Senior Project Manager, Exhibitions

Senior Project Manager, Exhibitions

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 109 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County—including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall—is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI+ community are welcome and encouraged to apply.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Senior Project Manager of Exhibitions for our Education, Exhibitions & Programs department. The Senior Project Manager of Exhibitions works closely with the SVP of Education, Exhibitions and Community Engagement at the Natural History Museum. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Project Management, Exhibition: Work with external exhibition design firm to manage and develop project plans (e.g. project objectives, action plans, responsibility matrix, detailed requirements, etc.) for capital project master plan from design through construction. Develop new (and refine existing) processes, standards, and procedures to implement strategic project goals completely and efficiently.

Collaborate and coordinate with LBTP Project Architect and facilities team to shepherd exhibits through facility impact assessment and contractor work, Historic Preservation Office review, plans examination, building, electrical, and fire inspection.

Manage subcontractors, ensuring consistency and adherence to project parameters. (Subcontractors on large exhibition projects that can include the Engineer, Designers, General Contractor, Specialty Fabrication, and consultants).

Make regular inspections of construction projects and attend regular and special project meetings to assess progress against project goals and schedules, and ensure work is completed to contract specifications.

• Budget and Schedule Management: Responsible for exhibition project schedules, budgets, contracts, vendor management, and for maintaining the team's digital collaboration tools.

Negotiate and manage exhibit related RFPs, bids, and agreements with external fabricators, contractors, and vendors.

Manage the exhibitions budget and fabrication schedule in coordination with the building/construction budget and schedule.

Produce and present quarterly status reports related to progress, budget, and schedule, developing risk mitigation strategies at all phases.

• Interdepartmental Collaboration/Communication: Serves as an internal, cross departmental liaison for exhibitions and the museum’s representative for the project incl. with external partners, media outlets, donors, and other stakeholders, as needed.

Act as a spokesperson to communicate LBTP’s exhibits project goals and progress to stakeholders, staff, and administrative leadership.

Communicate expectations across key stakeholders and provide constructive feedback informally and formally to individual team members to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards are achieved.

Team cheerleader and champion for the team's adherence to established exhibition process and procedures, and for shaping and revising these practices over time.

• Advancement: Assist with grant applications, stakeholder proposals, and donor engagement as needed.

• IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access): Ensure that team members are supported in their growth and development as it relates to IDEA content and institutional initiatives, and are integrating this practice into the exhibition design and development process. Integrate knowledge and input from our public, key community stakeholders (internal and external) into the research, development and evaluation of all exhibitions.

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Vice President, Education, Exhibitions, and Community Engagement dependent on organizational needs.

This position has the following requirements:

• A minimum of 7+ years of experience in project management for exhibitions or designed experiential spaces, preferably in science or cultural institutions. Specific interest and experience in one or more areas of knowledge that relate to science, culture and/or history would be ideal.
• Experience with exhibition design integration with new construction building or capital projects.
• Project Management, LEED, AIA, or PLA certification or equivalent experience
• Experience with effective budget management and long-term planning and implementation.
• Extraordinary organizational skills and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Leadership qualities with strong team building, communication, and active listening skills required.
• Establishes and models an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment on project teams for all disciplines to contribute their best work in line with project constraints and parameters.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree (B.A./B.S.) from an accredited institution or equivalent experience;
• At least 7+ years of progressively responsible industry experience guiding creative teams through production; familiarity with interactive and digital gallery experiences and exhibitions/story-driven attractions a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard project management processes and software, and of managing complex budgets and schedules.
• Strong presentation skills as a confident and clear speaker with an ability to communicate to multiple levels of audiences.
• Strong communication written skills.
• Diplomatic, positive, and solutions-oriented individuals who can bring disparate opinions and priorities together.
• Solid experience with facilitation and design thinking
• Experience with project management best practices, such as detailed project schedules, budgets, and communication platforms
• A sense of humor with a balanced perspective and approach to day-to-day work.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Salary range for this position is $118,876 - $125,133 based on experience plus excellent benefits. This is a full time, temporary, and exempt position.

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.