Exhibitions Coordinator

Career Guide

An Exhibitions Coordinator plans and delivers exhibitions and related events, ensuring objects, content, vendors, and timelines come together smoothly. The role blends project coordination with logistics, stakeholder communication, and visitor experience support.

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Key Responsibilities

Build and maintain exhibition schedules and task plans
Coordinate artwork and object loans and returns
Arrange transport, packing, and storage for objects
Manage vendor sourcing, quotes, and purchase requests
Support installation and deinstallation logistics
Coordinate label text, images, and basic content updates with curators and designers
Track budgets, invoices, and contract paperwork
Prepare run sheets for openings, tours, and public programs
Coordinate accessibility needs and visitor services requirements
Maintain records for object movement, condition reports, and documentation
Support risk planning for handling, security, and emergency procedures
Communicate status updates to internal teams and external partners

Top Skills for Success

Project Planning

Schedule Management

Stakeholder Communication

Vendor Management

Budget Tracking

Contract Administration

Logistics Coordination

Art Handling Basics

Object Documentation

Condition Reporting

Exhibition Installation Coordination

Exhibition Deinstallation Coordination

Accessibility Coordination

Risk Awareness

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Exhibitions Manager

Registrar Collections Manager Project Manager Operations Manager Program Manager

Transition Opportunities

Curatorial Assistant

Gallery Manager

Production Coordinator Event Manager

Experiential Marketing Producer

Facilities Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Loan Agreement HandlingShipping and Customs CoordinationCondition Report WritingVendor Contract ReviewBudget ForecastingExhibition Documentation SystemsRisk AssessmentAccessibility Standards Knowledge

Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio of two to three delivered projects with clear timelines, budgets, and vendor details. Ask to shadow registrars and preparators, practice writing condition reports, and learn the basics of shipping workflows. Use simple templates for schedules, run sheets, and budget trackers to show repeatable process skills.

Market Intelligence Report

Exhibitions Coordinator is part of the Workplace Training category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 42,000 to 55,000

Mid LevelUSD 55,000 to 72,000

Senior LevelUSD 72,000 to 95,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, with hiring strongest in museums, galleries, universities, convention centers, and experiential marketing. Contract and project-based roles are common, and demand increases around major exhibition seasons and touring shows.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Smithsonian InstitutionThe Metropolitan Museum of ArtMuseum of Modern ArtTateGuggenheim MuseumGettyNational Gallery of ArtArt Institute of ChicagoRoyal Ontario MuseumNatural History Museum LondonUniversities with museums and galleriesMajor convention centers

Industry Sectors

MuseumsArt galleriesCultural heritage organizationsUniversities and collegesConvention and event venuesExhibition design firmsExperiential marketing agenciesTouring exhibition companies

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one-page portfolio summary of recent exhibitions and events you supported

Develop a reusable exhibition timeline template and budget tracker

Take a short course in project management fundamentals

Learn basic art handling and object care practices through workshops or museum training

Request ownership of one vendor workstream such as printing, fabrication, or shipping to deepen experience

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as deadlines met, budget size, and number of objects moved