MOA Project Manager (Designer)

Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia

Deadline:

Organization Description:

The Museum of Anthropology’s (MOA) mission is to promote awareness and understanding of culturally diverse ways of knowing the world through challenging and innovative programs and partnerships with Indigenous, local and global cultural communities.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the conceptualization and production of two- and three-dimensional exhibits, permanent collection installations and other visual presentations at MOA. This includes working directly with exhibition curators on knowledge creation and mobilization for exhibits. In addition, this position manages special projects implemented by the Museum, UBC or other institutions. This position is also responsible for oversight of the aesthetic and architectural additions to the physical Museum building and grounds.

Organizational Status

This position is a member of the Curatorial, Interpretation and Design Department and reports to the Department Head. The position is one of two MOA Project Managers. The position works in conjunction with all staff, volunteers and students. A wide-latitude of decision making is required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Consequences of error rest with the incumbent who has to rectify their own errors. Failure to complete a project within the estimated budget would result in shortfalls in other areas of the Museum’s budget. Failure to complete a project on time has ramifications both internally and outside the museum. Failure to manage effectively would lead to considerable stress and disruption internally and externally.

Supervision Received

Considerable personal initiative is expected and a wide-latitude of decision-making is permitted. The position is directly responsible to the Head of the Curatorial, Interpretation and Design, and indirectly to the Associate Director, Operations and Special Projects with respect to Special institutional projects and the work of the Design Team. Performance is judged by results.

Supervision Given

It is the responsibility of the position to select, train, motivate, supervise and participate in the work of subordinates engaged in fabrication, design and installation. These include contractors, auxiliary staff, interns, work studies, volunteers and students.

Responsibilities:

Work Performed
- Is the primary contact with curators in conceptualizing design elements and creating the appropriate look and feel in two- and three-dimensions for assigned exhibitions and projects.
- Works with the exhibition curator on an ongoing basis on the knowledge creation for the exhibition.
- Works with the MOA design team, including the other Project Manager, and Graphics Designer.
- Leads design team meetings with curators and design team members during the exhibition design and implementation process.
- Participates with other exhibit team members across the institution in planning, scheduling, budgeting and production of a variety of exhibits and special projects.
- Contributes to the preparation of grant applications, project estimates, purchasing, and contract negotiations.
- Develops and monitors production budgets and ensures that costs are in line with overall exhibition budget.
- Leads the fabrication stream of exhibition projects, working with other exhibition project stream leads and staff to determine the scope, requirements and timelines for the exhibition.
- Refines exhibition plans and drawings and develops fabrication production plans for constructability.
- Manages, negotiates and liaises with relevant museum staff to ensure that overall design ideas, material selections and technical requirements are understood and incorporated into the fabrication and installation process.
- Ensures that all fabrication is done in accordance with national and international museum standards, as well as MOA’s aesthetic standards.
- Researches, sources and procures all materials, and ensures they meet conservation requirements.
- Develops and manages production timelines and schedules to ensure that all work is done to meet exhibition opening dates.
- Develops the infrastructure plans for exhibitions and special projects and oversees their execution.
- Liaises and coordinates work with other exhibition stream leads and museum staff including collections, conservation, design, IT, AV, and curatorial.
- Recruits, trains, supervises and manages up to six auxiliary technicians.
- Engages and manages specialized fabrication and installation professionals as required.
- Represents the Museum on special museum initiatives and design projects with other museum professionals, architects, visitors, and professional groups.
- Complies with current Work Safe regulations and policies to ensure the health and safety of contract and temporary employees.
- Serves on MOA committees and project teams as required.
- Participates in discussions and planning meetings with Facilities Manager to realize institutional projects.
- Contributes as guest lecturer to share knowledge of museum design components to relevant museum classes.
- Participates with other MOA staff in the planning and implementation of special projects with UBC department representatives and outside consultants.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- Minimum of five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications
- University degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent in anthropology, art or design such as architectural, industrial or graphic design.
- Professional experience in all aspects of the design and production of two- and three-dimensional exhibitions in a museum context.
- Training and experience in general shop work and production using a variety of material, media, machines and processes.
- Supervisory and administrative experience.
- Experience tendering, selecting and monitoring contracts.
- Computer knowledge, including computer design.
- Ability to coordinate and oversee work processes.
- Ability to prepare cost estimates/projections.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to effectively use AutoCAD and InDesign at an advanced level.
- Ability to resolve technical problems in an innovative manner.
- Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people.
- Ability to approach interactions with an awareness of sensitive issues.
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

How to Apply:

All applications must be made through the UBC Career Posting site:
https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/MOA-Project-Manager_JR19127.

$6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly. The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position.

The BC Alliance for Arts + Culture is honoured to work on the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and 240 other Indigenous communities across BC.