Manager of Exhibits and Engagement

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum seeks a Manager of Exhibits and Engagement to guide interpretive programs and ensure successful exhibits and public interpretation. You will craft interpretive plans, identify outcomes, meet strategic goals, and drive enhancements across existing programs and new initiatives.

Lead a team, manage staff, ensure staffing needs, and maintain a safe, compliant workplace while collaborating across the Museum to support our mission and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office and database software programs.
• Outstanding interpersonal, managerial, and administrative skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Grant writing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Interpretive Leadership: Develop and implement a formal interpretive plan to improve exhibits and public programs to meet museum standards.
• Team Management: Oversee departmental staff, including the Education and Programs Manager, Volunteer Manager, Exhibit Preparator, and Interpretive Programs Associate; lead the team in researching, developing, and executing camps, tours, special events, and outreach programs.
• Collaboration: Work with supervisor and Development team to apply for, secure, and manage grant funding; collaborate across departments to share information with staff, volunteers, members, and the public.
• Administrative: Maintain accurate budgeting and financial control, provide newsletter content, build community partnerships, and oversee site training, schedules, and major historic site programs.
• Site Support: Perform site support tasks—including tower and base shifts to assist the team as needed.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Administrative skills

Grant writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database software

Job description

The Manager of Exhibits and Engagement coordinates interpretive programs strategy and ensures the successful implementation of exhibits, educational programs, and all forms of public interpretation. In this role, you will craft interpretive plans, identify desired outcomes, meet strategic goals, and drive the enhancement of existing programs and new initiatives. You will also manage and evaluate direct reports, meet department staffing needs, and ensure a safe, secure, and legal work environment while collaborating across the Museum team to support our mission and overall organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Interpretive Leadership: Develop and implement a formal interpretive plan (approved by the Board of Trustees) to improve exhibits and public programs to meet museum standards.
• Team Management: Oversee departmental staff, including the Education and Programs Manager, Volunteer Manager, Exhibit Preparator, and Interpretive Programs Associate. Lead the team in researching, developing, and executing camps, tours, special events, and outreach programs.
• Collaboration: Work with supervisor and Development team to apply for, secure, and manage grant funding. Collaborate across departments to share information with staff, volunteers, members, and the public.
• Administrative: Maintain accurate budgeting and financial control, provide newsletter and magazine content, build community/professional partnerships, and oversee site training, schedules, and major historic site programs.
• Site Support: Perform site support tasks—including tower and base shifts to assist the team as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Master’s degree preferred. At least three years relevant experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills. Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office and database software programs. Outstanding interpersonal, managerial, and administrative skills. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects effectively, and meet deadlines. Possess general knowledge of data management best practices and procedures. Grant writing experience preferred.

Physical Requirements & Working Environment

The duties above indicate the essential functions of the job. Physical requirements are those present in a typical office and Summer Camp environment conditions. Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable business needs, and a moderate amount of business travel is required. Must be able to climb the lighthouse tower, stand for periods up to 2.5-3 hours, and perform duties needed for 2.5 hours outdoors in various weather conditions. Must be available to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as regular daily work hours, to meet the organization's needs.