Art Manager jobs in Aurora, IL

Introduction
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Position Summary
The department of collections and loans (C L) oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, defining the processes that ensure compliance with the museum’s collection and loan policies as well as legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and/or sellers.
In four distinct areas, C L implements policies that govern the day to day application of museum best practices regarding documentation and record keeping; collection database and metadata management; logistics and shipping; art handling and packing; storage; insurance; and, risk management.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Art Institute ships more than a 1,000 objects a year including incoming loans for exhibitions, acquisitions and outgoing loans to national and international museums. This new role is responsible for setting the strategy and leading our shipping operations to ensure care throughout the entire chain of custody, achieve efficiency and environmentally sustainable practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Develop and implement sustainable shipping and distribution strategies that minimize environmental impact.

Assess the overall shipping schedule and identify opportunities for combined and more efficient shipments including incoming and outgoing local, domestic and international transits.
Research and propose a digital platform to collect and track the information generated by the shipping activity including insurance loads, live sensors data, providers performance and carbon footprint.
Work closely with the Manager, Collections Systems and Enterprise Software and Analytics team to implement, monitor and update the selected tool.

2) Manage logistics operations, including local, domestic and international transportation of artworks, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Assess list of objects for exhibitions, individual loans and outgoing loans and formulate strategy within the overall shipping schedule.
Assist and support collection and exhibition registrars teams to ensure timely and efficient delivery of artworks.
Manage last minute changes including truck capacity, insurance loads and scheduling.

4) Develop and maintain relationships with providers and internal team members to ensure smooth operations.

Revise and maintain terms and conditions frame agreements with shipping providers updating language as needed.
Research new domestic and international providers to diversify options and achieve more environmentally sustainable practices while maintaining industry standards and regulations.

5) Monitor shipping budgets, schedules, and quality control to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Monitor expenditure, process invoices and follow up with shipping providers if discrepancies arise.
Revise arrangements regarding proforma invoices, manifests, delivery notes, TSA regulations, CITES and any other special permits and regulations.

6) Ensure smooth operations including communicating with internal and external stakeholders in all phases of the shipping process.

Qualifications
Proven experience as a shipping manager, preferably in the art industry.
Solid knowledge of logistics procedures and regulations including INCOTERMS.
Comfort with digital platforms and data-driven decision making to implement changes and growth.
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Passion for sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Exceptional organizational skills, good judgment and professional initiative.
Excellent interpersonal, written and communication skills to implement workflows in a complex environment.
Benefits
We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

Generous paid time off
Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
Great employee discounts
Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions
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Application Time Out Warning
The Art Institute of Chicago requires all applicants to complete an online application to be considered for employment. 60 minutes are allotted for applicants to complete the employment application. The application will automatically time out after 60 minutes. If you are unable to submit the completed application at this time, please choose the "Save for Later" option to avoid losing the information you have entered so far.

Closing Statement
The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

Union Info
This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31