Assistant Manager, Museum Programs

The Henry Ford•Dearborn, MI

4d•$21 - $25

About The Position

The Assistant Manager, Museum Programs supports the people and daily operations that make Museum Programs experiences possible. The role leads and coaches Museum Supervisors and Presenters, helps programs run smoothly, and collaborates with teams across the institution to deliver engaging, consistent guest experiences. It reports to the Senior Manager, Museum Programs and Exhibits. The Assistant Manager coordinates daily operations and staffing, supervises and develops staff, and supports established daily and annual programs. The role also handles scheduling and administrative coordination, liaises with internal teams and external partners, supports program supplies and content, and helps maintain high-quality, mission-driven guest experiences.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 3 years of experience directly supervising staff.
Experience with timekeeping, scheduling, interviewing, and other day-to-day operations.
Experience delivering programs, services, or guest experiences.
Availability to work weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late evenings as needed for seven-day operations.
Valid driver's license.
Strong emotional intelligence and ability to listen, build trust, respond thoughtfully to concerns, and hold constructive conversations with staff.
Ability to coach and develop employees, set clear expectations, and follow through on performance concerns.
Sound judgment, timely decision-making, and ability to adjust staffing or coverage and know when to involve the Senior Manager.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing schedules, program logistics, supplies, and competing priorities.
Clear written and verbal communication with staff, guests, and partners across multiple levels.
Ability to maintain and adapt established programs while preserving the quality and accuracy of the guest experience.
Collaborative and flexible approach to working with Museum Supervisors, presenters, and other institutional teams.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day Museum Programs operations in partnership with the Senior Manager and coordinate with Museum Supervisors on staffing, coverage, and consistent program delivery.
Supervise Museum Supervisors and Presenters, including hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, coaching, performance feedback, and reviews.
Build strong staff relationships; provide constructive feedback, address concerns promptly, and maintain standards for daily and special programming.
Coordinate scheduling, timekeeping, supply orders, and other administrative work supporting operations and programming.
Manage established daily programs, including tours, Experiment with History, and Story Stroll, adapting schedules, staffing, and materials as needed.
Coordinate staffing and execution for annual programs, including Aviation Day and Agriculture Week, and support programs such as Celebrate Black History and Light and Joy.
Share daily leadership and coverage responsibilities with Museum Supervisors for daytime programming, evening events, and other institutional programming.
Serve as a liaison among Museum Programs, internal teams, contractors, and vendors to communicate needs, confirm details, and coordinate daily programs, special events, internal activations, and private functions.
Ensure a high-quality, mission-driven guest experience, including program effectiveness, exhibit fit and finish, guest satisfaction, and staff excellence.
Assist with inventory tracking, maintenance, and ordering for program planning and fulfillment, ensuring adequate supplies and equipment.
Assist with developing, editing, and updating operational, program, and other written content as needed.
Contribute with the Senior Manager and Museum Supervisors to managing problems, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
Coach staff participating in the Master Presenter Program as they develop content knowledge and guest interaction skills.
Support other Museum Programs activities and institutional needs as they arise.