VICE PRESIDENT OF MUSEUM OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center proudly serves as a Smithsonian Affiliate. We not only house Smithsonian’s largest artifact, we also curate the world’s largest assemblage of space hardware. Our roots trace back to the very dawn of space exploration and we’re also home to the one and only world-renowned Space Camp.

As Vice President for Museum Operations, you’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to lead this world-class organization during a period of growth and investment. You’ll work with the upper echelons of Aeronautics and Aerospace Industry leadership to tell the fast-paced story of technology advancement and human space exploration. You’ll build a top-performing team around a core of passionate and experienced museum professionals.

Bring your experience as a leader to rally your team and craft inspiring out of this world experiences for guests. Work with your peers to expand our vision for the future of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and translate that vision into reality through excellence of execution.

As an ideal candidate, you’ll be able draw on examples of your managerial acumen, your data-driven decision making, your effective communication skills and your ability to take high-functioning organizations to new levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Museum Operations

• Lead and manage all aspects of museum operations, ensuring the highest standards of visitor experience.
• Provide vision and leadership for developing new or updated exhibits, improving story-telling and customer flow, and envisioning new immersive, interactive experiences.

• Develop and implement plans for museum growth and development, aligned with the Center's overall vision, mission, and strategic plan.

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of museum professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer service.
• Drive data-driven decision-making, utilizing metrics and analytics to optimize operations, financial outcomes, and the visitor experience.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including the Smithsonian Institution, industry leaders, sponsors/donors, and community partners.

• Effectively communicate the Center's mission and vision to a variety of audiences, including staff, visitors, and the broader community.

• Champion the U.S. Space & Rocket Center's commitment to education, innovation, and the celebration of human space exploration.

Guest Operations

• Oversee all guest services functions, ensuring a welcoming and engaging visitor experience.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to optimize service quality and operational efficiency.
• Supervise and train customer service staff, including ticketing personnel, museum guides, and managers, to ensure high-performance teams.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Exhibit Maintenance teams to ensure exhibits, buildings, and grounds are well-maintained, visually appealing, and secure at all times.
• Work with Marketing to support admissions programs, promotions, and membership engagement.
• Lead volunteer and docent recruitment, training, and management to enhance visitor education and engagement.

Retail & Merchandise Operations

• Develop and execute strategic business plans to drive profitability and growth for gift shops and e-commerce.
• Provide leadership to the Retail General Manager, ensuring strong performance in physical and online retail operations.
• Foster brand partnerships and align retail strategy with the museum’s overall mission.
• Maintain financial accountability, oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Implement data-driven strategies to optimize sales and customer engagement.

Food & Beverage Operations

• Drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction across all food service operations, including camp dining, museum dining, and catering.
• Develop innovative food and beverage programs to enhance quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee financial performance, budget management, and cost optimization strategies.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Director to create unique dining experiences aligned with the museum’s brand.
• Ensure proper training and development of all food and beverage leadership and frontline staff.

Planetarium

• Provide executive oversight for the planetarium, ensuring engaging, educational, and high-quality programming.
• Develop strategic plans to enhance the planetarium’s role in STEM education, outreach, and visitor engagement.
• Oversee planetarium staff, ensuring proper training and professional development.
• Work with education and marketing teams to promote planetarium shows, special presentations, and collaborations with industry experts.
• Ensure proper maintenance and upgrades of planetarium equipment and technology to enhance visitor experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
The Vice President of Museum Operations holds executive-level supervisory responsibility, overseeing multiple departments, including Museum Operations, Guest Services, Planetarium, Merchandise, and Food Service. This role directly supervises senior department heads and managers, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, operational excellence, and financial performance. The VP is responsible for fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Ensuring the highest standards of visitor experience, artifact preservation, and educational programming.

Travel Requirements:
This role may require occasional travel for industry conferences, professional development, vendor negotiations, partnership meetings, and business development opportunities. Travel may also be necessary to collaborate with external stakeholders, Smithsonian affiliates, aerospace industry leaders, and other museum professionals to advance the strategic initiatives of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, museum studies, hospitality management, or a related field. Graduate degree preferred.

Required Experience

• At least five (5) years of high-level museum management experience, preferably in a leadership role within a high-traffic visitor destination.
• 10 years of senior leadership experience in museum operations, guest experience, hospitality, retail, food & beverage, or event management.
• Proven ability to drive operational excellence, increase revenue, and enhance customer experience.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in managing budgets, revenue streams, and cost optimization strategies.
• Exceptional leadership, team development, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience managing high-traffic visitor destinations, ensuring seamless operations and guest satisfaction.
• Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills to guide decision-making and long-term vision.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal teams, executive leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Passion for space exploration, science, and education is a plus.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

• This role requires the ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods, as well as occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds for operational needs. The position may involve climbing stairs, bending, stooping, and reaching as necessary for inspections, event setup, and overall operational oversight. Given the fast-paced and high-energy nature of the environment, the VP must be comfortable managing multiple responsibilities while frequently interacting with staff, guests, and external stakeholders. The role also requires flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly during special events and peak operational periods. Occasional travel may be necessary for industry conferences, business development, and professional networking.

Eligibility Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Factors

This role will work in a dynamic, fast-paced, and visitor-focused environment at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a high-traffic museum and educational facility. The role involves a combination of office work, on-site operational oversight, and hands-on leadership across various departments, including guest services, retail, food and beverage, and special events. The VP will regularly move throughout the museum, exhibits, event spaces, and outdoor areas to ensure seamless operations and high-quality guest experience. This position requires the ability to work in both indoor and outdoor settings, with exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions, particularly during special events and peak visitation periods. The role demands flexibility, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours, to accommodate the museum’s schedule and major events. Collaboration with internal teams, executive leadership, and external partners is a key aspect of the job, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, guest-driven environment.

Expected Hours of Work

While standard business hours typically apply, the Vice President of Guest Experience & Operations must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, particularly during peak visitation periods, special events, and high-profile engagements. Occasional extended hours may be required to ensure seamless operations, address urgent matters, and support major museum initiatives.

DISCLAIMERS

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Duties and Responsibilities May Change with or Without Notice

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.