Exhibitions Development Director

About the role

The Exhibition Development Director oversees the work of Development staff within the Exhibitions Department. This includes establishing a theoretical basis and long-term vision for exhibition development; creating or refining standards, processes, and tools; executing managerial tasks such as project assignments, labor planning, approving discretionary expenses, etc.; working as part of the directors’ group for reviewing the visitor experience dimension of the department’s work; collaborating with any outside development firms for large projects; and assisting in the creation of documents such as grant proposals, marketing and visitor studies materials, concept documents, and any work performed by the department for other institutions as work-for-hire.

Responsibilities

• Guiding the theoretical framework and practical standards for exhibition development
• Serving as a resource and facilitator in helping Developers reach solutions for achieving visitor experience goals
• Managing labor and resources
• Aiding in planning, research, project development, and consultation
• Mentoring and facilitating professional development, providing support, resolving conflict

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of museum experience, working with large teams representing diverse departments, stakeholders, skills, areas of expertise, and beliefs
• Knowledge of museum exhibition theory and practice, including concept development, content organization, experience development, object database creation, scheduling, resource allotment
• Expert level proficiency in non-fiction writing and editing
• Ability to work with producers, artists, and other media professionals to communicate complex concepts through a wide variety of media, including written text, digital interactivity, atmospheric and narrative video, physical immersion, illustration and data visualization, music and atmospheric audio, replicated and touchable objects, dioramas, and other experience types
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the arts or sciences, with a master’s degree in museum studies or a related and parallel field preferable
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, Adobe Creative Suite, Google productivity apps, Asana, EMu, and GoProof
• Demonstrated ability to lead creative teams through long term projects, satisfying diverse internal and external stakeholders, on schedule, with proven successful results
• The integrity and leadership skill necessary to negotiate conflict and reach compromises that address the needs of diverse organizations, cultural communities, areas of academic expertise, and life experiences

Skills

• Non-fiction writing and editing
• Working with producers, artists, and other media professionals to communicate complex concepts through a wide variety of media
• Leading creative teams through long term projects

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance
• Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

Pay

$90,000-95,000

Location

1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605