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

Retail & Merchandise Operations

Food & Beverage Operations

Planetarium

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

Required Experience

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

Eligibility Qualifications

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)