The Director of Exhibits is responsible for the development, design, and project management of temporary, special, and permanent exhibits for The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis along with the development and implementation of interactive media and technology that supports and enhances these experiences. The incumbent plays a key role in the long-range exhibition planning efforts through the identification, vetting, selection, and project management of future exhibitions and experiences that support the museum’s strategic plan and drive new and repeat visitation. The director ensures the selection and installation of exhibitions is an inclusive and collaborative process, works closely with teams across the organization, and with partners. Throughout all facets of the work, the director champions the tenets of family learning and inclusive visitor-centered experiences that reflect the mission, vision, and core values of the Museum.
The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversees the development, design, project management, and installation of special, temporary, and permanent exhibits, as well as the redevelopment of elements as required to address content or functionality needs. Works closely with Director of Traveling Exhibit Program to ensure traveling exhibits are a cohesive part of exhibit processes and planning. Provides information and recommendations to the Experience Governance Committee to ensure a strategic multiyear exhibit calendar is maintained.
- Directs and project manages inclusive exhibit teams as applicable for in-house special, temporary, remedial, and permanent exhibits. Schedules and leads special, temporary, and permanent exhibit project meetings with representatives across museum departments to coordinate design, production, technology, marketing, educational programs plans, and fundraising efforts.
- Manages and retains associated exhibit design and development staff, insuring sound curriculum & instruction, educational theory, and universal design are upheld in all museum experiences.
- Ensures representation of diverse stories, perspectives, and lived experiences, both within the exhibitions and the composition of collaborators and contributors. In concert with colleagues, develops and cultivates systems for inviting and including input and insight from the communities the museum serves with an emphasis on underrepresented constituents.
- Works with teams from across the organization to assure collaboration, appropriate relevant content, coordination of work, and synergy in the exhibit development, design, production, installation, operations and deinstallation processes. In collaboration with key internal stakeholders, determines exhibition installation time-lines, manages deadlines and sends out monthly reports. Develops, administers, and reports on monthly project and program budgets.
- In concert with colleagues in development and in line with development protocols sustains and grows strong relationships with existing partners. Cultivates relationships with future partners and participates in the execution of activation plans. Works in concert with grants team to identify and co-create grant application strategy to generate revenue and grant funding to support exhibitions.
- Ensures a focus on innovation by using new and existing materials, technologies, and processes appropriately integrated into content delivery throughout collaboration with colleagues in Experience Production and IT to produce and implement these experiences. Works in close collaboration with Director of Graphic Design to ensure 3D and graphics work seamlessly to fully integrate label copy, facade treatments, program signage and any other environmental elements in all experiences.
- Conducts research and explores information regarding potential future exhibitions. Compiles and brings information to the VP of Experience Development and Family Learning and the Experience Governance committee for review and exhibit selection.
- Oversees and personally engages in the negotiation of exhibition contracts through appropriate museum departments and staff. Serves as liaison between museum and exhibit lending institution(s).
- Collaborates with marketing and public relations colleagues on marketing deliverables, including marketing plan implementation to maximize awareness, visitation, and revenue. Assists with exhibit public and media relations, as needed.
- Works with others across the museum to ensure that requirements and approval processes are followed, and related intellectual property licenses are observed through partnerships associated with exhibits.
REQUIREMENTS:
- A bachelor’s degree in museum studies, design, education, communication, business administration, or a related field.
- Eight (8) years exhibition development, design, project and/or operations management in a museum or similar setting.
- Three (3) years professional experience with informal learning environments and styles, including creating and overseeing immersive, educational experiences for both children and adults. Proven sound knowledge of professional museum practices, and familiarity with all aspects of exhibition planning and development in a museum setting.
- Three (3) years of people, project and resources management experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
- Strong leadership skills to move project from conception to completion through the work of staff across the museum.
- The ability to envision future ideas and create strategies for implementation that incorporate the museum’s vision, mission, and values and align with the strategic plan.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and flexibility to deal with constantly changing situations that arise.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to lead and work effectively with museum teams, community partners, and other constituents.
ADA REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to read and review exhibit development and design documents and contracts.
- Must be able to communicate in-person, virtually and in large groups. Must be able to take feedback and incorporate it into plans.
- Must be able to use keyboard to draft and review documents and manipulate exhibit elements.
- Must be able to navigate local, regional, national, and international travel by conventional means.
- Requires ability to sit and stand for long periods of time and traverse the building, campus, and other job relevant spaces in-person.
- Must be able to lift up to 35lbs and tolerate dust in the environment.
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