Art Director Assistant jobs in Richmond, VA

Title: Temporary Assistant Art Handler for Security Project

State Role Title: Media Specialist II

Hiring Range: $40,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Location: MAIN MUSEUM

Agency Website: https://vmfa.museum/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The VMFA seeks talented positive candidates to join its growing team of Art Handlers who provide critical support to the acquisition, preservation, and presentation of all art in the care, custody and control of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Art Handlers ensure the safety of works of art in the care of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts during movement, installation and storage. This position works under the direction of the Senior Art Handler of Exhibitions and Special Projects.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all. As one of the world’s finest museums and one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States, the VMFA is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.

This salaried, non-exempt position offers Commonwealth of Virginia employee benefits such as 12 paid holidays, health benefits and more. VMFA staff also enjoy agency benefits like free admission to special exhibitions, previews of special exhibitions, employee pricing for select museum programs and classes, and discounts at Amuse Restaurant, Best Café, and VMFA Shop.

This is a temporary position funded for approximately 18 months. It is possible for this position to be extended based on the need for this position and the available funding.

Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

Planning for and carrying out the handling, movement, temporary storage and deinstallation/reinstallation of art in the museum’s galleries and art storage, specifically to support the museum’s security upgrade project.

Minimum Qualifications

Significant knowledge of conservation-appropriate handling, packing and storage practices, art installation methods, and design and engineering techniques related to the preservation, exhibition, and transportation of art objects.

Working knowledge and some application of collections management practices; conservation principles, techniques, and materials; security-related practices and procedures; and some knowledge of art history.

Proficiency in the use of databases, project management software, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Ability to fabricate appropriate housing for artwork, and skill in the operation of hand and power fabrication tools and other material handling equipment.

Experience with lifts and other material handling equipment.

Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and experience working as a member of a team as well as independently.

Strong organizational and project management skills.

Good judgment, flexibility, and willingness to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.

Additional Considerations

Documented success as a professional Art Handler in a museum or gallery environment with a minimum of two years’ experience.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidates must pass a criminal background check.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resource Services

Phone: Please email with questions

Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.