Exhibits Manager

Creative Discovery Museum•Chattanooga, TN

3d•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Exhibits Manager ensures that the Museum’s exhibit spaces are engaging, safe, and well-maintained, providing consistent, high-quality experiences for all visitors. This position oversees the purchase, fabrication, cleaning, replacement, and storage of exhibit props and materials, and assists with installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of exhibits. The Exhibits Manager leads the design, coordination, and fabrication of in-house temporary exhibits and seasonal decorations, collaborating across departments to enhance visitor experience and support organizational initiatives. This role includes some hands-on fabrication, light exhibit repair, and supervisory responsibilities. This position is directly responsible for daily exhibit operations and readiness, ensuring a consistent experience for guests every day the museum is open.

Requirements

Knowledge of project management practices and tools.
Collaborative working style and ability to work with a variety of personalities.
Basic hand tool and light maintenance competency.
Strong organizational skills.
Creative mindset with ability to draw ideas from team members.
Ability to research, compare, and recommend purchasing options.
Ability to communicate clearly with staff and vendors.
Flexible and adaptable to changing plans and priorities.
Prior experience working with museum exhibits and props, or similar experience required.
Prior project management experience required.
One to two years of supervisory experience required.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of 3-D printing a plus.
Two- or four-year degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Exhibit Experience & Readiness Serve as the primary point of accountability for the day-to-day operational readiness of all exhibit spaces.
Ensure exhibit spaces and props meet standards for a fun, safe, clean, and well-maintained daily visitor experience, including daily walk-throughs.
Ensure exhibits are opened, maintained, and welcoming for guests in collaboration with Exhibit, Facilities & Maintenance, and Museum Experience team members.
Be available via radio to answer ‘Exhibit’ calls to support the daily experience.
Prop Systems & Purchasing Manage the exhibit prop program ensuring a high standard of guest experience excellence daily.
Collaborate with Exhibit, Education, and Facilities team members on new and enhanced props for exhibits, focusing on content delivery and guest experience.
Manage prop and part purchasing, researching vendors and sourcing options to optimize purchasing processes.
Develop and maintain systems for cleaning and sanitizing exhibit props with input from Exhibits, Education, and Facilities.
Exhibit Operations & Installation Maintain ongoing opening and closing manuals for exhibit spaces (temporary and permanent), working closely with Museum Experience leadership to train team members on procedures.
Manage exhibit signage requests and installation, making recommendations as needed.
Participate in routine cross-departmental exhibit walk-throughs to maintain maintenance punch lists and project status.
Partner with the VP of Exhibits and Impact to coordinate and guide the installation, renovation, deinstallation, and on-site maintenance of leased and in-house temporary exhibits.
Assist the VP of Exhibits and Impact with temporary exhibit planning and Community Gallery projects.
Project Management & Fabrication Project manages the fabrication of exhibit elements, decorations, and props with Exhibit and Facilities team members, and external partners as required.
Some projects may require direct hands-on fabrication.
Coordinate the fabrication of 3D printed exhibit props by external partners, including local schools.
Managing community relationships with Education department.
Coordinate the fabrication of 3D printed exhibit props by the internal Make It Workshop team members.
Team Leadership & Collaboration Attend and lead meetings related to exhibits, props, and fabrication needs.
Supervise Exhibit Coordinator(s).
Collaborate with cross-departmental partners in Education to connect content to physical experiences in the museum, Facilities on timely maintenance, and Marketing on signage.
Other Perform other duties as assigned.