Associate Director of Exhibits

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Exhibits plays a critical role in advancing MOXI’s mission and the next phase of strategic growth and execution of MOXI’s Exhibit Master Plan. This position provides leadership and supervision for all aspects of MOXI’s new and existing permanent and temporary exhibit installations, as well as across the Exhibits team. This is a position that requires both high-level creative vision as well as detail-oriented project management. The Associate Director works closely with the Director of Learning Experiences and the Associate Director of Education to integrate best practices of informal learning into a cohesive, immersive visitor experience. The ideal candidate will be an experienced project manager with a demonstrated understanding of interactive museum exhibits and technical/general fabrication skills.

Report to: Director of Learning Experiences

Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of exhibit projects with complex deadlines from small to large, including prioritization, developing project goals, work plans, schedules, budgets, and timelines. Supervise installations as needed.
• Ensure the museum’s exhibits are fully operational and well-maintained by effectively and efficiently prioritizing maintenance needs and proactive identifying problems or anticipated repairs.
• Establish and standardize annual and long-range work plans for both routine exhibit maintenance and exhibit enhancement, making the most efficient use of available resources.

• Serve as project manager with vendors and external consultants, including the timely execution of the Exhibit Master Plan, providing both creative and tactical input to the development of new exhibits.
• In collaboration with the Education team, ensure the exhibits align with MOXI’s educational objectives, and recommend and/or implement improvements and enhancements to existing exhibits to meet this goal.
• Collaborate with education team to creatively develop temporary exhibit installations and/or supplemental exhibit fabrication materials that support education programs.
• Identify and build local partnerships with fabricators, engineers, programmers, artists, and other relevant trades to support MOXI’s mission and maximize community impact.
• Communicate and keep all parties involved in projects as well as other stakeholders up to date. Present plans for approval, intended purposes, budget requirements and fabrication restrictions.

• Maintain close relationships with other museum/exhibitions professionals, consultants, and vendors; stay current with trends and best practices in exhibit design, including DEAI.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements, Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.  Creative approach to problem-solving, with an ability to interpret technical information and deal with several variables.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; must be receptive to the ideas of others and able to work cooperatively to prioritize tasks and accommodate many different needs.
• Solid understanding of development life-cycle models, as well as knowledge of general project management principles and best practices.
• Able to read and interpret schematics, blueprints, shop drawings, and design-intent sketches.
• Passion for creating a world-class museum that is recognized as a truly outstanding educational experience.
• Enthusiasm for working in an organization where change is frequent, structure is evolving, and flexibility, teamwork, and good humor are absolute necessities.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn new systems and adapt with emerging technologies.
• Awareness of issues relating to access and inclusion and the ability to build an inclusive and accessible visitor experience.
• Experience with effective budget management and long-term planning and implementation.
• Spanish fluency a plus

Supervisory Responsibilities

Senior Exhibits Technician and Part-time Exhibits Engineer

Education and Experience requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in project management for exhibitions or designed experiential spaces, preferably in science museums or informal learning institutions.
• General fabrication knowledge and experience with a workshop environment
• Bachelor’s degree in design, engineering, science, arts, or related field preferred
• Minimum 3-5 years’ management experience in a museum or similar setting
• General fabrication knowledge and experience with a workshop environment

Additional Information

• This is a full-time position expected to work onsite Monday-Friday.
• Predictable and timely attendance is required.
• Position must be able to bend, squat, and lift p to 50 lbs; work with multiple technologies; stand for extended periods of time; troubleshoot and problem solves; and communicate effectively and courteously with a variety of people verbally and in writing.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasons to apply

• Growth-centered work environment that includes developmental training.
• Playful social culture with opportunities to get to know your coworkers.
• Free admission into local museums including MOXI, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Lotusland, and Santa Barbara Zoo.

Compensation:  $72,000 – $78,000

Benefits:

• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans
• Affordable dental and vision
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year
• Paid Family and Covid Sick Leave
• Pet and child-friendly offices
• Membership to the museum and discounted rates to Little Thinker’s Preschool and Camps

About MOXI

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation^® is dedicated to igniting learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s redeveloped tourist area at 125 State Street, the museum is LEED-certified Gold and serves guests of all ages through its hands-on exhibits and education programs. MOXI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generously supported by its daily guests, members, facility rentals, and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

Who we are

MOXI is a collaborative, creative, and fun place to work. Our team is guided by a set of core values that help create a joyful place where we empower curious minds to explore the world.

Our values: We are Playful. We are collaborative. We are experimenters – we take risks and embrace failure. We believe that diversity is critical to creativity.

How to apply

To be considered, all applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume.

Email:              gracia.andersson@moxi.org

Website:         https://moxi.org/careers/

MOXI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Medical insurance options including HSA, PPO Gold, and PPO Platinum plans
• Affordable dental and vision
• 100% employer sponsored EAP, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• 2 weeks of paid vacation, 12 days of paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidays each year