Director of Exhibits & Guest Experience

Maritime Aquarium; East Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Life Insurance

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Retirement Benefits and Plans

Paid Parental leave

Free Family Membership to The Maritime

Job summary

The Maritime Aquarium is seeking an Associate Director of Exhibits to lead permanent and temporary exhibits, manage the collections, and collaborate across brand experience to deliver engaging guest experiences. The role reports to the Creative Director and works across operations and animal husbandry teams.

Responsibilities include coordinating budgets, content development, and external partnerships to ensure high-quality, immersive exhibits that align with the Aquarium’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in exhibition design or related field.
• 5–7 years in exhibit design at aquarium, zoo or museum.
• Experience leading exhibit design processes in relevant settings.
• Experience under pressure with multiple tasks and priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Creative Director in establishing exhibit vision and plans.
• Manage the Exhibits Budget and a team of 4 direct reports.
• Organize content research and share with stakeholders and design team.
• Coordinate with brand experience and interpretation teams on big ideas and messaging.
• Research and curate images, videos, sounds, objects for interpretation.
• Manage credits and acknowledgements in exhibit materials and licenses.
• Identify external experts and partners for exhibit design services.
• Oversee editorial reviews and proofing of exhibit elements.
• Lead internal/external collaboration in design and build processes.
• Organize audience/exhibit evaluations and apply findings.
• Monitor guest experience and oversee repairs/enhancements.

Skills

Exhibit concept

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Written & verbal communication

Ability to work evenings/weekends

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in exhibition design, industrial design, architecture or related field

Job description

The Maritime Aquarium is seeking an Associate Director of Exhibits to lead permanent and temporary exhibits, manage the collections, and collaborate across brand experience to deliver engaging guest experiences. The role reports to the Creative Director and works across operations and animal husbandry teams.

Responsibilities include coordinating budgets, content development, and external partnerships to ensure high-quality, immersive exhibits that align with the Aquarium’s mission.