Museum Operations Manager

Spelman College Portal•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Museum Operations Manager oversees the daily operational and logistical functions of the two galleries at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. This position ensures that museum gallery operations run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the academic, cultural, and community mission of the institution. The Operations Manager works closely with colleagues at the museum, academic departments, facilities, external partners, private security, volunteers, and student workers to support open hours for exhibitions, programming, visitor services, and overall museum stewardship. The role requires strong organizational, project management, and communication skills and a deep commitment to supporting an engaging and inclusive museum environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Museum Studies, Fine Arts, Business Administration, or related field.
Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in museum operations, gallery management, events, arts administration, or similar environment.
Demonstrated experience with project management, operations oversight, or facility coordination.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse constituencies.
Ability to lift 25–40 lbs. and assist with exhibition logistics as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or related discipline.
Experience in higher education or academic museum environments.
Knowledge of museum best practices, including AAM standards for operations, security, and visitor engagement.
Experience supervising student workers or part-time staff.

Responsibilities

Manage daily museum gallery operations at both museum galleries, including scheduling, staff coordination, and visitor services.
Oversee front-of-house activities, ensuring a welcoming, professional, and accessible visitor experience.
Develop and maintain operational policies, procedures, and workflow documentation.
Work with Museum Coordinator for administrative functions such as budget tracking, purchasing, vendor management, and invoice processing.
Maintain compliance with institutional policies, museum standards, and regulatory requirements.
Monitor gallery conditions, security, and environmental controls; ensure issues are promptly addressed.
Serve as primary liaison to Facilities Management, Campus Safety, and external contractors for in-gallery needs and issues.
Oversee building maintenance requests, custodial coordination, and preventive maintenance needs.
Implement safety procedures, emergency preparedness plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
Manage security systems and building access for staff, vendors, and student workers.
Assist with logistics for museum programs, events, lectures, receptions, and student-engagement activities in the museum galleries in conjunction with museum staff and College Relations.
Coordinate tour reservations for visitors to the museum.
Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student workers, volunteer gallery attendants, security and front-of-house staff.
Manage performance expectations and ensure adherence to museum standards and visitor service protocols.
Provide ongoing professional development and safety training for museum staff and student workers.