Exhibitions Officer Job Description

What is the job description of an Exhibitions Officer? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Exhibitions Officer? What does an Exhibitions Officer do?

Job description of an Exhibitions Officer

Exhibition officers organise, set up and sometimes buy in exhibitions to the museum or gallery. The job can involve researching a topic, planning a list of exhibits, liaising with curatorial staff inside the museum, negotiating loans from outside the museum, and sometimes raising funds for the exhibition and promoting it. In addition, exhibition officers have to be good project managers.

The actual work depends on the setting. In larger museums and galleries, exhibitions officers may be specialists working alongside a team of curatorial, educational and marketing professionals. In smaller galleries and museums, the role may include direct involvement in a wide variety of activities, including fulfilling a curatorial role.

This Exhibitions Officer job description example includes the list of most important Exhibitions Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Exhibitions Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Exhibitions Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Exhibitions Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Sourcing exhibits;
  • Researching artists and selecting work;
  • Securing loans for exhibitions from chosen artists;
  • Working with curators to plan a long-term strategy for exhibitions;
  • Planning programmes of special and permanent exhibitions according to visitor needs,
  • Writing draft proposals;
  • Creating and monitoring production and installation schedules for exhibitions;
  • Ensuring installation deadlines are met;
  • Drawing up and managing exhibition budgets;
  • Fundraising for projects;
  • Negotiating and agreeing conditions of loans with lenders;
  • Arranging transport, insurance and security;
  • Assisting with installation, including the packing, loading, hanging and framing of exhibits;
  • Coordinating the production of exhibition catalogues and related publications;
  • Contributing to museum/gallery development, especially in the area of visitor services.
  • Coordinating liaisons between subject specialists and designers;
  • Involvement in media work such as talking to art critics;
  • Working with other staff on the promotion and interpretation of exhibitions;
  • Writing or commenting on story boards and labels;
  • Contributing to programmes of events that aim to encourage broader audiences, including educational events;
  • Assisting with the production and launch of publicity material and displays;
  • Creating web-based information and resources;

Exhibitions Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Exhibitions Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A bachelor's degree in relevant field.
  • Excellent organizational, administrative and project management skills
  • Excellent team working skills including the ability to work collaboratively with creative professionals
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Good research skills.
  • Flexibility/adaptability
  • Negotiating skills (especially to secure funding for projects)
  • Proactive and confident in decision making.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Exhibitions Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Exhibitions Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Exhibitions Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.