Exhibits Manager

Description
Who We Are
At Virginia Living Museum, we inspire people to discover, care for, and protect the natural world. Home to 1,100+ Virginia native species, we connect with our community through immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments in sustainability.
Accredited by both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), Virginia Living Museum is one of only fifteen institutions in the country to hold both distinctions. Community volunteers outnumber staff by approximately 8:1, extending our reach and strengthening our mission every day.
Our full-time employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including 35 days of paid time off per year (9 holidays, a birthday, 10 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 3 personal days), fully paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance, dental coverage, and health insurance costs full or partially subsidized by the Museum. Additional benefits include a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan. Join this dynamic organizational culture to inspire and connect people with the natural world!
Status:

Full Time, Exempt, 37.5 - 40 hours/week (on-site)
Department:

Exhibits
General Statement of Duties
The Exhibits Manager ensures the highest quality exhibits to support the Museum’s engaging mission to connect people to nature through educational experiences that promote conservation. The Exhibits Manager is responsible for the design, planning, installation and logistics of the museum’s permanent, traveling exhibits, and special projects. This position’s priorities align with the VLM strategic plan's three core initiatives: immersive experiences, innovative partnerships, and investments for sustainability. This position reports to the Senior Director, Facility Operations.
Qualifications
Proven leader. Strategic, self-motivated, customer–focused, problem solving professional
Demonstrated ability to drive creative design through exhibit completion
Demonstrated imagination through creative/artistic design. Must have sound knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
Minimum of one year’s experience in three-dimensional, interactive exhibit design, planning and building
Excellent organizational, time management and supervisory skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Working knowledge of graphic design and exhibit sign design. Ability to work with a wide range of materials including but not limited to wood, plastics, and metals
Must be able to clearly and professionally present thoughts and ideas through written and oral communication, including sketches and drawings
Working knowledge of various and alternate ways to inform and entertain a variety of guests, including knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation
Excellent shop development, fabrication, painting, general repairs, and carpentry skills and experience
Neat, detail-oriented and highly organized
Ability remain calm, make sound decisions and provide clear directions in a crisis situation
Duties and Responsibilities
Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum
Coordinate staff assignments with the Senior Director Facility Operations as well as the Facility Manager on a cohesive basis to facilitate successful project completion and deadlines
Maximizes the guest experience by researching, planning and managing all permanent and temporary exhibits, including installation, lighting, artifacts, interpretive signage, and other methods of conveying information
Review and approve the creation of exhibits to include the designs, concepts, and sample layouts based on knowledge of design principles and esthetic design concepts
Plans and creates displays that best showcase information and artifacts
Plan, direct and coordinate activities of staff and volunteers who design, create and breakdown exhibits, displays and signage
Manages project budgets, schedules, and resources
Catalogues, arranges and cares for objects used for displays and exhibits
Ensure all displays and exhibits are clean and in working order
Work with Senior Leadership on long range planning of museum special build projects and coordinating implementation of those initiatives
Strategically utilize and manage department staff & volunteers and their applicable skills to strengthen the Museum’s mission and commitment to the community
Requirements
Ability to work the occasional evening, weekend or holiday
Availability to participate as a member of the museum’s snow removal team
Must be able to perceive detailed information through oral communication
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to lift and/or exert 50 pounds routinely, 80 pounds occasionally
Must be able to move throughout the Museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed
Must have visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment
Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions. Must be comfortable at heights and using tall ladders.
Will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, cold, wind, snow, and humidity
Supervision Exercised:

Exhibits Technicians

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