Director of Exhibits

Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Illinois is a nationally recognized children’s museum, and is dedicated to hands-on learning in the arts and sciences through more than 300 exciting exhibits spread over two floors (25,000 ft²) and an award winning outdoor Discovery Park. We serve children, parents, and educators from the Rockford region and beyond through both museum visits and outreach programs.

 

Position Overview:

The Director of Exhibits is responsible for the successful, innovative, and high quality exhibit experience that reflects our values and continues Discovery Center on a path of innovation and quality to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of our guests. The Director of Exhibits works with the leadership team to identify strategic goals and manage an exhibits plan.

 

The Director of Exhibits is responsible for the development and management of new exhibit projects, and care and maintenance of existing exhibits. Scope of responsibility includes supervision of the Exhibits Technician, volunteers, and exhibit contractors and fabricators. The key objectives for this position are to provide a well-designed, quality exhibit experience, ensuring that exhibits are consistently functional, engaging, safe, clean, and welcoming at all times for guests of all abilities.

 

The successful candidate possesses knowledge in universal design and exhibit fabrication. The position requires skills in quick and effective problem solving, preventative maintenance planning, attention to detail, and technical aptitude in repair, electronics, woodworking, painting, and trade skills. Administrative, organization, and advanced communication skills must be consistently practiced.

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

Develop an exhibits Master Plan for exhibits with quarterly reviews with Board Committee.

• Evaluate effectiveness of exhibitions for education value, dwell time and accessibility.
• Collaborate across departments on exhibit development, content, production, operation, accessibility, training, and ongoing maintenance.
• Lead designers, fabricators, vendors, and installation contractors on new exhibit builds or refurbishment projects. Serve as lead on all traveling exhibit projects, developing plans, equipment and staffing needs for traveling exhibit installs/dismantle.
• Remain current in best practices and trends in exhibit development, experiential design, traveling exhibit opportunities, and accessibility/inclusion.

• Update exhibit audit annually.

 

Optimize daily exhibit function.

• Complete regular inspection of existing exhibits. Complete and track needed repairs in a timely manner.
• Proactively identify needed exhibit improvements and work collaboratively to determine best ways to address and implement.
• Maintain system to track and reduce exhibit downtime, establish procedures for common fixes, parts list, and ensure adequate back stock is maintained to limit exhibit downtime.
• Train Discovery Guides (floor staff) in exhibit operation, cleaning, and related tasks.

 

Serve as a member of Discovery Center’s leadership team.

• Contribute to leadership discussions of organizational policies and procedures, finances, safety, visitor experience, and community engagement.

 

Other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional knowledge of and experience in exhibit development for hands-on, child/family centered environments.
• Administrative knowledge and experience in:
• Leading diverse teams
• Collaborative interaction with peers and cross-functional teams
• Budget development and management
• Analysis of bids and contracts
• Project management
• Clear communication, both verbal and written
• Proficient computer skills including: Microsoft and Google programs, graphics and drafting programs, ability to troubleshoot computer problems.

 

Work Environment:

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand, walk, kneel, bend, and climb ladders and stairs.
• Must be able to push, pull and lift more than 50 pounds.
• Access a variety of spaces (high, small, awkward, etc.) with exhibit elements of varying heights.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor spaces in a busy and moderately noisy environment with many distractions.
• Withstand some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require basic safety precautions and PPE.
• Regularly use exhibit shop tools, lifts, building systems, and hand tools.

 

DISCLAIMER

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested in the course of employment. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to perform this job successfully; the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship. The Company reserves the right to change the requirements of the position to meet the changing needs of the Company. Changes may include, but are not limited to, the essential duties and the qualifications required for the position.