Description

Lead all aspects of the Learning Experience function for the Air Zoo, which includes directing teams responsible for the exhibits, the artifact collection, and the education programs.  Provide vision for, create, and implement the exhibit and program strategies for the Air Zoo; design and deliver an engaging, educational, and inspirational exhibit floor experience for guests of all ages through both temporary and permanent exhibits; ensure the care, security, and preservation of all artifacts and exhibit items in the Air Zoo collection; expand and diversify the Air Zoo’s partnerships with formal and informal education providers throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois; assist in developing and delivering the Air Zoo’s value proposition to community stakeholders; develop and leverage key relationships/partnerships at the local, state, and national levels to ensure revenue goals are met and exceeded; and, as a key leadership team member, provide strategic thought and action across a broad array of Air Zoo activities, including marketing/branding, development, and team-building.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and direct the Air Zoo’s Exhibits plans, and ensure that all activities are aligned to the goals and objectives of the plan as well as the Air Zoo’s overall strategic plan;
• Create and realize long-term strategy of interactive, interdisciplinary exhibits/programs that continuously introduce new scholarship in alignment with the Air Zoo’s Strategic Plan;
• Develop captivating, interactive guest experiences that ignite a passion for learning and inspire ongoing curiosity for a globally diverse audience;
• Drive intellectual effort to develop content for all exhibits and programs, ensuring structure and content of all displays and exhibits are scientifically and historically correct.
• Plan, coordinate, install, and supplement short-term, “traveling” exhibit rentals;
• Manage all activities and employees within the Department, including exhibits professionals, collections/archives specialists and educators.  Responsibilities include regular performance reviews, monitoring hours worked/time off, ensuring success in all activities/duties performed, and always maximizing individual and team effectiveness;
• Ensure proper care, security, preservation, cataloguing, and management of the entire Air Zoo artifact collection.  Manage letters of agreement, contracts, loan documents, and associated legal paperwork and correspondences.
• Cultivate and foster relationships with all internal departments and external museum leaders, exhibits and collections professionals, and pertinent subject matter experts.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement on identifying and securing grants, sponsors, and other funding sources for exhibits, education programs, and collections activities.
• Team with the Marketing group to develop materials that will maximize the Air Zoo’s public exposure for all exhibit and educational experiences;
• Represent the Air Zoo at public/private events and through speaking engagements on radio, TV, and public speaking forums of all types;
• Participate in all Air Zoo Board meetings, reporting progress of all department activities, sharing new initiatives, and recruiting Board members for activities as appropriate;
• Ensure communications to Air Zoo staff and volunteers regarding all Department initiatives is always targeted, timely, and effective;
• Work with an internal/external Learning Committee, soliciting ideas from the Committee on all facets of both exhibits and education and recruiting help in executing those ideas;

Requirements

   Experience and Education Requirements

• Five or more years of professional experience successfully curating museum exhibitions and managing museum collections.
• Five or more years of professional experience leading large-scale hands-on interactive initiatives desired, particularly in a nonprofit, informal education environment.
• Thorough working knowledge and understanding of museum principles, procedures, and practices pertaining to artifact collections, exhibits and education.
• Strong working knowledge of database applications and accompanying computer skills.
• Experience working with Senior-level executives within an organization.
• Proven track record of consistently developing experiences that attract and educate diverse audiences, incorporating technology and media in new, interactive, and unexpected ways.
• Inspiring, motivating, “can do” attitude with a passion for positively impacting community through interactivity.
• Proven experience in evaluating exhibit/program effectiveness and successfully implementing positive changes based on those evaluations.
• Significant knowledge of both hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) principles and the history of aviation and spaceflight desired.
• Bachelor’s degree.

  Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to effectively administer a major program of exhibits, A/V components, visual interpretation components, and educational programming.
• Ability to estimate costs, find and schedule human and other resources, develop budgets, and meet all financial and schedule goals.
• Ability to think strategically and seamlessly turn strategy into action.
• Excellent written, visual, and oral communications skills with the ability to engage, inspire, and influence a broad array of internal and external individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to build and nurture partnerships to the benefit of all stakeholders.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule of evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to effectively solve problems and handle complex situations.
• Superior interpersonal skills to foster effective working relationships at all levels.
• Must have strong organizational skills to succeed in all tasks, the ability to undertake multiple concurrent tasks and work in an environment where interruptions are common.
• Must maintain confidentiality.
• Position requires limited local, regional, and national travel.
• Must be flexible with the ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Well-groomed appearance and compliance with the dress and personal appearance policies.
• Professional work and punctuality habits.
• Ability to work with a widely diverse group of individuals.
• Must be able to lift and move containers and boxes, bend and reach overhead.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to meet minimum driving requirements.

visit http://www.airzoo.org/page.php?menu_id=50 for more information