Employment - About - Smart Museum of Art — The University of Chicago

About

Staff positions

Security and Facilities Manager

Under the direction of the Museum's Director of Finance and Administration, the Security and Facilities Manager is responsible for a comprehensive Museum protection program for people, objects, and the facility. Develops goals, policies and procedures for the Smart Museum protection program by vetting best practices with other museum professionals in line with the goals of the Smart Museum and professional organization recommendations for museums the size of the Smart. Hires, trains and oversees the activities of one part time Security Supervisor and a guard crew of 20–30 student Gallery Attendants. Supervises guard/desk crew during Museum public hours and rental receptions during non-public hours. Enforces security and hospitality policies and procedures. Ensures appropriate security staff coverage at all times when the Museum is occupied. Prepares, communicates and records information regarding safety and security requirements and training, guard schedules, facilities work, and Museum attendance. Conducts periodic security employee reviews. Manages day to day facilities issues in regard to building maintenance, utilities, security and safety protection in all spaces. Oversees mail/copy room operations and maintenance. Manages and responds to all unforeseen emergencies and alarms during off hours when the Museum is closed.

Functions

Provide day to day management and supervision of Smart Museum part time Security Supervisor and guard/desk crew of 20–30 students. This will include training, scheduling, monitoring and providing constructive feedback to ensure a safe and secure environment, and with regard to security staff, a supportive, welcoming, and efficient environment for all Museum staff members and guests.
Provide ongoing development of goals, policies and procedures of the Museum's Protection and Hospitality Program with other museum professionals in line with professional organization recommendations.
Manage building and garden maintenance in regard to safety, security, cleanliness, and general upkeep to museum standards, in all Museum spaces with the support of the University Facilities Department and vendors.
Manager will be responsible for communications to and between security staff and Museum senior staff and University departments, regarding security, safety and facility related issues. Manager will document and maintain records of all security, safety and facility issues including but not limited to training, schedules, personnel performance, and facilities work.
Event set up assistance which includes carrying and setting up tables and assorted chairs.
Coordinate and support special building projects and capital projects.
Provide other assistance as needed to ensure the smooth running of the Museum.

Qualifications

Associate's degree, required; Bachelor's degree, preferred. Two years of relevant supervisory experience overseeing students or volunteers, required. Experience in a museum or gallery security setting, strongly preferred. Availability to manage and respond to all unforeseen emergencies and alarms during off hours when the museum is closed required. Ability to work well with colleagues and general public required. Knowledge of and ability to carry out emergency procedures required. Trustworthiness and the ability to act responsibly required. Strong verbal and written communication skills required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, email systems and database applications required. Consistent employment history with increasing levels of responsibility required.

To apply

To apply, visit jobopportunities.uchicago.edu and search for requisition #092049. A cover letter, resume, reference contact information, a background check, and drug testing are required. References will be contacted only after applicant has been notified.

No phone inquiries please.

University of Chicago student positions

The following jobs and internships are only available to University of Chicago students.

Student Docent Program

Smart Museum docents serve as public ambassadors for the Smart Museum and assist the Museum in fulfilling its educational mission as gallery teachers for a range of K-12, University, and adult audiences. Docents lead the Smart Museum’s efforts in reaching K-12 audiences through the multi-visit tour programs—Smart Explorers for fifth grade and Art in Focus for third grade—in addition to assisting with single visit tour requests from university, adult, and other student audience groups. Docents also assist with the facilitation of family programming at the Smart Museum.

Docents are required to complete a 12-week mandatory paid training course in the months of November, January, and February and attend ongoing monthly training sessions.

Docents are hired in the fall. Please check back in late summer for the application to join the 2013–2014 docent class.

Internships

University of Chicago students gain direct experience in museum work through year- and summer-long internships in a variety of areas, including our curatorial, registration, education, marketing, and business offices. Qualifications vary by department; all positions are paid and require approximately 10–19 hours of work each week.

Interns are typically hired in the fall for one-year, renewable positions.

Curatorial Intern for Contemporary Art

The Smart Museum of Art’s Curatorial Intern for Contemporary Art reports to the Associate Curator of Contemporary Art and provides research support for contemporary projects. Work during 2013-2014 will focus on exhibition planning and research and writing on artworks in the collection for our online database and upcoming collection displays. The intern assists with other office functions as needed.

Qualifications

University of Chicago graduate student or advanced undergraduate. Excellent research and organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Flexibility and dependability. Familiarity with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop. Ability to work well on own and on collaborative projects. Prior work experience at the Smart Museum or other museums desirable. Knowledge of contemporary art required.

Hours

10 hours/week; start date flexible (spring or summer 2013) through June 2014.

Pay rate

$12/hour; work-study accepted, but not required.

To apply

To apply, e-mail letter of interest and current resume to Jessica Moss, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art.

No telephone inquiries please.

Baristas

When positions are open applications are made available at the Museum's information desk.

Gallery Attendants

The Smart Museum of Art’s Gallery Attendants are responsible for maintaining security within the Smart Museum gallery and lobby areas during public hours. Within this role, the Gallery Attendant acts as a public representative of the Museum and the University by greeting patrons and providing information as needed. Work schedules are flexible quarterly and can be designed to fit around a student’s class schedule. Docents who wish to receive additional working hours at the Museum are strongly encouraged to apply and will receive a premium hourly rate.

Qualifications

University of Chicago student. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Interest in visual art encouraged. Ability to stand for long periods of time. Work-study encouraged, but not required.