Director of Exhibits

Description

The Director of Exhibits is responsible for leading the research, conceptualization, design development, as well as daily maintenance of, quality interactive exhibits and displays. This position oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the Exhibits Department while ensuring exhibits are well-maintained, innovative, mission-focused, and efficient. The Director of Exhibits oversees the department’s staff, budget, and project timelines to ensure that exhibits are delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest standards of quality. This requires a balance of creative problem-solving, technical expertise, and project management to deliver compelling, interactive experiences for guests of all ages.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership and oversight of the Exhibit Fabrication Department and Exhibit Maintenance Department, identifying, supporting, and implementing their respective strategic objectives through daily operations
• Coordinate all aspects of staff management, including hiring, scheduling, training, coaching, evaluating, and fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture
• Develop, manage, and adhere to the departmental budget
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule, on budget and the highest quality and efficiency
• Ensure cross-departmental collaboration across all projects
• Exhibit installation and quality control for proper functioning
• Responsible for daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of exhibits–this includes diverse exhibits such as model trains, salt water aquariums, and other unique museum experiences
• Research and acquire materials needed to construct new exhibits
• Establish and oversee project timelines, realistic budgets, and resource allocation
• Evaluate visitor interactions and industry trends for exhibit design, content and accessible space layout
• Always represent the museum professionally and respectfully
• Proficient in design software, including Sketchup and Solidworks
  
  

Requirements

• 5 or more years of experience as a supervisor or lead in a technical field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Exhibit Design and Fabrication
• 5 or more years of experience in project management in a technical field
• Tuesday-Saturday availability preferred
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-departmentally
• Proficient design software, including Sketchup and Solidworks
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of accessibility and universal design principals
• Strong conceptual thinking, creativity, and problem solving skills
• Must have experience and knowledge of a variety of shop tools
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position works in an active and busy museum setting
• Work includes frequent standing and walking for long periods of time
• Work may include occasional pushing and/or pulling. Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without assistance
• May require working on a computer for long periods of time, using keyboard, viewing a digital screen
• Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations
  
  

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

This position supervises the Exhibits Department. This position must maintain positive working relationships with museum leadership, management, communications, vendors, employees, general public, and external stakeholders.