What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Museum Operations position at RISD - Rhode Island School of Design?
Job Summary
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Director, Museum Operations to join to join the RISD Museum.
The Director of Museum Operations leads and directs key operational functions of the RISD Museum in support of annual and strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Museum Director, this role oversees facilities, security, events management, and long-range planning. The position is also responsible for driving revenue generation strategies and overseeing the development of a museum store. This role acts as a senior liaison between the Museum and RISD central administrative offices.
We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.
Essential Functions:
Operational Planning and Revenue Generation:
- Lead long-range planning efforts for the museum's operations and facilities.
- Work collaboratively with revenue-generating teams to develop holistic strategies for increasing museum income.
- Oversee the planning and implementation of retail opportunities.
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Planning:
- Lead the development, implementation, and regular updating of the museum's Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan.
- Coordinate with relevant departments and external agencies to ensure comprehensive emergency preparedness.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities specific to the museum's facilities and collections.
- With the Security Manager, establish emergency procedures for various scenarios, including natural disasters, security threats, and other potential crises.
- Develop and oversee training programs for staff on emergency protocols and procedures.
- Organize and lead regular emergency drills and exercises to test the plan's effectiveness.
- Ensure proper documentation and communication of emergency procedures throughout the organization.
- Collaborate with local emergency services to align museum plans with community-wide disaster response efforts.
- Oversee the procurement and maintenance of emergency supplies and equipment.
- Stay informed about best practices in museum emergency preparedness and incorporate them into the museum's plans.
Facilities Management:
- Advise the Museum's Facilities Manager on physical plant maintenance and improvements.
- Review and approve long-range capital projects and facilities improvement plans.
- Liaise with RISD Facilities staff on museum facility needs.
- Ensure regular review of business continuity plans.
Security Oversight:
- Supervise the Museum's Security Manager to ensure safety and security for staff, visitors, and collections.
- Monitor security staffing levels, plans, and training programs.
- Participate in union contract negotiations.
Events Coordination:
- Oversee Museum Event Planner to ensure smooth execution of internal and external events.
- Facilitate partnerships with RISD Conference and Events Services for institutional events.
Business Operations:
- Direct the Business Operations Coordinator on cross-museum initiatives.
- Liaise with IT and other RISD departments on museum-wide projects.
HR Liaison:
- Act as a key liaison between the Museum and RISD's central Human Resources department.
- Collaborate with HR on museum staff workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies.
- Advise department managers on HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Coordinate with HR on performance management processes, including annual reviews and goal-setting.
- Work with HR to develop and implement staff training and professional development programs.
- Assist in resolving complex employee relations issues in coordination with HR.
- Ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations in all museum operations.
- Participate in union negotiations and contract administration as needed.
- Foster a positive workplace culture that aligns with the museum's mission and values.
Risk Management:
- Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks to the museum's assets, operations, and reputation.
- Collaborating with insurance brokers and carriers to negotiate favorable terms and premiums.
- Work with the Head Registrar and college on claims management processes and adjusters to resolve insurance claims efficiently.
- Staying informed about emerging risks and insurance trends in the museum and cultural institution sector.
- Educating staff on risk management practices and insurance protocols.
Administrative Duties:
- Review contracts and agreements related to museum operations.
- Participate in senior management meetings and board meetings.
- Lead process improvement and standard operating procedures initiatives.
Additional Functions:
- Perform related assignments as requested by the Museum Director.
- Ensure alignment with the museum’s new strategic plan.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in related field; Master's degree preferred
- 8 years of experience progressive experience in museum operations, planning, and project management with at least 5 years in a management role.
- Strong understanding of museum operations and best practices
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management
- Experience with board relations and governance practices preferred
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
- Commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion in museum practices.
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Discretion in handling confidential information
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
- Proven ability to develop and implement revenue-generation strategies
- Experience in long-range planning and strategic thinking
- Strong fiscal analysis and modeling skills
Union:
No
Work Schedule:
35 hours per week; 12 months per year
Employment Status:
Full-time; Exempt; Regular
Grade:
560EX
Work Modality
On-campus
Documents Needed to Apply:
Resume (Required)
Cover Letter (Required)
Salary Grade Structure
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.
The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.
RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
For internal use only - Job Family:
Museum Operations
