Project Leader, Museum Experiences

The Museum Experiences Project Leader is a creative problem solver, expert communicator, and proven leader whose primary role is to provide leadership and vision in the planning, design, development, fabrication and installation of exhibits and related programs. The Project Leader inspires and coordinates the involvement of content specialists, designers, fabricators, contractors, producers, community members, and visitors to create relevant experiences within which the museum’s target audiences actively engage with science. This position directs the work of project-related contract staff and internal staff to successfully complete projects that often extend over a number of years, within stringent constraints of schedule and budget. The Project Leader also represents the SMM to external entities as clients and partners, and helps establish and maintain positive collaborative partnerships that support our mission.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

Project Management

All aspects of project management including establishing, communicating, managing and updating budgets, schedules, and documentation through experience development, design, prototyping, visitor testing, fabrication, and installation within the requirements established by Museum Experiences management. 

Work with the Director of Exhibit Project Management, Director of Exhibits, Director of Experience Development and Design, Director of Traveling Exhibits and Exhibit Sales, Director of Visitor Experiences and Director of Museum Technologies to identify resources for all work—determining what work will be conducted in-house, what will be assigned to contractors, and adjusting as necessary to assure the successful and timely completion of the work.

Be a positive problem solver by identifying problems and risks and lead the team to developing resolutions.

Facilitate communication between project team members, other museum staff, advisors, external clients and partners, and contractors to ensure that project ideas and the products created meet the project’s vision and goals.

Manage conflict resolution and decision-making processes to ensure that the project stays on track and moves forward.

Create, modify and manage contracts for independent contractors.

Team Management

Articulate project vision, goals, exhibit themes, organization, and visitor experiences verbally, visually, and in written form, to provide project team members and others with a clear direction for their contributions.

Coordinate and prioritize work of team members, other museum staff, advisors, and contractors to ensure that the workflow is efficient and in line with the goals of the project.

Promote a work culture of cooperation and respect in which all members of the project team are motivated and have the opportunity to contribute to their fullest ability.

Solicit and coordinate involvement of community members and other relevant parties in the development process to identify issues and ensure multiple perspectives are considered.

Exhibit and Program Creation

Coordinate the translation of ideas and content into relevant learning experiences.

Hold and promote the value that the visitor is the ultimate client for the work of the project team.

Facilitate developing, testing, determining and fabricating the appropriate mix, pacing, and layering of experiences (text, media, interactives, programs, etc.) to ensure that objects, concepts, and activities are accessible and accommodate diverse ages, abilities, and learning styles.

Promote and maintain the highest possible standards of safety, quality, and accessibility in all projects.

Support VP of Museum Experiences, the Director of Traveling Exhibits and Exhibit Sales and other managers in working to identify, pursue, and secure funding for new SMM projects and clients for our Exhibits Products and Services operation.

Facilitate work with youth program managers, program managers, education, and public programs staff to include the development of programs for youth, families, and adults in relevant projects.

Customer Service

Develop and maintain partnerships with other organizations, communities, and individuals to augment the resources and perspectives of the museum.

Represent the SMM to external partners and direct project teams to meet the needs of clients. 

Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Required Competencies

Communication: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others and ensures that information is shared with others who should be informed.

Collaboration: Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.

Customer Service: Demonstrates an understanding of the SMM mission by ensuring that their own interactions with internal and external customers consistently support the mission. 

Fostering an Inclusive Community: Contributes to a museum environment, and people, that reflect and respond to the diverse needs and cultures of our community (internal and external).

Results Orientation: Focuses on producing industry-leading visitor experiences through work outcomes by meeting personal and organizational work objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: No formal education necessary. Demonstrable knowledge of project leadership concepts. Curiosity towards the scientific endeavor desired.

Experience: Demonstrable experience as a project manager. Proven experience creating products or experiences for museum (or like) audiences. Demonstrated creativity problem solving skills in translating concepts and ideas into relevant content. Proven ability to provide inspiration and leadership. Advanced skills in developing collaborations and partnerships. Experience leading projects and resolving conflicts.

Work Environment:  On-site work in a standard office environment is required, though there is flexibility for some remote work. Occasional travel off-site as well as out-of-town to project meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

Cultural competency and experience working with diverse communities.

Willingness to be open and respectful of all backgrounds.

Fluency in language(s) other than English valued (Hmong, Somali, Spanish).

Compensation is $75,246 - $79,258/year

Salary : $75,246 - $79,258