Deputy Director at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

1. Works closely with the Director in the overall planning, direction, and management of the Museum’s comprehensive calendar of programs and schedule of operations. This position also serves as principal advisor to the Director on long and short-range planning and allocation of Museum resources. Collaborates with the Director in the development or modification of policies and plans for the Museum and decisions regarding program direction and emphasis. Develops or adapts procedures and controls to give the greatest support for program operations consistent with legislation, regulations, and policy requirements of the Smithsonian and other funding agencies.
2. Performs the full range of supervisory responsibilities, including assignment and review of work, performance management, leave administration, employee development, and resolution of employee/labor relations issues. Ensures adherence to the principles of equal employment opportunity. Supports diversity in hiring practices, training and development and daily supervision. Supervises assigned staff in the areas of financial management and administration, human resources, revenue generation, physical plant and safety, security, custodial, visitor operations, IT and customer relationship management, exhibitions management and production, and registrar functions.
3. Responsible to the Director for the financial execution of the budget of the Museum in relation to actual expenditures and prepares and submits to the Director timely performance reports. Works with the Director in the formulation and presentation of the Museum’s annual operating budgets. Sets or recommends priorities for annual budget call and with Director of Advancement sets annual fundraising goals to inform the preparation of annual budgets. Develops and issues operating plans, procedures, and instructions. Explores and develops collaborative relationships with external business partners, when appropriate and initiates or negotiates contractual agreements as required.
4. Together with the Director, the Director of Advancement, and the Director’s Office team, the Deputy Director coordinates the activities of the CHSDM Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee; working closely with the Board, and various other committees to develop a strategic plan and broad operating objectives and policies. These activities include overseeing preparations for Board meetings; including drafting agendas and ensuring that all logistical arrangements have been made. Represents the Director as needed.
5. Additionally, the Deputy Director along with the Director, oversees and assists in the coordination, communication, and planning processes of all other museum departments, including Communications and Marketing; Digital; Cross-Platform Publishing; Curatorial, Learning and Audience Engagement; and Advancement.
6. Ensures compliance with all Smithsonian policies and directives.  Also ensures coordination with central Smithsonian offices, including the Office of the General Counsel, and the Office of Government Relations regarding congressional relations, the Board of Regent, personnel, contracting, accounting, management and budget, facilities services, sponsored projects, and others. Works with Director to alert the Office of the Under Secretary for Museums and Culture of any issues, anomalies or concerns that may affect the proper functioning and reputation of CHSDM and/or the Smithsonian.
7. Responsible for administrative program oversight of all departments within CHSDM. Furnishes policy guidance and direction to subordinate supervisors and ensures that they fulfill their supervisory responsibilities effectively. Serves as principal advisor to the Director and other senior management officials on all aspects of human resources management and equal opportunity. Advises the Director and other department directors and team leads on appropriateness of proposed individual personnel actions and appropriate courses of action to resolve personnel management issues or concerns. Keeps apprised of disciplinary or other personnel matters and takes appropriate action.
8. In the absence of the Director, serves as Acting Museum Director as designated, assuming full authority and responsibility for the overall management of the Museum. Represents the Director as necessary at both internal and external meetings and events.  The Director may delegate authority to commit Museum resources or make decisions affecting Museum operations.

Qualifications

Additional information