Exhibits Technology Manager
The Henry Ford, Dearborn, MI, United States
The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.
Manager of Exhibits & Technology
oversees the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of exhibit technology, including audiovisual, show control, media systems, digital signage, and other guest-facing technologies across the campus. This role manages technical union staff, sets priorities, and leads technology projects to ensure systems are reliable, safe, and presentation ready. Serving as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders, the Manager supports exhibits, programs, and events while promoting accountability, service excellence, and operational efficiency.
Essential Responsibilities
Supervise technical staff, including represented employees, through scheduling, work assignments, coaching, and performance management
Support employee development through training, feedback, and skill advancement
Partner with leadership, Talent & Culture, and labor relations processes as needed regarding employee matters
Organize departmental workload, projects, and staff assignments through clear plans, priorities, and workflows
Communicate expectations, timelines, and responsibilities clearly to staff, vendors, and internal stakeholders
Oversee maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and performance of exhibit technology, AV systems, control systems, and related equipment
Ensure guest-facing technology systems, including projection, audio, media, and interactive exhibits, remain functional, reliable, and presentation-ready
Support AV content and digital signage platforms such as Appspace, BrightAuthor, or similar systems
Monitor system performance and coordinate repairs, upgrades, replacements, and corrective actions as needed
Maintain preventative maintenance schedules, service records, and technical documentation
Respond to escalated technical issues and operational service interruptions
Lead exhibit technology upgrades, installations, replacements, and enhancement projects
Assist in the design, implementation, and integration of new exhibit technologies and control systems
Coordinate vendors, contractors, internal teams, and project timelines to ensure successful project delivery
Develop and maintain technical procedures, diagnostics, documentation, and operating standards
Partner with Museum, Village, Guest Services, Events, and internal departments to support daily operations and special programs
Oversee temporary AV setups for catered events, meetings, training sessions, and presentations
Provide responsive support to internal users while maintaining clear communication and service standards
Assist in development and management of annual budgets, business plans, and capital improvement needs
Maintain inventories of technical equipment, tools, and replacement components
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned in support of departmental and organizational needs
Qualifications
Associate degree, trade certification, or equivalent experience in Electronics, Audio Visual Technology, Information Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field
5+ years of experience in audiovisual systems, exhibit technology, show control systems, controls integration, or related public-facing technical environments
3+ years of supervisory, lead, or project management experience
Working knowledge of audiovisual systems including projection, sound reinforcement, displays, media playback, and control systems
Experience troubleshooting electronic, mechanical, and network-connected equipment
Working knowledge of Ethernet/IP networking principles
Experience with control platforms such as AMX, DMX, Crestron, Q-SYS, or similar systems
Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical manuals
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard computer applications
May require evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency support based on operational needs
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Special Skills
Demonstrated leadership and ability to hold staff accountable for performance expectations
Strong project coordination, planning, and prioritization skills
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Sound judgment and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment
Initiative to identify issues, develop solutions, and seek continuous improvement opportunities
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
Strong customer service and internal partner support orientation
Mechanical aptitude with strong attention to detail
High level of professionalism, reliability, and dependability
Ability to work independently and exercise discretion with minimal supervision
Commitment to The Henry Ford’s mission, vision, and values
PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL
Work performed in office, museum, exhibit, shop, and event settings with regular movement between indoor and outdoor campus locations in varying weather conditions. May require evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency support based on operational needs.
Physical:
Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer use. Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and work in confined spaces.
Mental:
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, respond to urgent technical issues, and exercise sound judgment with attention to detail.
Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.
Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.
It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.
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Manager of Exhibits & Technology
oversees the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of exhibit technology, including audiovisual, show control, media systems, digital signage, and other guest-facing technologies across the campus. This role manages technical union staff, sets priorities, and leads technology projects to ensure systems are reliable, safe, and presentation ready. Serving as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders, the Manager supports exhibits, programs, and events while promoting accountability, service excellence, and operational efficiency.
Essential Responsibilities
Supervise technical staff, including represented employees, through scheduling, work assignments, coaching, and performance management
Support employee development through training, feedback, and skill advancement
Partner with leadership, Talent & Culture, and labor relations processes as needed regarding employee matters
Organize departmental workload, projects, and staff assignments through clear plans, priorities, and workflows
Communicate expectations, timelines, and responsibilities clearly to staff, vendors, and internal stakeholders
Oversee maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and performance of exhibit technology, AV systems, control systems, and related equipment
Ensure guest-facing technology systems, including projection, audio, media, and interactive exhibits, remain functional, reliable, and presentation-ready
Support AV content and digital signage platforms such as Appspace, BrightAuthor, or similar systems
Monitor system performance and coordinate repairs, upgrades, replacements, and corrective actions as needed
Maintain preventative maintenance schedules, service records, and technical documentation
Respond to escalated technical issues and operational service interruptions
Lead exhibit technology upgrades, installations, replacements, and enhancement projects
Assist in the design, implementation, and integration of new exhibit technologies and control systems
Coordinate vendors, contractors, internal teams, and project timelines to ensure successful project delivery
Develop and maintain technical procedures, diagnostics, documentation, and operating standards
Partner with Museum, Village, Guest Services, Events, and internal departments to support daily operations and special programs
Oversee temporary AV setups for catered events, meetings, training sessions, and presentations
Provide responsive support to internal users while maintaining clear communication and service standards
Assist in development and management of annual budgets, business plans, and capital improvement needs
Maintain inventories of technical equipment, tools, and replacement components
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned in support of departmental and organizational needs
Qualifications
Associate degree, trade certification, or equivalent experience in Electronics, Audio Visual Technology, Information Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field
5+ years of experience in audiovisual systems, exhibit technology, show control systems, controls integration, or related public-facing technical environments
3+ years of supervisory, lead, or project management experience
Working knowledge of audiovisual systems including projection, sound reinforcement, displays, media playback, and control systems
Experience troubleshooting electronic, mechanical, and network-connected equipment
Working knowledge of Ethernet/IP networking principles
Experience with control platforms such as AMX, DMX, Crestron, Q-SYS, or similar systems
Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical manuals
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard computer applications
May require evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency support based on operational needs
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
Special Skills
Demonstrated leadership and ability to hold staff accountable for performance expectations
Strong project coordination, planning, and prioritization skills
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Sound judgment and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment
Initiative to identify issues, develop solutions, and seek continuous improvement opportunities
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
Strong customer service and internal partner support orientation
Mechanical aptitude with strong attention to detail
High level of professionalism, reliability, and dependability
Ability to work independently and exercise discretion with minimal supervision
Commitment to The Henry Ford’s mission, vision, and values
PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL
Work performed in office, museum, exhibit, shop, and event settings with regular movement between indoor and outdoor campus locations in varying weather conditions. May require evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency support based on operational needs.
Physical:
Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer use. Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and work in confined spaces.
Mental:
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, respond to urgent technical issues, and exercise sound judgment with attention to detail.
Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.
Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.
It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.
#J-18808-Ljbffr