Position Announcement: Director of Exhibitions, San Diego Musuem of Man

Department: Exhibits
Date: June 2016
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt

General Statement:
The San Diego Museum of Man is seeking a full-time Director of Exhibits to lead our talented and dynamic Exhibits team. The Director of Exhibits oversees and stewards all facets of the Museum’s collaborative exhibit development process and advocates for the visitor experience through management of design, content, and production. In partnership with the Deputy Director, the Director of Exhibits develops and implements projects that reflect and enhance the Museum’s Mission, Vision and Model for Transformation as part of our ongoing interpretive and master planning process.

Summary of Responsibilities:
-Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Director of Exhibits sets the highest standards of leadership, creativity, collaboration, and productivity performing the following:
-Advocates for the Museum’s values and priorities through implementation of exhibit and other assigned projects during interpretive planning; confers with executive team, Board, staff, and invited thought partners to develop exhibits and experiences that enhance Museum’s vision for transformation
-Supervises the work of the Exhibit Developer, Exhibit Designer, Graphic Designer, and Exhibit Fabrication Manager to ensure that the quality of the exhibits and signature experiences meet the highest standards for accessibility, aesthetics, and content
-Oversees the general department budget and specific budget(s) for exhibits and signature experiences: manages the contracts and contracting process that impact exhibits production, including but not limited to construction and multi-media licensing; forecasts and reports the expenditures for development, prototyping, fabrication/ production and maintenance needs of the exhibits department
-With the executive leadership, supports fundraising and donor/sponsor cultivation efforts of the Museum: attends and presents at special after-hours events that focus on exhibit projects; organizes exclusive behind-the-scenes exhibits tours for VIPs; promotes the Museum’s interpretive planning projects in the greater San Diego community
-With the executive leadership and Exhibit Developer, determines future exhibits and exhibit schedule through a collaborative selection and evaluation process
-With the Director of Operations, engages partners and contractors to meet the needs of the architectural and interpretive plans and business development opportunities
-With the Director of Education and Public Engagement, determines and delivers programmatic content as it pertains to exhibits and experiences: delegates appropriate Exhibits staff to assist Education with collateral, tour and training content development, and special programs

Qualifications and Experiences:
-Minimum 7 years creative leadership experience in exhibit, theater, media, or events design or related field; substantial experience with creative project development processes and staff management
-Strong operational and project management skills and background, with experience optimizing productivity and efficiency in collaborative processes involving multiple stakeholders; budget, analytics, and contract management experience
-Expertise with 2D and 3D visual design and design tools (e.g., SketchUp, InDesign, VectorWorks/ AutoCAD)
-Familiarity with exhibit, manual and digital interactives, and/ or props fabrication and general construction timelines, materials, and processes
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proven ability to communicate complex ideas with a diverse range of audiences using presentation software and other audio-visual aids
-Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
-Experience with branding and establishment of visual identity preferred
-Experience with evaluation methodologies and tools a plus

Desired Characteristics:
-Proven leadership and management skills and dedication to motivating him/ herself and team to achieve the highest standards in all facets of exhibit projects; ability to build consensus and foster a creative environment while adhering to principles of accountability, integrity, and discipline
-Passion for effecting change in a multi-cultural and multi-faceted environment, both in the work place and in the community, and for modeling positivity, sensitivity, and flexibility
Intellectually curiosity and sense of humor a must

Apply:
The San Diego Museum of Man is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace. Please send cover letter, resume, and a portfolio, either as a PDF or a link, to Ben Garcia,bgarcia@museumofman.org, with “Director of Exhibits” and your first and last name in the subject line. No phone calls, please.