Associate Director of Exhibits

The Maritime Aquarium • Norwalk, CT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Exhibits (ADE) reports to the Creative Director and is responsible for designing and executing permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as maintaining and managing collections. The role creates engaging, meaningful guest experiences that support the Aquarium’s mission. It works across the organization, coordinating closely with operations and animal husbandry teams while residing within the Brand Experience function.

The ADE develops exhibit content and narratives, including interactives, architectural or three-dimensional features, and messages designed to resonate with guests. The position supports exhibit projects from concept through post-implementation evaluation, oversees the exhibits budget, and manages a team of four direct reports and consultants as needed. It also collaborates with content, interpretation, education, design, and external partners; monitors guest experience; and oversees repairs and enhancements to existing exhibits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in exhibition design, industrial design, architecture, or a related design field.
• 5 to 7 years of exhibit design experience at an aquarium, zoo, museum, or related organization, ideally with increasing responsibilities.
• Experience leading an exhibit design process at an aquarium, zoo, or museum.
• Experience working under pressure while managing multiple competing tasks and priorities.
• Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission and appreciation for its role in conservation, education, and community life.
• Knowledge of production methods and materials, fabrication techniques, and procedures, with sensitivity to ecological, biological, and conservation issues.
• Ability to conceptualize content in two- and three-dimensional spaces.
• Commitment to equity and social justice and alignment with the organization’s values.
• Exemplary project management skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Continuous-improvement and problem-solving mindset.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to collect and use data to inform and validate decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support the Creative Director in establishing exhibit project vision and plan and coordinate permanent and temporary exhibits from concept through post-implementation evaluation.
• Manage the exhibits budget and a team of four direct reports, as well as consultants as needed.
• Collect, organize, and manage exhibit content, including background information, sources, and media, and share it with stakeholders and the design team.
• Collaborate with the Creative Director and Associate Director of Interpretation on exhibit ideas, content and messaging, environmental design, and guest experience.
• Research images, videos, sounds, objects, and other materials for exhibit interpretation; maintain related data and obtain usage rights and licenses.
• Manage credits and acknowledgements in exhibit materials, implementing technology solutions as needed.
• Identify and engage outside experts, creators, agencies, and other exhibit design and experience service providers.
• Oversee expert reviews and the editorial process, and work with designers to ensure changes are made correctly.
• Proofread exhibit elements, from presentations and review packages through final graphic mechanicals.
• Manage and facilitate external and internal partners involved in exhibit design and construction.
• Organize and help conduct audience and exhibit evaluations, and apply findings to changes and future projects.
• Monitor guest experience and oversee repairs and enhancements to existing exhibits.
• Work with the Creative Director to integrate the brand vision and objectives into exhibit interpretation across the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance benefits
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Retirement benefits and plans
• Paid leave, including vacation and sick time, bereavement leave, jury duty, and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free family membership to The Maritime Aquarium

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior