Director of Operations

The Palo Alto Museum seeks a Director of Operations to serve as a senior institutional leader and strategic partner to the President & CEO, responsible for building and leading the operational foundation of the Museum as it opens and grows. This role translates institutional vision into operational reality by designing and managing the systems, workflows, and infrastructure that enable a high-performing, sustainable new museum.

The Director of Operations oversees facilities, visitor experience, volunteers, exhibitions and program logistics, technology systems, safety and security, risk management, and internal operations. In close partnership with the CEO and other senior team members, this Director drives operational planning, strengthens organizational capacity, and ensures execution aligned with the Museum’s mission, strategic priorities, and community impact.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director manages a small core team—including the Facilities Manager, CRM/Data Coordinator, Programs & Visitor Services Manager, and Venue Rental Manager—and oversees contractors, interns, and volunteers supporting operations, exhibition installations, and public programs to ensure a successful Museum launch and rapid audience growth.

This is a full-time, hands-on senior leadership role for a collaborative, results-oriented builder energized by launching and laying the operational foundation for a new institution. The Director drives operational excellence across both public-facing and internal functions, cultivates a high-performing, engaged team, and shapes visitor experiences that are welcoming, accessible, and deeply connected to the Museum’s mission and community impact.

Opening in Spring 2026, the Palo Alto Museum brings a historic landmark to life as a 21st-century civic, cultural, and educational hub. Through dynamic exhibitions, programs, and experiences for all ages, the Museum explores Palo Alto stories that shape our community and the world. Join us as we preserve the past, strengthen our community today, and inspire a brighter future together.

• Design and implement operational strategies that advance the Museum’s mission, long-term sustainability, and organizational growth in a dynamic, fast-moving, start-up environment.
• Partner with the CEO to translate institutional priorities into actionable plans with clear, measurable outcomes.
• Develop scalable systems, policies, and workflows that reflect museum best practices and support a high-performing institution.
• Anticipate, identify, and resolve operational risks and challenges across public-facing and internal functions.
• Directly supervise the Facilities Manager, CRM/Data Coordinator, Programs & Visitor Services Manager, and Venue Rental Manager, supporting the Museum’s public opening and rapid audience growth.
• Oversee day-to-day HR operations for a small team (