Vice President for Museums

Senator John Heinz History Center•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Senator John Heinz History Center, Pittsburgh’s oldest cultural institution (1879) and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President for Museums. As a key member of the Executive team reporting to the President & CEO and cooperating with other senior executive leaders, the Vice President for Museums assumes a strategic role in the overall management of the History Center. The position is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing museum-related activities including exhibitions and museum collections. These responsibilities include budgeting, exhibition scheduling, collections management, partnering with other museums (regionally and nationally), and strategic planning. The Vice President for Museums directly oversees the professional staff engaged in exhibitions and collections at the flagship Heinz History Center and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and works collaboratively with the Pres/CEO to oversee operations of other History Center museums. The position supervises departments that provide museum services to Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, the Fort Pitt Museum, and Museum of African American History. The Vice President for Museums also coordinates traveling exhibitions, including those developed for History Center Affiliate Program museums. The successful candidate for this position must have strong academic, analytical, planning, and communication skills necessary to effectively interact with the History Center’s Pres/CEO, Executive VP, VP/CFO, Board Members, senior leadership and other History Center staff, contractors and consultants, and partner organizations (e.g. Smithsonian, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, History Center Affiliates). This is a full-time, salaried / exempt position reporting to the President & CEO.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree (PhD preferred) in History, Public History, Humanities, Anthropology, or related fields.
Significant management experience in museums (preferably AAM accredited) and non-profit organizations.
Demonstrated experience in museums, public history, historical research and writing, and/or exhibitions.
Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, grants and project management.
Outstanding oral and written communication and presentation skills.
Demonstrated leadership ability, confidence, and executive presence – ability to motivate staff and work with trustees and stakeholders.
Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills
Engaged with museum/history professional organizations and aware of current issues and trends in the field.

Responsibilities

planning
implementing
managing museum-related activities including exhibitions and museum collections
budgeting
exhibition scheduling
collections management
partnering with other museums (regionally and nationally)
strategic planning
oversees the professional staff engaged in exhibitions and collections at the flagship Heinz History Center and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
supervises departments that provide museum services to Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, the Fort Pitt Museum, and Museum of African American History
coordinates traveling exhibitions, including those developed for History Center Affiliate Program museums

Benefits

Rewarding, mission-driven work that makes an impact in the community
AAM accredited Smithsonian-affiliated Museum located in Pittsburgh’s vibrant and historic Strip District
Voted the #1 history museum in the nation by USA Today
Voted Best Museum in Pittsburgh by Pittsburgh Magazine
Highly professional, collegial staff and dedicated volunteers
Located in Pittsburgh, one of America’s “most livable” and affordable cities
Dynamic workplace in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District
Full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
403(B) retirement plans with employer match
Paid time off (vacation, personal, and sick days)
Paid Parental Leave
Nine (9) paid holidays
Company paid life insurance / LTD
Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
Discounts in the Museum Shop and Café
Public transportation and parking options nearby