Job Summary

The Exhibits Specialist position resides in the Learning and Teaching division of the library, which provides support throughout campus teaching, learning, and engagement environments. This position resides within the Outreach and AV Services department. This department facilitates engagement within library programmatic spaces, including event and exhibit spaces. The Exhibits Specialist manages some physical exhibit spaces and online exhibits. This position collaborates with library colleagues (e.g., subject and functional specialists, informationists, technologists, and other staff), and campus partners (departments and student organizations), to plan and install both short-term and long-term in-person and online exhibits. Under the guidance of the director and in collaboration with stakeholders, this position will develop a formal exhibits strategy and program for the library.

Responsibilities*

Physical Exhibit Management (50%)

• Manages library on-site exhibit and display spaces: Hatcher Gallery Exhibit Space, Hatcher Library North Lobby, Shapiro Gallery in Clark Commons
• Partners with library colleagues to provide additional logistical support for SCRC Gallery Exhibit Room and Clark Library
• Coordinates and installs exhibits and displays in library non-exhibit spaces, such as integrated informational or art displays
• Coordinates library programmatic partnerships related to exhibits or displays in library spaces, including campus strategic initiatives
• Coordinates with library event coordinators regarding exhibits that feature a connected programmatic event, such as a reception, lecture, or panel discussion
• Coordinates with library event coordinators and campus partners regarding events and engagement initiatives that have a short-term exhibit or display component.

Online Exhibits (30%)

• Establishes policies, assesses accessibility, creates documentation around digital exhibits.
• Trains, and supports new and existing online exhibit owners as the service lead for the library's use of Omeka 
• Partners with staff from the Design and Discovery department of Library Information Technology to maintain digital exhibits infrastructure.
• Connects with campus partners as needed.

Consultation (10%)

• Provides library colleagues and campus partners with on-site and online exhibit planning consultation including best practices, accessible design, and layout.

Organizational engagement and professional development (10%)

• Participates in appropriate team, department, division, and library-wide meetings, forums, and presentations
• Engages in library-wide initiatives, and other strategic initiatives
• Serves the U-M Library Arts Initiative Coordinating Team and participates in relevant Communities of Practice
• Leads library teams, task forces, or committees as necessary
• Engages in both technical and professional skill development under the guidance of manager
• Participate in outreach and engagement activities.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience in program or service coordination, preferably within an academic, cultural, museum, or library setting.
• Experience developing, coordinating, or installing exhibits (physical and/or digital), including planning, logistics, and implementation.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage concurrent projects, set priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear documentation, policies, and reports, as well as deliver presentations and training.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and external partners from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and best practices in exhibit and online content design.
• Experience working with digital exhibit platforms (such as Omeka, or similar tools) or a demonstrated capacity to quickly learn new digital tools.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a learning community in the workplace while working with individuals from different backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make strategic decisions within the scope of the position responsibilities.
• Experience supervising, training, or mentoring others in a project or program setting, such as student employees, interns, or grant recipients.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., library and information science, museum studies, arts administration).
• Hands-on experience managing budgets and/or resource planning for programmatic initiatives or exhibits.
• Experience with event planning or integrating exhibits with public programs, receptions, lectures, or campus-wide engagement initiatives.
• Knowledge of copyright, permissions, or legal issues related to exhibit content in an academic, library, or museum setting.

Work Schedule

40 hours/week; typically Monday - Friday daytime shifts, with an occasional evening shift based on events schedule.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This position will involve moving/transporting exhibit display walls (below 50 lbs).

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.