Overview:

The Cape Fear Museum is seeking a skilled and hands-on Museum Exhibit Technician to help bring our exhibitions to life. In this role, you’ll support the installation and fabrication of permanent and temporary exhibits, perform preventative maintenance and repairs, and ensure our lighting, mechanical, and electronic interactives operate at their best. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with tools, solving technical challenges, and contributing to high-quality, immersive museum environments that enhance visitor engagement. This is a great opportunity to contribute to high-quality, safe, and engaging museum environments.

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES:

Knowledge of basic electrical, lighting and mechanical systems, audio-visual systems, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations; principles of drafting and design; exhibit preparation and execution; lighting principles and industry updates; security practices; construction and building maintenance principles; and museum practices, protocol, and ethics. 

Skilled in reading and working from technical drawings; advanced skills in woodworking, acrylic fabrication, electrical wiring, staining and painting; using hand and power tools; fabricating display materials; and communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Job Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE:

Conducts preventative and routine maintenance of exhibitions and exhibit lighting.

Maintains exhibits by repairing components, adjusting lighting, and troubleshooting technical or structural issues.

Assists in the fabrication of new exhibition elements using a variety of power tools and applying carpentry skills by creating immersive displays, interactive experiences and other exhibit components based on designs and plans.

Assists in the setup and tear-down of temporary or travelling exhibits and displays. Participates in the finish and detail work in exhibit environments.

Maintains exhibit maintenance records according to the manufacturer’s warranty requirements.

Maintains inventory of building materials, tools, equipment and exhibit consumables and orders supplies as needed.

Assists with set-up and strike for special events, family programs and other related functions.

Manages and assists in the upkeep of exhibition related landscaping on the museum’s Curious Nature exhibition.

Ensures exhibits are constructed and maintained to the highest standards of safety, preservation and visitor experience.

Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.

Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Overview:

About the Thinkery 

Thinkery is a nonprofit children’ s museum and STEAM learning hub that empowers children to be confident, creative thinkers. With a mission to lead the future of play-based learning, Thinkery creates joyful, hands-on educational experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Anchored in the Meredith Learning Lab in Austin’ s Mueller neighborhood, Thinkery recently opened a second site in Del Valle— the region’ s first neighborhood-based museum and home to its STEAM Learning Institute.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will be the primary executive leader of the organization— responsible for setting strategic direction, fostering a healthy and inclusive culture, and ensuring long-term financial and operational sustainability. The CEO will oversee the Executive Leadership Team. Together with this leadership team, the CEO will articulate a bold vision for Thinkery’ s future, champion its mission, and cultivate the partnerships and resources needed to expand access and deepen impact across Central Texas and beyond.

Ideal Candidate 

The ideal candidate will bring the following professional experiences:

- A track record of successful leadership in a nonprofit, youth-serving, cultural, or educational organization.

- Experience managing through complexity and growth, ideally across multiple sites or programs.

- Demonstrated ability to lead, define, and execute multi-year strategic plans with financial success.

- A proven ability to effectively articulate a vision to a broad community of stakeholders.

- Experience rallying and aligning teams to execute organizational priorities and plans.

- Strong financial and fundraising acumen, with experience building relationships with major donors and institutional funders.

- Cultural competence and a commitment to access for all, with an understanding of how to navigate diverse community needs and political contexts.

- Experience in informal education, early childhood learning, museums, or related sectors is highly desirable.

Salary and Location 

The salary range for this position is $215, 000-$235, 000 and will be commensurate with experience. This position is based in Austin, Texas, where Thinkery’ s two museum sites are located. While candidates may currently reside anywhere in the United States, the successful candidate must be willing to relocate to Austin to lead the organization in person.