Associate Director of Exhibits

Associate Director of Exhibits (Exempt, Full-time)

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Exhibits plays a critical role in advancing MOXI’s mission and steering the exhibits team with strong leadership and exhibit management. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of existing exhibits, managing the team of exhibit techs, and the long-term planning and management of future temporary exhibits and exhibit partners.  The position requires an aptitude for quick and effective problem-solving, preventative maintenance planning, and technical aptitude in exhibit repair. In addition, this role requires administrative organization, leadership, and advanced communication skills. 

The Associate Director of Exhibits works closely with the Director of Learning Experiences and the Associate Director of Education to integrate best practices of informal learning into a cohesive, immersive visitor experience. This position will also play an exciting role in MOXI’s exhibit refresh plan spanning installations across the museum over the next 3-years. The ideal candidate will be an experienced manager with demonstrated technical skills and the ability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and think creatively. 

Report to: Director of Learning Experiences

Salary:  $78,000 - $89,000

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the museum’s exhibits are fully operational and well-maintained by prioritizing maintenance needs and proactively identifying problems or anticipated repairs. 
• Standardize annual and long-range work plans for both routine exhibit maintenance and enhancement. 
• Develop and manage a long-term working exhibition calendar, including in-house and partner-driven temporary installations aligned with MOXI’s educational objectives. Manage all aspects from workplans, schedules, budgets, timelines, and deliverables. 
• Manage Exhibits budget and timelines, ensuring all projects and installations are both timely and on budget. 
• Hire, train, and manage a team of part-time and full-time technical staff. 
• Collaborate and communicate across departments (Education, Operations, Marketing, Development) on exhibit projects and installations.
• In collaboration with the Director of Learning Experiences and the Operations team, support MOXI’s Exhibit Refresh project for future permanent exhibit installations.   
• Identify and build local partnerships with fabricators, engineers, programmers, artists, and other relevant trades to support MOXI’s mission and maximize community impact. 
• Maintain close relationships with other museum/exhibitions professionals, consultants, and vendors; stay current with trends and best practices in exhibit design, including DEAI.  
• Foster an environment and team approach that nurtures creativity, experimentation, and learning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Skills & Qualifications

• Aptitude for quick and effective problem-solving, preventative maintenance planning, and technical aptitude in repair, electronics, woodworking, and trade skills. 
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in 2D and 3D visualization tools such as Sketchup, Inventor, Turbo CAD, Fusion 360, Illustrator, etc. 
• Intermediate to advanced shop knowledge and/or fabrication techniques: wood, metal, plastic fabrication; CNC experience
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, shop drawings, design-intent sketches, etc.
• Task management with an emphasis on delegation to direct reports is critical.  Ability to organize time effectively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills: must be receptive to the ideas of others and able to work cooperatively to prioritize tasks and accommodate many different needs.
• Passion for creating a world-class museum that is recognized as a truly outstanding educational experience.
• Enthusiasm for working in an organization where change is frequent, structure is evolving, and flexibility, teamwork, and good humor are absolute necessities. 
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn new systems and adapt with emerging technologies.
• Awareness of issues relating to access and inclusion and the ability to build an inclusive and accessible visitor experience.
• Experience with effective budget management and long-term planning and implementation. 
• Spanish fluency a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities

One full-time Senior Exhibits Technician and two part-time exhibits technicians. 

Education and Experience requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in interactive exhibit management, 3-D design, technical maintenance, or related field.
• Experience supervising creative teams in a workshop environment. 
• General fabrication knowledge and demonstrated technical problem-solving experience within a workshop environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in design, engineering, science, arts, or related field; or equivalent applied experience or equivalent experience in science/ children’s museums or informal learning institutions. 

Additional Information

• This is a full-time position expected to work onsite Monday-Friday.
• Predictable and timely attendance is required. 
• Must be able to bend, squat, and lift up to 50 lbs; work with multiple technologies; stand for extended periods of time; troubleshoot and problem solve; and communicate effectively and courteously with a variety of people verbally and in writing.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasons to apply:

• One of the Central Coast’s Best Places to Work (Pacific Coast Business Times)
• Growth-centered work environment that includes professional development opportunities.
• Fun and creative organizational culture.
• Free admission into local museums, including MOXI, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Lotusland, and Santa Barbara Zoo.
• Free ASTC membership for museums across the country.

Benefits:

• 80 hours of paid vacation, 56 hours of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year.
• Company-sponsored Gold medical insurance plan with multiple PPO and HMO options. 
• Affordable dental and vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA.
• Pet Protection
• Identity Theft Protection.
• Retirement Plan 403(b) 3% match; up to 6% of gross pay
• 100% employer-sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, Life/AD&D.
• Supplemental Life/AD&D.

About MOXI

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration Innovation® is dedicated to igniting learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone at 125 State Street, the museum is LEED - certified Gold and serves guests of all ages through its hands-on exhibits and education programs. MOXI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generously supported by its daily guests, members, facility rentals, and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Who we are

MOXI is a collaborative, creative, and fun place to work. Our team is guided by a set of core values that help create a joyful place where we empower curious minds to explore the world.

We are Playful. We are collaborative. We are experimenters – we take risks and embrace failure. We believe that diversity is critical to creativity.

How to apply

To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume. 

Email: lilya.vicencio@moxi.org

Website:  https://moxi.org/careers/

MOXI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.