Overview:    

The Exhibits Project Manager (EPM), as a member of the exhibits team, is responsible for overseeing the planning, logistics, and completion of high-quality, educational, fun, and engaging exhibits projects from conception through fabrication and installation. Projects supported by the EPM range from changes across a full gallery (up to 4,000 sq ft) and larger-scale temporary exhibits, to smaller sections of existing exhibits or specific exhibit components. The EPM reports to the Senior Director of Exhibits and works in collaboration with other team members to meet exhibit project goals on time, on budget, and in keeping with the educational philosophies of the Museum. For some initiatives, the EPM will lead teams of colleagues to accomplish stated goals or liaise with contractors, while for other initiatives, the EPM might serve as a team member working alongside colleagues. 

The EPM will also help with content development, researching subjects and ideas that are intended to be included in exhibit spaces and components. Types of content to be researched could include subjects such as specific aspects of STEM exploration, music and performing arts, culture and identity-based education, gross motor opportunities that are developmentally appropriate for a specific age, or literacy and language development strategies, among others. Working in close collaboration with other exhibit team colleagues, the EPM will support distillation of content research into exhibit designs and labels in support of stated experience goals. The anticipated time spent on these aspects of work is 75% exhibit project management, 25% exhibit content development. The ideal EPM will have demonstrated ability to set and execute timelines, create and stay on budgets, coordinate complex projects with multiple vendors, motivate colleagues, and synthesize information.

Qualifications:    

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (if applicable) 

College degree preferred, in education, design, or project management, or related experience

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements:

Experience overseeing the development and production of educational exhibits or environments for children ages 0 – 10, on-time and on-budget.

A minimum of 7 years of work experience is required, with at least 5 years project management experience.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with diverse, intergenerational audiences, in an energetic, friendly, outgoing, and professional manner.

Familiarity with reading design drawings and an understanding of materials and techniques used in the fabrication of experiences for children.

Proficiency with project management tools and software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office, including Project, etc.).

Demonstrated experience and ability to form, motivate, and manage teams of colleagues and external contractors.

Experience with and ability to network and forge successful collaborations with educators, designers, fabricators, community partners, and more.

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong ability to present to large groups.

Excellent organizational skills.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands: Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, and use a telephone. Occasionally kneel/crawl, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, and grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 21-40 pounds.

Work Environment: 

Ability to work in a lively, often noisy, and sometimes crowded environment with the public and with young children.

Other Factors: Work is performed routinely within the Museum setting, but on occasion may require work performed outside.

Job Responsibilities:

Be an active member of a team creating engaging, fun, and interactive exhibit experiences for children, caregivers, and educators, for use inside and outside of the Museum. This includes, but is not limited to:

Coordinate the exhibit process and all team members from development through design, fabrication, installation, evaluation, and remediation, keeping team members informed and engaged throughout.

Develop systems to track, monitor, and revise each project’s timeline and development/design plan, including setting schedules, to-do lists, staff assignments, and milestones and deadlines.

Support the contracting of outside vendors (including fabricators, designers, architects, builders, engineers, and others), managing, as needed, the RFP and selection process, contracting for required services, and overseeing the process through deliverables.

Support the sourcing of materials and hardware from manufacturers and distributors.

Develop and manage exhibit project budgets.

Participate in teams to help conceptualize new exhibit components, and translate overall concepts and experience goals into engaging exhibit experiences.

Delve into a wide variety of subject matter related to a specific exhibit or component; translate research into experience goals, main messages, and text for the development process.

Manage recruitment and coordination of external participants, partners, and community organizations who support exhibit development and design.

Motivate staff and external partners to help execute vision for the exhibit and deliver a high-quality product.

Communicate information about team initiatives to appropriate staff within the Museum, including Visitor Experience staff, and to external audiences (funders, community partners, etc.).

Work with manager and other team members to implement exhibit approaches that align with the Museum's strategic plans.

Other duties as assigned.