Exhibit Coordinator – McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture – UTK (3671) Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Exhibit Coordinator – McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture – UTK (3671)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
in Knoxville, TN

Apply Now Type:

Full-Time

Posted:

07/28/2025

Category:

Arts and Museum Administration Job Description The Exhibit Coordinator, reporting to the Curator of Exhibitions, is responsible for supporting the Museum’s mission through project management, design conceptualization, preparation, and installation of exhibitions, collections installations, and building projects. The Exhibit Coordinator will produce graphics and drawings for museum project components, accounting for available space, visitor experience, object and visitor safety, project budget and timeline, and institutional mission and quality standards.

Responsibilities Design:

45%
Under the direction of the Curator of Exhibitions, meets with Curators, Educators, and others to conceptualize, design, and plan engaging exhibition plans suitable for public display.
Generates scaled computer renderings, as well as models, prototypes, design drawings, and mock-ups to communicate design concepts (including museum furniture, object layouts, materials/paint colors, floor treatments) for exhibitions and building projects.
Designs and conceptualizes object mounts, museum furniture, interpretative materials, museum graphics, and other related exhibition elements, ensuring that all design elements are clear, visually appealing, and contribute to storytelling.
Works collaboratively with museum team leaders to ensure that object lists, installation information, design concepts, and other needed logistics are in order and communicated clearly to internal/external stakeholders.
Co-supervise exhibitions design/production intern, as needed.

Preparation:

30%
Handles, prepares, and transports art and museum objects according to museum best practices.
Constructs mounts and other museum display furniture for exhibitions and building projects.
Under the supervision of the Curator of Exhibitions, installs and deinstalls (and/or oversees the work of contractors installing/deinstalling) exhibitions, ensuring proper handling, security, and preservation of objects.
Keeps track of inventories and orders supplies as needed.
Manages the use, inventory, and maintenance of the OSHA-compliant workshop, and maintains all workshop tools, machinery, and materials.
Coordinates general maintenance and monitors the condition of exhibitions and physical installations, in consultation with the Curator of Exhibitions.

Project Management:

25%
Facilitates and supports the creation and management of comprehensive multi-year project timelines for exhibitions, ensuring all aspects of the project are effectively managed and delivered on time and within budget.
Provides guidance and direction in project-based meetings and ongoing communication between parties, as needed.
Works with outside designers, architects, and contractors, project managing construction of exhibition-related projects as needed.
Coordinate logistics, including transportation, installation, lighting, and technical requirements for exhibits.
Oversees and evaluates external vendors and contractors, reviews external proposals for alignment of scope and budget, and coordinates vendor selection and hiring.
Tracks, manages, and communicates staffing, scheduling, phasing, budgets, approvals, and scope shifts for assigned areas.
Plans, circulates, and implements detailed production schedules for exhibitions, rotations, and physical projects, communicating with key personnel and coordinating meetings as needed.
Archives final exhibition drawings, installation views, and other relevant materials.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, design, architecture, or other related field.
Two or more years experience working in a similar position at a museum, gallery, or other similar cultural institution. Equivalent experience in commercial settings may also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively with others under pressure amidst shifting priorities, managing time, staying organized, and meeting deadlines effectively.
Knowledge of museum exhibit design and best practices, construction, carpentry, and finish work.
Ability to manipulate heavy and/or large objects and to climb ladders.
Proficient skill in 3-D modeling tools such as Google Sketchup (preferred), Autocad, or other industry accepted software, as well as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience in assisting with culturally complex, sensitive, or confidential projects–including a demonstrated ability to listen and deal empathetically with various people and cultural groups.
Knowledge of museum standards for handling, installing, and packing museum objects and art.
Ability to safely use power tools, specialized equipment, and/or heavy machinery.
Ability to determine labor, equipment, and material costs on projects.
Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Master’s degree in museum studies, design, architecture, or other related field.
Five years of relevant experience in a museum, gallery, or similar cultural organization.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Additional 2-D or 3-D graphic, environmental graphic, interactive media, or way-finding design experience is preferred.- Knowledge of video editing software for exhibition audiovisual elements.
Knowledge of lighting design.
Knowledge of the principles and benefits of Universal Design.
Knowledge of object mount-making, soldering, and audiovisual equipment.
About Us The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine. Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community! Job Info
Job Identification 3671
Job Category Library & Museum
Posting Date 07/28/2025, 08:00 AM
Job Schedule Full time
Locations 1327 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US
The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the UTK Office of Human Resources, 600 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN37996-4125.
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