THE POSITION: The Exhibitions and Public Programs Manager will manage the development, implementation, and management of exhibitions and public programs to enhance the understanding of the history, art and culture of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Areas of responsibility include content research, exhibit and program development, community outreach, installation, and museum interpretation. The scope of work is divided with a 70% focus on exhibits and a 30% focus on public programs. The Exhibition and Public Programs Manager ensures the Museum’s offerings provide a dynamic and enriching visitor experience. This position has the responsibility to ensure the artistic and conceptual integrity of all Museum exhibitions and public programs align with the Strategic Planning goals. In all these activities the Exhibition and Public Programs Manager works closely with the Director of Community Engagement, Executive Director, Board, community committees, and other education, curatorial and administrative staff.

REPORTS TO: Director of Community Engagement

COMPENSATION: Salary: $ DOE. Benefits include medical, dental, vacation and sick time.

WORKING HOURS: 40 hours per week: generally daytimes, M – F, but flexible to accommodate weekend and evening events.

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Primary Responsibilities:

Curatorial

Maintains the 3-year calendar Exhibition Schedule, Annual Schedule, exhibition briefs, exhibition files and archival documentation.
Collaborates with Director of Community Engagement to devise and implement a system for evaluating and responding to exhibition proposals.
Evaluates all exhibitions for quality, attendance, educational content, cost effectiveness, etc.
Writes and provides editorial review of exhibition collateral and didactic material including briefs, web text, text panels, and other interpretive labels.
Coordinates the design, construction, and installation of exhibitions utilizing staff and outside contractors; and participates in installations.
Obtains and maintains exhibit documentation including digital files, records, contracts, representation images, photo credits, and shots of exhibition final installation.
Serves as project lead for designated exhibitions.
Develops interactive, participatory, and technology-based elements for exhibitions to invite active visitor participation, and trains volunteers, interns, and program staff to lead visitors successfully in these activities.
Coordinate all aspects of exhibition logistics including scheduling, procuring, processing loans, shipping, ordering supplies, materials, and drafting partnership agreements.
Ensure that exhibits are properly maintained and housekeeping of galleries and collection area meet professional standards.
Directs and oversees curatorial contract staff as assigned.
Works with volunteers and interns on specific exhibit related projects.
Supervises all aspects of the preparation, cataloguing, presentation, preservation, and interpretation of the Museum’s collection.
Keeps collections records up-to-date using PastPerfect database
Conduct fact-finding and research materials for potential exhibition subject folders in preparation for arrival of new curatorial staff.

Public Programs

Maintains Public Programs calendar, the archiving protocols, and program documentation including digital files, records, images, and contracts.
Maintains appropriate project files, charters, and records applicable to all aspects of the Public Programs.
Creates and updates Public Program presentations and collateral materials.
Acts as secondary Public Programs contact for internal and external colleagues, including donors, consultants, volunteers and contractors.
Builds and sustains relationships with community groups and partner institutions to further enhance the Public Program objectives.
Conducts research in support of program development.
Participates in departmental strategic planning, goal setting, and on-going evaluation.
Works with the Public Programs and Education staff to develop and implement various programs for children, families and adults to align with NAAM’s mission statement.
Works with Visitor Services staff to evaluate all programs for quality, attendance, educational content, cost effectiveness, sustainability, etc.

Administration and Leadership

Co-lead regular Public Programs and Exhibition Planning meetings, with a focus on exhibit-related partnerships and integrated program development.
Facilitate transparent communication and congenial working relationships among staff members, departments, exhibition program partners, and community members.
Builds and maintains relationships with partner institutions, museum colleagues, individual lenders/donors and community groups to further curatorial objectives of the Museum.
Attends internal and external meetings in Director of Community Engagement’s absence.
Attends designated meetings with Executive Director, Board of Directors and other Senior Management staff to present and discuss programs.
Works closely with Director of Marketing and Communications and Visitor Services Manager to ensure the highest quality of visitor experience while increasing the Museum’s exhibit visibility in the cultural community.
Formulates and monitors departmental budgets. Assists with fundraising and fiscal accountability.
Represents Museum at social and civic events.
Raises the profile of the Museum by interfacing on a peer level with other regional and national agencies.

Essential Qualifications

Creative thinker with historical knowledge base of African American studies.
Ability to effectively interact with diverse groups and individuals.
Demonstrates familiarity with budgets and the budget-development process.
Articulate professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative.
Ability to advocate for an idea, project, or program to colleagues, donors, and funding agencies
Passion for and understanding of the Museum’s mission, vision and values.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Education and Experience

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; preference will be given to candidates with an MA in Museum Studies, African American Studies, History, Education or Art History.
Three to five years of experience in successfully developing exhibitions content.
One to two years of experience in leading and/or assisting the development of programs for targeted audiences.

Skills

Excellent writing, speaking, interpersonal, organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills.
Computer literacy including Microsoft Office suite, calendaring and screen-sharing/online meeting applications.
Ability to work on a wide range of projects independently and collaboratively with a diverse audience.

Requirements

Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Some evening/weekend work required.

How to apply

To Apply

Cover Letter
Resume
Three References

To Serenity Wise, Director of Community Engagement – swise@naamnw.org