Job Description

Exhibition Project Manager

MIT School of Architecture and Planning

The Exhibition Project Manager will project manage all aspects of an exhibition project across multiple spaces in the newly adapted Metropolitan Storage Warehouse. This role focuses on coordination, scheduling, logistics, and installation support in close collaboration with the curator, exhibition designer, SA+P Communications Office, and other internal partners. The position does not involve curatorial or design decision-making but ensures that approved plans are executed accurately and on schedule. This is a part-time position that requires consistent weekly availability and on-site presence during installation.

Responsibilities

• Convene, schedule, and lead planning meetings; set agendas; follow up on action items; and ensure coordination across team members and internal departments.
• Liaise with commissioned creators to ensure their projects remain on schedule and align with approved plans, scope, and budget. Keep the curator and exhibitions team apprised of any changes that may require review or approval.
• In concert with the curator and exhibition designer, oversee the production, delivery, and quality control of exhibition graphics, furniture, and other design elements in keeping with approved designs. Coordinate with external partners, vendors, contractors, artists, or lenders for aspects such as fabrication, transportation, and installation.
• Oversee the exhibition budget; track actuals vs. projected costs; flag budget overages; maintain organized financial documentation; and forecast project costs as more information becomes available. Collaborate with Financial Assistant to fulfill payments to vendors.
• Liaise with the exhibition designer, providing timely and accurate information required for the creation of precise and comprehensive floorplans and design drawings.
• In concert with the exhibition designer (and, as needed, commissioned creators), develop a detailed installation plan and support the exhibition designer in assembling an installation team of preparators and technicians. Communicate installation schedule to commissioned creators.
• Serve as the on-site liaison for the exhibition designer and preparators during installation. Monitor installation progress and respond to issues or complications as they arise; troubleshoot problems and coordinate with conservation, safety, and facilities departments as needed.
• Support communications coordination for the exhibition by providing the SA+P Communications Office with timely and accurate information, including installation milestones, project descriptions, credits, schedules, and creator details needed for public-facing materials. Review information for accuracy prior to dissemination.
• As needed, support the curator with logistics and planning for future programs, presentations, or related project activities.

Reporting

Reports to the School’s Director of Communications, with day-to-day direction from exhibition curator and exhibition designer.

This is a temporary appointment hired through MIT’s designated staffing partner Next Source (MITemps), in accordance with Institute guidelines.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in project managing complex exhibition, fabrication, or installation-based creative projects.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to keep multiple workstreams aligned and well documented.
• Experience coordinating with artists, designers, fabricators, or vendors.
• Ability to track budgets and maintain clear financial documentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to relay accurate information to internal partners.
• Availability to work fully on-site during installation (September 2026), with some flexibility in the preceding weeks and during peak periods as needed.
• Experience working in environments with strict safety and facilities protocols. Knowledge of museum/gallery safety procedures and facilities coordination a plus.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged as review will begin immediately. For priority consideration, submit a CV and a brief introductory letter by January 2, 2026 to sap-hr@mit.edu.

MIT School of Architecture and Planning

Part-time, temporary / April 1–October 1, 2026 / 24 hours (3 days) weekly

$30-40 hourly depending on experience + $3,000 completion bonus

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