Exhibits Development Manager

International Spy Museum; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

International Spy Museum is seeking an Exhibitions Developer to lead the development of exhibition projects, from concept through design development, production and installation. This role blends content research with spatial design, graphics, and artifacts display.

You will coordinate with fabricators, vendors and multiple divisions, manage timelines and budgets, and produce production-ready graphics and detailed production plans.

Qualifications

• BA required; MA preferred in Museum Studies or Business Administration.
• Experience in museum exhibitions or related field is required.
• Experience coordinating with fabricators, vendors and product providers is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with structured processes and milestones.

Responsibilities

• Serves as project manager for specific special projects as designated by the VP and Director of Exhibitions
• Develops exhibition planning and design processes, workflows and milestone schedules.
• Works with the Exhibitions team to coordinate and adhere to work plans, schedules and budgets.
• Conceptualizes and develops gallery plans, prototypes and physical and graphic design elements for exhibitions.
• Produces detailed production plans specifications for exhibit bidding and fabrication.
• Produces production ready graphic design files as needed.
• Manage effective cross divisional coordination on exhibit needs as well as maintain regular communication, exhibition Improvement meetings and other information sharing related to specific special projects.
• Develops scopes of work, RFPs and contracts for exhibit contractor services and products.
• Support Development division efforts such as VIP tours, briefings and other sponsorship fulfilment needs.
• Produce reports and updates as needed on relevant projects.

Skills

Visitor experience focus

Process management

Team leadership

Cross-divisional coordination

Effective communication

Organization and record-keeping

Budget and scheduling understanding

Exhibit fabrication knowledge

Education

BA required

MA in Museum Studies or Business Administration preferred

Tools

SketchUp

Vectorworks

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Exhibitions Developer is an important position in the Exhibitions and Collections division at the Spy Museum. This position manages the development of exhibition projects. These may include the redesign of existing exhibitions or interactives as well as the development of new special projects and partnerships. In addition to well researched and written content, Spy Museum exhibitions often include a combination of spatial design and physical elements, interpretive, environmental and wayfinding graphics, physical and digital interactives, multimedia, and the safe and secure display of sensitive artifacts. To fulfill the diverse needs of Spy Museum exhibits, the Exhibition Development Manager must have experience working on a variety of types of experiential projects including visitor centers, media installations, and museum exhibitions and others. Experience coordinating with fabricators, vendors and product providers is also a plus in this role. This position reports to the Director of Exhibitions and is supported by the Exhibition Specialist and the Exhibitions Coordinator.

Success Traits

• Strong advocate for visitor experience - champions the development of engaging visitor experiences while balancing budgetary, and operational needs.
• Process manager- establishes structured processes and milestones for the development of exhibition projects from early concept through design development, production and installation.
• Responsible multi tasker - able to manage multiple efforts with effective systems and tracking. Prioritizes efficiency and organization and consistent communication.
• Creative team leader - able to coordinate activities within the team, and with other divisions and with external vendors and service providers.
• Collaborative problem-solver - Seeks understanding and makes smart decisions through consistent effective communication, positive influence, and leading by example.
• Responsible record keeper - maintains organized files and archival materials for projects.

Responsibilities

• Serves as project manager for specific special projects as designated by the VP and Director of Exhibitions
• Develops exhibition planning and design processes, workflows and milestone schedules.
• Works with the Exhibitions team to coordinate and adhere to work plans, schedules and budgets.
• Conceptualizes and develops gallery plans, prototypes and physical and graphic design elements for exhibitions.
• Produces detailed production plans specifications for exhibit bidding and fabrication.
• Produces production ready graphic design files as needed.
• Manage effective cross divisional coordination on exhibit needs as well as maintain regular communication, exhibition Improvement meetings and other information sharing related to specific special projects.
• Develops scopes of work, RFPs and contracts for exhibit contractor services and products.
• Support Development division efforts such as VIP tours, briefings and other sponsorship fulfilment needs.
• Produce reports and updates as needed on relevant projects.
• BA Required. MA, Museum Studies or Business Administration preferred.

Minimum Experience Required

• 7+ Years in museum exhibitions or related field.
• 5+ Years in project management

Skills Preferred

• Strong understanding of iterative design approaches and exhibit planning and design processes.
• Proficiency with 3D and 2D design software (SketchUp, Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)
• Able to use Microsoft Office, Excel and other project management and reporting software.
• Strong communication, collaboration and people skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate digital records and files
• Understanding of budget systems and tracking systems
• Understanding of exhibit fabrication approaches and materials.
• Understanding of conservation related needs associated with the exhibition of sensitive historic artifacts.
• Understanding of programmatic and physical accessibility for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize based on needs and schedule