Exhibition & Outreach Associate | Austin, TX

Texas Association of Museums; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Science & Natural History Museum on UT Main Campus seeks an Exhibition & Outreach Associate to develop, install, and maintain engaging exhibits and to deliver science outreach to the community.

The role works with the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits to shape exhibition direction, coordinate installations, and run hands-on programs that connect Texans with their natural history. A strong science-communication background is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in the sciences, science communication, and/or museum studies.
• At least two years of experience administering object-focused exhibitions and/or science outreach programming.
• Broad knowledge of the natural history of Texas.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Success working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to learn quickly and be flexible.
• Experience taking ownership of projects and seeing them through to successful completion.
• Ability to undertake and complete tasks and demonstrate individual initiative in meeting the functions of the position.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted asappropriate.

Responsibilities

• Develop, create, and evaluate interpretive content for new exhibits in collaboration with contracted exhibit vendors and the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits. Coordinate installation & deinstallation of short-term exhibitions.
• Maintain cleanliness and working order of exhibitions.
• Develop and lead science outreach programs and events and assist with education activities at the museum.
• Provide scientific expertise to communications staff to meet social media and marketing needs of the museum.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Oral communication

Written communication

Microsoft Office

Independent work

Team collaboration

Initiative

Flexibility

Learning agility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sciences

Master’s degree in sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Exhibition & Outreach Associate, Texas Science & Natural History Museum

Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Oct 15, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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General Notes

Texas Science & Natural History Museum engages the community with exhibits, programs, and experiences that spark curiosity, promote belonging, and tell stories about Texas science and natural history. The Museum seeks an Exhibition & Outreach Associate to work with the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits to develop, install, and maintain exhibitions and provide science outreach to the community.

Purpose

The Exhibition & Outreach Associate will work closely with the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits on direction and priorities for museum exhibitions and science outreach.

Responsibilities

• Develop, create, and evaluate interpretive content for new exhibits in collaboration with contracted exhibit vendors and the Associate Director of Education, Collections & Exhibits. Coordinate installation & deinstallation of short-term exhibitions.
• Maintain cleanliness and working order of exhibitions.
• Develop and lead science outreach programs and events and assist with education activities at the museum.
• Provide scientific expertise to communications staff to meet social media and marketing needs of the museum.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in the sciences, science communication, and/or museum studies.
• At least two years of experience administering object-focused exhibitions and/or science outreach programming.
• Broad knowledge of the natural history of Texas.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Success working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to learn quickly and be flexible.
• Experience taking ownership of projects and seeing them through to successful completion.
• Ability to undertake and complete tasks and demonstrate individual initiative in meeting the functions of the position.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted asappropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or advanced training from an accredited college or university in the sciences, science communication, and/or museum studies.
• Experience working in museums, nature centers, or other cultural institutions.
• At least three years of experience administering object-focused exhibitions and/or science outreach programming.
• Familiarity with best practices for handling objects from natural history collections.
• Experience evaluating published research articles, artwork, and interviews for use in communicating science to the public.
• Strong writing, editing, and interpretive skills.

Salary Range

$52,000annual

Working Conditions

• Extended periods of standing.
• Working at a desk and computer for extended periods, including repetitive use of a keyboard.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Frequent climbing of ladders and stairs.
• Occasional lifting and moving 30+ lbs.
• Occasional work around electrical and mechanical hazards; heavy equipment.

Work Shift

• 40 hours per week
• Monday through Friday
• Several weekend and evening events required

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor