Senior Exhibit Developer

Minnesota Historical Society • Saint Paul, MN

5h • Onsite

About The Position

This position exists to lead the development and design of exhibits and interpretive projects, guiding work from initial concept through planning and final implementation. This role oversees content development for major historical interpretation initiatives, including research, artifact selection, project documentation, scriptwriting, and editorial review. The position also ensures alignment across content development, program planning, production, and promotional efforts. As a team leader, the Senior Exhibit Developer manages and supports Exhibit Developers and Lead Designers. These roles, along with Program Developers and Project Specialists serve as core leaders on project teams. This role fosters collaboration, maintains project quality and consistency, and helps drive successful project outcomes. The Senior Exhibit Developer also serves in a Developer role for select projects, contributing directly to content creation and execution as needed.

Requirements

• An excellent working knowledge of informal learning theory in a museum environment and a depth of practical experience in how those ideas are realized through the exhibition development and design process.
• Thorough knowledge of historical research methodology and data gathering techniques, including the ability to evaluate the original research of others in primary-source collections, including artifact collections.
• Thorough knowledge of American and Minnesota history or a related field (typically represented by an MA and more than two years of experience as an Exhibit Developer working on exhibit or media interpretation projects).
• Strong leadership skills, including human relations, personnel management, and the ability to work well with others.
• Ability to organize and oversee the work of others, to plan and realize complex projects.
• Ability to communicate orally with individuals and groups.
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate schedules and budgets, to allocate research and exhibit development staff and resources efficiently.
• Ability to manage several projects on discrete timetables efficiently and simultaneously.
• Considerable ability to compile, analyze, synthesize, and conceptualize information.
• Outstanding ability to develop and lead others in the development of original historical interpretations for exhibition projects, stressing innovation and creativity in content presentation and academic integrity while communicating effectively to a diverse audience.
• Ability to establish goals and strategies for audience research and evaluation.
• Excellent writing and editing skills demonstrated in a variety of formats: exhibits, brochures, lectures, articles, etc., and specialized skills in one or more of these.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively.
• Working knowledge of conservation factors and proper handling of artifacts.
• Considerable knowledge of exhibit design, graphics, and media production techniques, and an ability to evaluate the quality of design work.
• Considerable ability in evaluating qualitative differences in the proposals and workmanship of staff and vendors.
• Ability to represent MNHS well in work with community, corporate, and philanthropic organizations.

Nice To Haves

• American and Minnesota history or a related field.
• Developing and leading others in the development of original historical interpretations for exhibition projects, stressing innovation and creativity in content presentation and academic integrity while communicating effectively to a diverse audience.
• Informal learning theory in a museum environment.

Responsibilities

• Serves as project leader and lead exhibit developer on specific projects
• Directs content research, development, and interpretive design process
• Serves as a member of the Exhibits Leadership team within the Experience Development division, assisting the Senior Director, Experience Development, in development, implementation, and management of the exhibit programs goals, objectives, products, and operations
• Establishes and coordinates annual and long-range work plans for the content development and interpretive design segment of the exhibit program
• Assists in seeking non-state funding for Exhibits and interpretive projects
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program
• Eligible to participate in a retirement program with employer contribution
• Generous vacation and sick time accruals
• Additional paid holidays

What This Job Offers

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