.
• None of the above