Exhibits Manager

The Henry Ford•Dearborn, MI

12d•$60,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Exhibits Manager provides operational leadership for exhibition implementation, exhibit maintenance, and exhibit project delivery across The Henry Ford's venues. This role is responsible for supervising the Exhibits Team and managing the planning, coordination, fabrication, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of exhibitions, exhibit components, and artifact-based displays. Serving as the operational project manager, this position translates approved exhibition concepts into successful installations by coordinating people, schedules, resources, vendors, fabrication, logistics, and exhibit maintenance. Working collaboratively with the Head of Exhibitions and Performances, Experience Design, the AV Technology Manager, Historical Resources, and other institutional partners, the Exhibits Manager ensures exhibition projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with institutional quality standards while supporting an exceptional guest experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, Exhibition Design, Construction Management, Project Management, Theater Production, Fine Arts, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in museum exhibitions, exhibit fabrication, exhibit production, construction, project management, or a related operational environment, including 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
Experience supervising represented (union) employees or demonstrated knowledge of collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations, and progressive discipline preferred
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with project management, work order, scheduling, or ticketing systems
Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects, coordinating multiple priorities, and delivering projects on schedule
Ability to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to support exhibit installations and special events

Nice To Haves

Exceptional organizational, time management, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex projects
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships and effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate projects across multiple departments to achieve successful outcomes
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise, coach, develop, and motivate employees within a collective bargaining environment
Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Knowledge of museum exhibition development, installation, artifact handling, and preservation practices sufficient to effectively oversee exhibit projects
Ability to effectively manage contractors, consultants, vendors, and external partners while maintaining project schedules and quality standards
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

Responsibilities

Supervises the Exhibits Team, including union Exhibits Preparators and Exhibits Maintenance Utility staff, through hiring, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and workforce development
Leads the planning, coordination, and operational execution of temporary exhibitions, exhibit installations, artifact rotations, gallery improvements, and related exhibit projects across The Henry Ford's venues
Serves as the operational project manager by developing project schedules, coordinating resources, monitoring timelines, resolving issues, and ensuring successful project delivery
Partners with the Head of Exhibitions and Performances, Experience Design, and the AV Technology Manager to coordinate the successful implementation of exhibition projects while maintaining clear ownership of design, technology, and operational responsibilities
Coordinates the work of internal departments, contractors, vendors, consultants, lenders, and other external partners to support exhibit fabrication, installation, technology integration, logistics, and deinstallation
Oversees exhibit fabrication, installation, maintenance, repairs, rigging activities, artifact movement, and exhibit support services to ensure exhibits remain safe, functional, and presentation-ready
Manages the Exhibits work order and ticketing system, prioritizing requests based on operational needs, safety, exhibit quality, and guest experience
Ensures exhibition projects and exhibit operations comply with institutional standards, preservation requirements, safety regulations, accessibility expectations, and museum best practices
Collaborates with Historical Resources to support appropriate artifact handling, installation methods, and preservation standards throughout exhibit projects
Develops and maintains departmental procedures, operational standards, and continuous improvement initiatives supporting exhibit operations and project delivery
Represents the Exhibitions department during project planning, exhibit reviews, institutional initiatives, media opportunities, tours, and special events as appropriate
Performs additional responsibilities that support the operational objectives and strategic priorities of the Exhibitions department and The Henry Ford