What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Museum Operations position at United States Space Foundation?

Job Description

POSITION TITLE : Director of Museum Operations

LOCATION : Colorado Springs, CO Space Foundation Discovery Center

DEPARTMENT : Education

REPORTS TO : Executive Director - SWFT

COMPENSATION : $95,000 - $105,000

Position Summary

The Space Foundation is seeking a skilled and motivated Director of Museum Operations to lead the Space Foundation Discovery Center, a premier space museum and education hub. This role calls for a hands-on leader who can shape the center’s strategic vision while actively engaging in day-to-day operations, enhancing exhibits, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in the world of space exploration and education, we’d love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership and Development

Oversee and actively participate in all aspects of the Discovery Center's daily operations to ensure a world-class visitor experience.
Lead the development and implementation of strategies to enhance operational efficiency and visitor engagement.
Develop and implement processes to track visitor engagement, attendance, and operational metrics, leveraging tools and resources effectively.
Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective operations across all areas of the Discovery Center.

Team Building and Management

Recruit, mentor, and lead a diverse team of staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Lead, develop and empower team members with skills for success.

Create a positive, inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, growth, and accountability.

Exhibit and Program Development

Collaborate hands-on with curatorial and education teams to conceptualize, design, and implement innovative exhibits and interactive experiences.

Maintain and enhance existing exhibits, incorporating emerging technologies and visitor feedback.

Personally oversee the planning and execution of special events and educational programs that align with the Space Foundation’s mission.

Data-Driven Optimization

Analyze visitor engagement and operational data to develop actionable insights that optimize exhibit layouts, visitor flow, and resource management.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous improvement in visitor experience and operational efficiency.

Financial and Resource Management

Develop and manage the annual budget for the Discovery Center, balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments.

Identify and implement opportunities for revenue generation, such as ticketing, memberships, and special programs.

Actively participate in fundraising efforts, including grant writing and donor engagement, to support the center’s growth.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Represent the Discovery Center in the local community and space education sector, building its reputation as a leader in space experiential learning.

Build and nurture partnerships with schools, businesses, and organizations to expand the center’s reach and impact.

Lead marketing and public relations efforts to promote programs, exhibits, and events, enhancing community engagement.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Minimum of 8 years of experience in museum operations or a similar role with leadership responsibilities.

Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.

Proven track record in team building, exhibit development, and operational management.

Experience in implementing data-driven operational improvements.

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Key Competencies

Hands-on leadership style with the ability to actively engage in day-to-day operations.

Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for implementing innovative, practical solutions.

Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for staff and visitors.

Adaptability and resilience in a rapidly evolving field.

Passion for space exploration and science education, with a vision for inspiring the next generation.

Why Join Us?

The Space Foundation Discovery Center is a beacon of inspiration and learning in space exploration. As the Director of Museum Operations , you will have the unique opportunity to shape a world-class institution that educates and engages communities while driving innovation in space science and education.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Individuals in this position will generally work indoors and will have a workspace designated solely for them. Necessary office furnishings, equipment, and supplies will be provided by the Foundation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may periodically be required to work outdoors and would be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee may periodically be required to work in an offsite environment or at special events, and from time to time may be asked to travel on Foundation business, at the Foundation’s expense. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

JOB STATUS :

1) FLSA Classification : This position is exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay.

2) Full- or Part-Time : This position is full-time in nature. An individual in this position will regularly work a schedule consisting of 40 hours per week.

3) Work Location : This position’s primary worksite is the headquarters location in Colorado Springs, CO.

4) Regular Schedule : Usual business days are Monday through Friday, holidays excepted, and usual business hours are from 8 : 00 A.M. to 5 : 00 P.M. in the time zone in which the position is located. The nature and responsibilities of this position are such that weekends and evening events may be required to fulfill programmatic obligations.

Salary : $95,000 - $105,000

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