Head of Exhibits

Head Of Exhibits

The Montana Historical Society has an opening for a full-time Head of Exhibits. This position is responsible for facilitating and managing the Exhibits Team in the creation of engaging and distinctive interpretive museum exhibits. In coordination with project team members, museum staff and external partners, initiates, plans, designs, executes, monitors and closes exhibition projects in both 2-and-3-dimensional spaces. Leads the museum's Exhibits Team, performing management functions including hiring, firing, performance management, discipline, work distribution and employee development.

The ideal candidate is motivated, energetic, loves being part of a team and is excited about being a part of the Montana Historical Society. The Head of Exhibits works 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday.

Representative duties include: supervising Exhibits Team staff of three:
Graphics Designer and Exhibits Preparator. Overseeing planning, design, installation, and maintenance of all exhibits, utilizing current museum standards for exhibits, artifact conservation, and preservation. Working closely with Curatorial and Collections Teams to coordinate all parts and participants of the exhibit production process, from initial conceptual design to final installation of each exhibit project. Bringing all parts and pieces into a complete and unified vision and result.

Developing designs for exhibits that create engaging experiences for all visitors by sharing stories told through artifacts, artwork, graphics, interactives, and media. Serving on project teams and ensuring the integration of design with all project goals including interpretation, education, curatorial, conservation, and accessibility.

Expected to be skilled in all areas of exhibit design including the development of digital sketches, 3D models, and documentation drawings to communicate and execute all phases of design. Creating measured floor plans, wall elevations, and case layouts to move design into fabrication. Developing and implementing the project plan to include determining methodologies, scope, and deliverables of the project; identifying the work required to successfully complete the project;

preparing a project budget and staffing plan; setting project schedule; identifying and assessing risks and issues; and gaining acceptance of the plan. Maintaining communication between all stakeholders and documenting the decision-making process throughout the exhibit project. In collaboration with other members of the exhibit project teams, performing exhibit project post-implementation activities such as evaluation, soliciting feedback from stakeholders, preparing a report, and archiving information.

Supporting ongoing maintenance and assessment through duration of exhibit. Managing exhibit project schedules to address risks, issues, and ensure timely completion of the project and milestones through regular project status meetings. Conducting exhibit kick-off meeting, regular meetings throughout the design-fabrication-installation process, and final close-out meeting. Facilitating information-gathering sessions as needed to gather specific data, such as historical content/resources, funding information, exhibit proposals, strategic plans, etc.

Monitoring and managing exhibit project costs to ensure project is completed within budget. Working closely with Museum Program Manager to align exhibit budget needs with overall department budget. Conducting exhibit-related research (such as proper materials and conservation standards or educationally-appropriate interactives) and write reports/create sketches to support decisions based on that research.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in design-related field, such as museum studies, fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, or architecture.

Preferred Education:

Master's degree in design-related field, such as museum studies, fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, or architecture.

Experience:

Two years in museum exhibit design. One year of management and supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience in museum exhibit implementation, from concept to installation.

Hours of operation:
The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week:
Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.;
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Montana Heritage Center is open holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas. As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.

Salary: $71,760.00 - $71,760.00 Yearly. Benefits Package Eligibility:
Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan.

Number of Openings:
1. Employee Status:
Regular.

Schedule:

Full-Time.

Shift: Day Job. Travel:
Yes, 5 % of the Time. Primary

Location:

Helena. Agency:
Montana Historical Society. Union: 000 - None.