Please Touch Museum (the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia) is a non-profit organization, seeks a Director, Exhibits to help move the Museum forward into the next phase of exhibit creation. The Director has a crucial role in strategic and tactical development and implementation of all exhibit and related strategies and experiences including the Museum collection, historic carousel, Playhouse Theater and seasonal outdoor garden.
Core responsibilities include leading and managing a small in-house team staff; proactive maintenance and continual improvements to the existing exhibits; oversight and project management of all exhibit projects.
Other responsibilities include but not limited to: oversee and produce all new core and temporary and seasonal exhibition projects ; responsible for the aesthetic and technical application of exhibit design and production techniques; assesses, develop and implement a plan for ongoing maintenance and future upgrades of existing exhibits including all media used in exhibits ; oversees the development of a comprehensive plan that integrates collections into the exhibit experience; oversees the development of comprehensive show seasons for PTM Playhouse Theater; act as project leader to guide and facilitate work of design, fabrication, interpretation, programming, marketing and communications, collections, development to achieve plans on time and within budget; tracks metrics on audience engagement; oversee the formative evaluation and pre-testing of the new exhibits; oversees the financial planning and maintenance of department budget; ensures that the exhibits are installed on time and within the allotted budget; monitor standing contracts for services with periodic reviews and manage all exhibits contracts; supervises, recruits, trains and retains staff; ensures Museum meets all criteria that keeps the institution in good standing as an accredited Museum; creates 5-year plan and oversees all aspects of re-accreditation process as it pertain to collections and exhibit; assess and implement upgrades to collection displays employing new media; develop and implement a plan in coordination with the Curator of Collections for moving and installing the collection; works with colleagues to ensure and maintain timely knowledge of exhibits, theater program and collections plans; provides support to programs and visitor services colleagues to continuously update training plans for exhibit area; and supports the Museum in fund-raising efforts as needed.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required with emphasis on Liberal Arts field. Strong background in theater arts, industrial design, humanities or sciences or related areas e.g. early childhood education, art administration or museum studies, communications; master degree in arts administration/museum studies preferred; a minimum of 8 years’ experience with proven track record in managing exhibition development including design, evaluation (formative, prototyping and summative), fabrication, budgets, graphic and installation; 2+ years of supervisory experience; knowledge of museums and have successful, creative experiences at managing teams and projects that meet goals; extensive project management experience; demonstrated success in leadership roles developing innovative, audience appropriate exhibits and strategies; ability to read design documents and diagrams; through knowledge of exhibition planning process; knowledge of best practice for working and using collections in exhibits for children and design criteria for a young audience; and excellent planning and forecasting skills.
Education Level: Bachelor Degree. Field of study: Education, Museum Studies, Arts Education or related field
Deadline: 02/15/2016
Please Touch Museum offers an excellent work environment with emphasis on play, a comprehensive benefit package, and competitive salary. To apply for this opportunity, please mail your cover letter including your accomplishments, resume and salary requirements to: Director of Human Resources, Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131; fax to: (215)-581-3182; Email: employment@pleasetouchmuseum.org. Office phone: 215-581-3189 EOE
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