Associate Director Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in exhibition design, industrial design, architecture, or a related design field.
• Five to seven years of exhibit design experience at an aquarium, zoo, museum, or related organization, ideally with increasing responsibilities.
• Experience leading the exhibit design process at an aquarium, zoo, or museum.
• Experience working under pressure and managing multiple competing tasks and priorities.
• Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission and appreciation for its role in conservation, education, and the life of a vibrant community.
• Knowledge of production methods and materials, fabrication techniques, and procedures, with sensitivity to ecological, biological, and conservation issues.
• Ability to conceptualize content in two- and three-dimensional spaces.
• Commitment to equity and social justice and strong alignment with the organization’s values.
• Exemplary project management skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Continuous-improvement and problem-solving mindset.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Facility in collecting and using data to inform and validate decisions.

Responsibilities

• Support the Creative Director in establishing exhibit project vision and plan and coordinate permanent and temporary exhibits consistent with the Aquarium’s mission, from concept through post-implementation evaluation.
• Manage the exhibits budget and a team of four direct reports, including an environmental graphic designer, an exhibit content developer, and two exhibits maintenance and facilities employees; engage consultants as needed.
• Collect, organize, and manage content, including background information, sources, and media, and share it with stakeholders and the design team in coordination with interpretive content designers and education staff.
• Work with the Creative Director and Associate Director of Interpretation on the exhibit’s big idea, content and message, and environmental design, focusing on the guest experience.
• Research images, videos, sounds, objects, and other materials for exhibit interpretation; maintain relevant data and acquire required usage rights and licenses.
• Manage credits and acknowledgements in exhibit materials, implementing technology solutions as needed.
• Identify and engage outside experts, creators, agencies, and other service providers related to exhibit design and experience.
• Oversee expert reviews and the editorial process, coordinate corrections with designers, and proofread exhibit elements from presentations and review packages through final graphic mechanicals.
• Manage and facilitate external and internal partners involved in the design and build process.
• Organize and help conduct audience and exhibit evaluations, and apply findings to changes and future projects.
• Monitor the guest experience and oversee repairs and enhancements to existing exhibits as needed.
• Work with the Creative Director to integrate the brand vision and objectives into exhibit interpretation throughout the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance benefits
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Retirement benefits and plans
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Bereavement leave
• Jury duty leave
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free family membership to The Maritime Aquarium