Project Manager, Curatorial and Collections

About The Lucas Museum Of Narrative Art

As the first museum to focus exclusively on storytelling through images, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art believes that visual storytelling can connect us and help shape a more just society. With a growing collection that encompasses artworks from across cultures, places, times, and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, murals, photography, comic art, book and magazine illustrations, and the arts of filmmaking, the Lucas Museum will explore narrative art’s potential to prompt questions, invite opinions, inspire community, and move people to think about the impact of images on our world.

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson and led by director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Lucas Museum was designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects with Stantec as executive architect and is under construction in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park. An 11-acre campus with extensive new green space designed by Studio-MLA will embrace the museum’s 300,000-square-foot building, which will feature expansive galleries, two state-of-the-art theaters, and dedicated spaces for learning and engagement, dining, retail, and events. www.lucasmuseum.org .

Position Summary

This role is a 3 year-termed position.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art seeks a Project Manager, Curatorial and Collections who will manage and support multiple complex projects within the Curatorial and Collections portfolio, which spans the Curatorial, Exhibitions and Planning, and Museum Services areas. Reporting to the Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Curatorial and Collections, the Project Manager, Curatorial and Collections is responsible for coordinating workstreams within the portfolio, managing the portfolio master schedule, tracking budgets, as well as providing administrative and managerial oversight in collaboration with the Chief Curator and Deputy Director’s office. This role will work with each area of the portfolio to ensure coordination, facilitate interdepartmental communication, and support alignment as the team works towards its inaugural installation and collections move.

The Project Manager, Curatorial and Collections will be creative, strategic, and results-driven with strong leadership skills and a proven track record of diplomacy and handling confidential information. This role will maintain the portfolio’s master schedule and ensure that project timelines are on track, that any potential issues affecting critical path are highlighted, and that all necessary information is disseminated to staff ensuring timely, result-driven resolution. The Project Manager, Curatorial and Collections will collaborate closely with the Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Curatorial and Collections, Direct of Exhibitions and Planning, the Director of Museum Services around the formulation and progression of a cohesive vision for the portfolio’s long-term strategic plan.

In addition to the day-to-day supervision and facilitation of the portfolio’s workstreams, this role will also maintain enthusiasm about staff development and a commitment to team growth. The person in this role will have a strong leadership presence and background in project administration, and a commitment to the principals of DEAIB (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging). The role requires some travel.

Responsibilities

• Using appropriate software tools, strengthen and maintain the portfolio’s master schedule to effectively show sequences, dependencies, and critical paths. The tool needs to be a living document that is accessible and uniformly used, showing current statuses at a high-level and in detail
• Works closely with the Chief Curator and Deputy Director, Curatorial and Collections, the Director of Exhibitions and Planning, and the Director of Museum Services to manage high-level aspects of the exhibition schedule, budgets, contracts, and agreements to ensure exhibitions are presented in a timely manner, within budget parameters, and communicating the cost-benefit analysis for all projects
• Collaborate with each portfolio area and other departments to spot issues and highlight the effect of such issues on the overall project and other workstreams. Work to resolve those issues
• Communicates frequently and clearly across the Curatorial, Exhibitions and Planning, and Museum Services departments regarding activities and planning, as well as developments with other museum departments
• Provide project updates to the Chief Curator and Deputy Director, Curatorial and Collections on a consistent basis about strategy, adjustments, and progress
• Utilize industry best practices, techniques, and standards throughout entire project execution
• Measure project performance to identify areas for improvement, maximize productivity, and efficiently deliver services
• Responsible for upholding and implementing the portfolio’s goals and strategies by keeping staff informed with weekly meetings
• Tracks portfolio budgets with Chief Curator and Deputy Director, the Director of Exhibitions and Planning, and the Director of Museum Services
• In collaboration with the Chief Curator and Deputy Director, contributes to the development of long-term strategic planning for the portfolio
• Partners with Chief Curator and Deputy Director, Curatorial & Collections to guide management of the portfolio and assist in advancing and monitoring portfolio objectives, priorities, and accountabilities
• Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
  
  

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Planning & Organizing: Sets clearly defined objectives; Plans activities and projects well in advance and takes account of possible changing circumstances; Manages time effectively; Identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; Monitors performance against deadlines and milestones
• Presenting and Communicating Information – Speaks clearly and fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback
• Working with People - Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others; adapts to the team and builds team spirit; recognizes and rewards the contribution of others; listens, consults others, and communicates proactively; supports and cares for others; develops and openly communicates self-insight; collaborative team player with proven ability to build relationships and work effectively and positively with Museum leadership and staff, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public
• Adapting & Responding to Change – Adapts to changing circumstances; accepts new ideas and change initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations; shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; proven experience working in a start-up or entrepreneurial environment with the ability to roll up one’s sleeves to accomplish initiatives and achieve goals; Comfort with ambiguity; Commitment to developing and working with diverse audiences; Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and nimble environment
• Formulating Strategies & Concepts: Works strategically to realize organizational goals; sets and develops strategies; identifies and develops positive and compelling visions of the organization’s future potential; takes account of a wide range of issues across, and related to, the museum
• Analyzing: Analyzes numerical and verbal data and all other sources of information; breaks information into component parts, patterns, and relationships; probes for further information or greater understanding of a problem; makes rational judgments from the available information and analysis; produces workable solutions to a range of problems; demonstrates an understanding of how one issue may be a part of a much larger system
• Leading – Provides others with a clear direction; sets appropriate standards of behavior; motivates staff; proven experience managing budgets; upholds ethics and values; demonstrates integrity; promotes and defends equal opportunities; encourages organizational and individual responsibility; makes prompt, clear decisions which may involve tough choices or considered risks; takes responsibility for actions, projects and people; takes initiative, acts with confidence and works under own direction
• Commitment to Mission – Whether from the art world or not, demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of furthering the mission of the institution
  
  

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent experience in project, schedule, and budget management
• 5-8 years of direct experience in leading the project management of complex projects with multiple interdependencies
• Expert in project management methodologies, best practices, and project scheduling concepts such as predecessors, slack and critical path
• Highly proficient in project management software such as Microsoft Project
• Experience in having difficult conversations that lead to real improvement and results
• Proven ability to solve problems creatively
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful
• Ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline
• Proven experience with museums is helpful but not essential
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
  
  

$85,000 - $105,000 a year

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.

MISSION AND VISION

We are a museum dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through visual storytelling the Lucas Museum expands the role of art and museums for society. The Museum inspires thought provoking ideas and conversations that are relevant within and beyond geographic boundaries. Our work radiates to catalyze more connected and empathetic spaces. The art of storytelling connects us to shape a more just society.

VALUES

Our internal and external practice is shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.

PEOPLE FIRST

We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what people find meaningful, to works of art and the work of our organization.

INSPIRED

We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.

COLLABORATIVE

We believe that nimble thinking and working together yields exponential results.

BRAVE

We approach our work and learning with courage, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

4 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

ART

Amplify the social impact of Narrative Art through an approach that bridges the academic and the popular.

COMMUNITY

Connect to a broad and diverse public by create an institution rooted in impactful, respectful, sustainable relationships.

INCLUSION

Practice diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging in all operational and programmatic aspects of our work.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Create a healthy and durable institution equipped to fulfill its vision and public mandate.

All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.

Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates’ education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).

Pursuant to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy, the museum requires all new hires to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment absent an approved medical and/or religious exemption. Upon hire, all new hires will receive detailed instructions on complying with this policy. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.