Exhibit Operations Manager

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Aquarium is seeking an Exhibit Operations Manager to oversee the operational aspects of exhibit spaces, ensuring optimal guest experiences. This role requires the manager to lead staff, control budgets, and manage maintenance, lighting, and project execution.

Candidates should possess strong leadership and communication skills while being able to work under pressure in a collaborative environment. Knowledge of management in exhibit settings is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Experience managing staff and budgets in exhibit or event operations.
• Ability to collaborate with various teams for project completion.
• Flexibility to handle complex logistics effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage exhibit operations staff, including scheduling and performance.
• Oversee exhibit lighting and maintenance projects.
• Control project expenses to meet budgetary constraints.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Negotiation

Job description

Job Summary

The National Aquarium is seeking an Exhibit Operations Manager (EOM) to be the hands‑on manager of assigned Exhibit Operation (EO) spaces, staff, equipment, tasks & projects, and associated budgets. The highest priority is promoting an exemplary guest experience, striving for minimum (zero) down‑time or defect in exhibit form or function and upholding the highest standards of “fit and finish” for all exhibit elements and spaces. This includes lighting of interpretive exhibit elements and effects lighting in public spaces, as well as live display lighting (aquariums and animal spaces). Close collaboration and cooperation with animal husbandry staff is critical.

The EO effort is also comprised of routine maintenance and cleaning of exhibit elements along with repairs of exhibit elements and occasional installations of the same. The EOM must utilize leadership, communication, organization, and negotiation skills to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment, occasionally under pressure.

The EOM must be a highly focused individual who consistently offers smart solutions, efficient workflow, and value. The EOM must also be a flexible team player who can exercise discretion, handle complicated logistics, motivate and unite staff, and control project expenses to deliver exceptional results on time and on budget. Must orchestrate the efforts of staff and contractors in a timely and efficient manner to advance projects to completion.

Essential Functions

• Hire, train, and mentor exhibit operations staff.
• Manage exhibit operations staff, including scheduling, work plans, time management, timesheets, employee relations, and performance management.
• Oversee all aspects of exhibit lighting for interpretive exhibits and live displays.
• Create and maintain documentation for all essential exhibit operation functions, projects, and tasks to sustain high‑quality standards for exhibits, lighting, interpretive elements, and signage in all public spaces.
• Provide clear, concise, thorough, and timely communication and information distribution.
• Manage multiple exhibit operations projects simultaneously within scope, quality, time, and budget constraints.
• Select, hire, and manage subcontractors when needed.
• Control exhibit operations project expenses to keep costs within budget.
• Control Exhibit Operations team and maintenance shop operating expenses within the annual budget.
• Contribute to ongoing development of departmental management methods.
• Create and maintain the exhibit operations project schedule, material and tool inventory lists for the Pier 4 maintenance shop, and exhibit maintenance task lists.
• Determine resource requirements, anticipate workload and staff needs, and coordinate with other team leads on a labor resourcing plan per project.
• Provide input on build solutions and communicate appropriately with other exhibit leads and designers.
• Maintain risk management and SDS compliance for the group, workspaces, and projects.
• Self‑appoint responsibility as the most accountable person for safety in the execution of all projects.
• Execute projects safely and ensure staff follow all mandatory safety rules and guidelines.
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