Senior Project Manager, Preparations

Our Mission

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Museum operates two sites, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photography to the present day (including non-European works). The Museum mounts approximately 25 temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors.

The Opportunity

The J Paul Getty Museum seeks an experienced project manager to coordinate project related activities in its Preparations Department. Reporting to the Head of Preparation, the Senior Project Manager will perform multifaceted management work coordinating the planning and initiation of short to medium term projects at various levels of completion; monitor scheduling and progress; and communicate with project stakeholders, management, and relevant parties.

The Senior Project Manager will join a large, dedicated team of technical specialists skilled in art handling and installation; packing, crating and storage; specialist furniture fabrication and finishing; gallery lighting and digital media hardware installation. The department ensures safe handling, movement, and storage of the Museum's permanent collection, and installs its temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries, at both sites. The team comprises twenty full-time staff at the Getty Center and four full-time staff the Getty Villa.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced planner and project manager in construction, fabrication, or fine art logistics capable of addressing changes in scope, schedule and budget with a working knowledge of project management software. They must be able to demonstrate the ability to establish goals and objectives; prepare reports and schedules; communicate effectively with all stakeholders; and capable of planning, assigning and supervising work of others. The successful candidate will also exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions; analyze information; develop plans to address identified issues and risk; and demonstrate sound negotiation and facilitation skills.

Manages, develops, monitors, and evaluates project activities, ensuring deliverables satisfy expectations, using accepted project management methodologies.
• Coordinates and oversees work with construction contractors and specialist vendors, ensuring deliverables are acceptable and fulfils the terms of the project contract and specifications.
• Complies and distributes project information, interprets design and construction drawings to meet project requirements, and communicates effectively with stakeholders from Getty and Museum departments.
• Develops project budgets, schedules, work plans, and resource requirements to set delivery schedules ensuring timely completion.
• Initiates cost estimates with vendors for project activities and products, meeting the quality and standards of the Museum.
• Monitors and manages project cost to ensure project is completed within budget.
• Maintains and archives project records and supplier lists.
• Manages display equipment integration for projects, coordinating the selection process and transfer of exhibition casework and other display assets between sites.
• Monitors progress, manages change, identifies and responds to risks in a timely manner to prevent missed deadlines.
• Sources special products with lighting suppliers and manufacturers, as well as other special display products and hardware.
• Reviews and recommends project proposals demonstrating business need and feasibility, with the Head of Preparations.
• Other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred
• 5-8 years of project/process management and subject area experience, preferably in an art-related organization
• Relevant foreign language knowledge preferred for academic-based projects

• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and construction plans.
• Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to complex projects.
• Knowledge of exhibition/event fabrication and installation, preferably in a museum or arts organization.
• Skilled in project management and monitoring, addressing changes in scope or timing, and knowledge of project management software.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines, resources and deliverables.
• Excellent computer skills including strong proficiency in standard business software- Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and project management and database software.

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.