Interpretation and Exhibitions Curator

The Interpretation and Exhibitions Curator oversees onsite interpretation including signs, person-to-person interactions, temporary exhibitions, and the Pritzlaff Conservation Center Art Gallery at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. This position reports to the Director of Education and Engagement and works closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Living Collections Curator, and the Manager of Guest Services and Volunteer Programs. This is a full-time (40 hours per week), exempt position that reports to the Director of Education and Engagement.

Proof of COVID vaccination is required for all positions at the Garden.

Essential Duties:

Interpretation Program Management (80%)

Lead multi-year interpretive efforts:

• Recommend, prioritize, budget for, and evaluate interpretive strategies for Garden exhibits (both long-term and temporary) that are engaging and inclusive.
• Develop written interpretation plans.
• Lead the production of Garden-wide interpretation for exhibits, signs, and person-to-person experiences on site.
• Establish exhibition schedule for the Pritzlaff Conservation Center; manage relationships with artists/exhibitors and curate exhibition materials.
• Refine existing Wayfinding plan, oversee fabrication of signs, maintain databases of signs.

Manage interpretation program projects, including long-term signs, temporary signs, and exhibits:

• Participate in grant development and reporting.
• Create project budgets and manage implementation through design, fabrication and installation. Help select and coordinate outside contractors.
• Maintain existing interpretive infrastructure.

Manage temporary interpretive sign production, maintenance, and evaluation.

Produce display labels for the Garden’s Living Collection.

Collaborate Marketing and Communications throughout the planning and design process to ensure interpretive materials are properly branded and consistent with other Garden materials.

Collaborate with other Garden staff and outside experts to develop content and ensure accurate information.

Manage volunteers to help research, inventory, maintain, and produce interpretive content.

Draft copy for website, newsletter, and member magazine content to be published digitally and in print.

Work with the Guest Services and Volunteer Programs Manager to coordinate the Garden Docent Program

• Update and deliver docent training materials
• Assist with coordination of regular Docent meetings and trainings including facilitating activities, scheduling speakers, and attending meetings
• Help develop innovative ways for Docents to engage with the public on site.

Evaluate effectiveness of interpretive features and content to improve programs.

• Develop, administer, and analyze survey efforts.
• Utilize video capture and analysis.
• Develop innovative approaches to evaluate success of interpretive features/programs.

Department and General Responsibilities (20%)

• Attend regular department check in’s, regular program meetings, monthly All Staff meetings, and quarterly planning meetings
• Assist with design, implementation, and analysis of visitor experience surveys.
• Assist with community outreach programs.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with other museum professionals and community stakeholders.
• Help manage program budget.
• Regularly report on accomplishments for annual reports, grant reports, and other official documents.
• Produce articles and content for Garden newsletters, social media, and other communications tools.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Word, Excel, and Access.
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite or other graphic/media software, preferred.
• Able to occasionally travel and work evenings.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team to further the goals of the organization.
• Able to multi-task, work under pressure, and manage time to meet deadlines and priorities.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment that requires quick turnaround and flexibility.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Three years’ experience conducting informal education, museum interpretation, or nature interpretation.
• Expertise in California natural history and/or museum interpretation preferred.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must have valid California Driver License and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• NAI or equivalent certification is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must be capable of occasional strenuous physical work including:

• Sitting for up to 2.0 hours at a time and using computer and phone for lengthy periods.
• Standing/walking for extended periods of time
• Lifting and carrying 30 lbs., bending, squatting, and walking stairs and the SBBG trails.
• Tolerance of an outdoor work environment including exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Remote Potential: 20%

Compensation Range: $58,000-$66,000

To apply, please click here: SANTA BARBARA BOTANIC GARDEN INC – Interpretation and Exhibitions Curator (paylocity.com)