Assistant Director of Interpretation

We are seeking an extremely creative and strategic thinker to help
build and lead our Interpretation Department.  In November 2011 PEM
announced a $650 million Campaign to advance the museum’s mission. The
Campaign includes $200 million for a 175,000-square-foot expansion
including $100 million to support creative new installations of the
collection and several infrastructure improvements to existing
facilities.

Reporting to the Chief of Education and Interpretation, this newly
created position will be responsible for innovative, challenging and
dynamic interpretation schemes being fully integrated into exhibition
design development, build and installation for the PEM expansion
project, and complementary to interpretation for changing exhibitions.
The position will also recruit and build the interpretation team,
which will be responsible for acting as audience advocates,
initiating, developing and testing interpretive content, and working
to ensure integration with future programming of events and
activities. The Assistant Director of Interpretation will work closely
with Exhibition Planning, Integrated Media, Exhibitions and Research,
Curatorial, and Design.Working in a mission-driven, highly creative
environment, this is a dream opportunity for a dynamic and hands-on
professional who will support and engage staff.  The Assistant
Director will need to focus on delivery in a fast-paced dynamic
environment.

The position requires proven managerial, problem-solving and planning
capabilities, along with leadership experience in interpretation
within an art museum setting, or in a relevant field that exposes art
to diverse audiences; a passion for conveying the world of art, art
history and our rich cultural history to diverse audiences.
Experience developing exhibition content, an understanding of the
access and diversity needs of a range of different audiences as they
relate to galleries; knowledge of informal learning skills and
techniques, communication and environmental design; a mature level of
judgment and decision-making in a changing, forward-thinking and
visitor focused environment are essential. A Bachelor’s degree is
required, an advanced degree is preferred.

Interested candidates should send their resumes with cover letters and
salary requirements, by email to jobs@pem.org or apply to Human
Resources, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem, MA
01970-3783.

Contact:
Human Resources,
Email: jobs@pem.org