Limited Term Exhibition Curator - Visual & Performing Arts Operations Portland Public Schools Oregon - 3.3 Portland, OR Job Details 16 hours ago Qualifications Google Workspace Moving Maintenance work Curatorial analysis Productivity software Curatorial object care Full Job Description This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period. Position Details
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers arts education to 81 schools across the district. With over 200 certified arts teachers, we are one of the largest organizations providing arts education in the state of Oregon. We offer multiple opportunities for artistic expression from kindergarten through twelfth grade, from beginning level to pre-professional. The central office Visual & Performing Arts (VAPA) team supports students and educators across the district, with services including instructional resource management, curriculum development, and coordination of district-wide performances and exhibitions. These large-scale performances and exhibitions create connection and community across the district while providing a culminating opportunity for students to demonstrate the depth, rigor, and quality of their learning and artistic practice - and reflect the National Core Arts Standards' emphasis on presenting, performing, and sharing artistic work with an audience.
JOB SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES
The
PPS VAPA
team hosts 7 rotations of the Superintendent's Gallery at the Prophet Center, as well as a large-scale exhibition at the Portland Art Museum as part of the district-wide annual HeART of Portland festival featuring 100% of PPS visual arts programs across all schools. The PPS Exhibition Curator will lead the curation and execution of these districtwide exhibitions in collaboration with the VAPA team, with responsibility spanning exhibition planning, artwork management, installation, maintenance, public presentation, and deinstallation. Develop and implement exhibition standards, guidelines, and operational systems in collaboration with VAPA Coordinate with PPS visual arts educators to manage the collection, tracking, and return of student artwork Develop exhibition layouts and installation plans that support the effective presentation of student artwork Install and deinstall exhibition display structures, pedestals, and other presentation materials Install & deinstall student work, including printing of title tags and exhibition didactic materials Develop exhibition promotional materials, including show cards and exhibition posters Collaborate with PPS Communications to promote the exhibition with the district and community at large Coordinate with the
PPS VAPA
team on exhibition logistics, including space use, educator volunteers, artwork transportation, and event needs Lead the planning, setup, and on-site support of exhibition receptions and related public events Monitor and maintain exhibitions through their run to ensure quality is consistent Prepare exhibitions for openings, receptions, and special events Lead post-exhibition continuous improvement discussions with VAPA Attend all Superintendent's Gallery receptions, generally from 3:00-6:30 PM; specific dates TBD Attend and provide exhibition support for the HeART of Portland festival on Wednesday, April 14, 2027; all-day availability required As assigned and capacity allows, provide limited consultation or exhibition support for school-based visual arts programs within
PPS. QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated expertise in visual arts, including experience curating, preparing, or presenting artwork for public exhibition Demonstrated experience with visual arts exhibition operations, including installation, deinstallation, artwork handling, and exhibition maintenance Excellent organizational and time management skills Ability to work independently with sound judgment and coordinate efforts as part of a team; uphold a respectful work environment Experience with advanced art handling and safe use of installation tools Ability to draft accessible curatorial and installation plans with attention to detail (high-quality standards) Ability to lift and move moderately heavy objects and stand for extended periods Proficiency in Google Workspace Clear and professional communication skills, both in-person and via email Ability to adapt curatorial and installation approaches to a variety of exhibition spaces, artwork types, and presentation requirements Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District's focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran's status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service. 504
Coordinator:
Katie Loewen, , 503-916-3337 x63337
ADA Coordinator:
Jey Buno, , 503-916-3360
Director of Civil Rights:
Dr. Bobby Cruz, , 503-839-3660 Accessibility Statement