Assistant Director of Exhibits, Experience and Programming

Jersey Digs; New Jersey; In loco; USD 90.000 - 130.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

The Assistant Director of Exhibits, Experiences, and Programming at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum leads the DEEP in day-to-day operations and strategic execution, guiding the exhibits, experiences, and learning initiatives to bring the park’s story to life for diverse visitors.

You will develop a robust K–12 STEM learning portfolio, partner with Rowan University and school districts, ensure accessibility and inclusivity, and collaborate with scientists to translate research into engaging programs

Competenze

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, museum studies, informal learning, communications, or related field.
• 7+ years in museum education, informal science education, programming, or related fields.
• 3+ years supervising staff.
• Pre-employment screenings including background and child abuse clearance.
• Experience developing and evaluating K–12 STEM or informal learning programs.
• Strong understanding of educational standards (NGSS or NJ Student Learning Standards).

Mansioni

• Provide day-to-day leadership for the DEEP team.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Establish priorities and manage workloads for programs and visitor experiences.
• Escalation point for staff and visitor issues; report priorities and outcomes to the DEEP.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, with high quality and accessibility.
• Foster collaboration, innovation, accountability, and exceptional visitor service.
• Develop and improve a comprehensive K–12 STEM portfolio in partnership with Education Team.
• Build relationships with schools, districts, educators, and partner organizations.
• Collaborate with scientists to incorporate current research into programs.
• Provide program data and materials to pursue grants and partnerships.
• Support visibility and accessibility of STEM education offerings.

Conoscenze

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Staff supervision

Collaboration

Planning & scheduling

Formazione

Bachelor’s degree in education, science, museum studies, informal learning, communications, or a related field

Descrizione del lavoro

Position Details

• Job Status: Full-Time
• Location: Sewell, NJ

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Exhibits, Experiences, and Programming serves serves as a key leader within the Exhibits, Experiences, and Programming Department and supports the Director of Exhibits, Experiences, and Programming (DEEP) in the day-to-day management and operation of the department and provides day-to-day leadership for the Exhibits, Experiences, and Programming team. This position is responsible for the operational management and execution of the department’s programs, experiences, and learning initiatives, allowing the DEEP to focus on institutional strategy, new initiatives, grant development, partnerships, and long-range planning.

The Assistant Director will play a critical role in developing and delivering a distinctive portfolio of educational offerings, visitor experiences, and public programs that bring the story of Edelman Fossil Park to life.

A significant priority of the position will be supporting the development and ongoing enhancement of a comprehensive K–12 STEM learning program that uses the fossil quarry, museum collections, scientific research, and the unique story of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum to create engaging, standards-aligned learning experiences for students and teachers.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and project management skills. They will be able to translate strategy into exceptional day-to-day execution while fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Daily Operations

• Serve as the DEEP’s primary operational partner and provide day-to-day leadership for the Exhibits, Experiences, and Programming team.
• Supervise, manage, coach, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Establish priorities, manage workloads, coordinate staffing, and ensure appropriate coverage across programs and visitor experiences.
• Serve as the first point of escalation for staff, program, and visitor issues and keep the DEEP informed of significant priorities, risks, challenges, and outcomes.
• Ensure programs, experiences, and initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and to a consistently high standard of quality, safety, accessibility, and visitor experience.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and exceptional visitor service.

K–12 STEM Learning

• In partnership with the DEEP and Education Team, coordinate the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive K–12 STEM learning portfolio, including school field trips, fossil digs, classroom outreach, virtual programs, camps, scouting programs, and family learning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school districts, educators, county and state education organizations, Rowan University, and community partners.
• Develop partnerships that expand access to the museum’s educational programs, with particular attention to Title I schools and historically underserved communities.
• Collaborate with museum scientists and researchers to incorporate current research and discoveries from the fossil park into authentic, hands‑on learning experiences.
• Provide the DEEP with program data, outcomes, and supporting materials necessary to continuously improve programs, pursue grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and fee‑for‑service opportunities.
• Support initiatives that enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of the museum’s STEM education offerings

Exhibits, Experiences & Programming

• Support the development and execution of a year‑round portfolio of interpretive experiences, public programs, events, and seasonal activities. Through the following:
• Help create compelling visitor experiences that connect guests to the science, history, biodiversity, and story of the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum.
• Collaborate with museum leadership, scientists, educators, and other departments to translate scientific content into engaging experiences for diverse audiences.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen visitor engagement, increase participation, and generate revenue.
• Ensure programs and experiences are inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and appropriate for a broad range of ages and audiences.
• Introduce opportunities for moments of wonder, surprise, and discovery throughout the visitor experience.

Project & Operational Management

• Oversee the management of program‑related purchasing, supplies, equipment, and vendor relationships ensuring programs are delivered within approved budgets.
• Work with staff to develop project timelines, establish deliverables, and ensure projects remain on schedule.
• Identify operational efficiencies and opportunities to improve the quality and sustainability of department programs.
• Ensure appropriate policies and procedures are in place for school visits, youth programs, child protection, animal interactions, outdoor activities, and other specialized programming.
• Foster a collaborative work environment that encourages employee engagement, professional development, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, science, museum studies, informal learning, communications, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in museum education, informal science education, programming, visitor experience, exhibitions, science centers, schools, cultural institutions, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of experience supervising and developing staff.
• Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, including criminal background and child abuse clearance checks, as permitted by applicable law.
• Demonstrated experience developing, managing, and evaluating K–12 STEM or informal learning programs.
• Strong understanding of educational standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards and/or New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs, projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, organizational, scheduling, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with educators, administrators, staff, donors, community partners, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and partnerships with schools, community organizations, educational institutions, and other external stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to creating engaging, inclusive, and accessible experiences for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work outdoors and in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, conferences, school outreach, and professional development.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed to meet the requirements of the position.