Senior Manager of Exhibitions & Special Projects at the Museum of the American Revolution – Museum Studies

Job Title: Senior Manager of Exhibitions & Special Projects

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Senior Manager of Exhibitions & Special Projects
The Museum of the American Revolution seeks applicants for a new position in its Collections and Exhibitions Department that offers a creative, accomplished, and motivated individual the opportunity to strengthen and expand the Museum’s exhibition and other content-related programs and projects as we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the Museum’s 10th anniversary in 2027.

Position Description
A key member of the Collections and Exhibitions Department, this position is responsible for the planning and implementation of all exhibitions and rotations in the Museum’s core and changing galleries, as well as traveling exhibitions. Working closely with and reporting to the Department head, this position manages project budgets, schedules, external consultants and contractors, and relationships with relevant stakeholders to ensure that cross-departmental projects successfully meet institutional objectives and are delivered on time and within budget. This position will also refine and communicate institutional exhibition planning processes, documentation, and evaluation goals and will often serve as a spokesperson for the Museum’s various exhibition projects.

This position acts as a visitor advocate, contributing to the exhibition program from ideation through installation and evaluation in ways that deepen points of connection and relevance for all audiences. They will lead content development for exhibition interpretive materials and work in collaboration with other departments and external contractors to bring those to fruition. They will be a key connector with departments across the institution such as Education, Marketing, Digital, Communications, Development, and others, ensuring content and relevant information is shared with stakeholders in a timely way.

The Senior Manager of Exhibitions & Special Projects will also contribute to other content-related projects, including digital initiatives and publications, acting as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking historical and curatorial content.

Crucial attributes include a high level of organizational and multitasking skills, attention to detail, commitment to developing and maintaining strong working relationships, clear and effective oral and written communication, a deep understanding of visitor engagement and content strategy, and the ability to exercise sound judgment and take independent actions when appropriate. Previous experience with museum exhibition planning is required.

Primary Responsibilities
• Working from priorities set by the Department Head, develops and maintains the overall schedule for special exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, and core gallery rotations, as well as tracks the content development schedule for exhibition-related digital projects and publications; assists with exhibit installation and deinstallation, as necessary.
• Manages all phases of the project life cycle for multiple exhibitions, from design through construction, installation, and project closeout, and serves as the primary point of contact for exhibition projects.
• Executes exhibition concepts and vision and coordinates project deliverables by communicating effectively with Museum staff, contractors, consultants, and other relevant stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Works collaboratively with other Museum staff to coordinate exhibition project team activities within other departmental operations and institution-wide schedules.
• Collates exhibition-related text and image assets for wall labels, title wall, panels, credit lines, and other printed exhibition support materials for design and production by others.
• Provides content to Marketing, Digital, Communications, and Development teams, among others, for integration into collateral materials, including e-newsletters, websites, brochures, and other digital and printed initiatives.
• Develops workplans that include deliverables, timelines, and available or needed resources.
• Schedules and leads exhibition project team meetings.
• Helps evaluate project risk, works to minimize risk, and brings any concerns about project success to the Department Head and/or Museum leadership when appropriate.
• With the Department Head, drafts and monitors all exhibition project budgets; maintains expense records.
• Researches service providers, draws up RFPs, solicits proposals for contracted work, and makes recommendations to the Department Head.
• Creates, maintains, and archives exhibition project files.
• Collaborates with the Development and Finance departments on exhibition grant applications and reports.
• Coordinates the implementation of traveling exhibitions by drafting tour prospectuses and, under the supervision of the Department Heads, executes and manages contracts with exhibition organizing partners, venues, and consultants.
• Assists in the development and monitoring of department FY budgets, completes monthly department credit card reconciliation, and submits invoices for approval and payment.

Education
• Bachelor’s degree required; M.A. in history, material culture or related field highly desirable.

Experience & Skills
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Museum project management; demonstrated exhibition planning and implementation experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint, as well as Google Drive and Dropbox. Experience with collections software preferred.
• Experience using project management software in a collaborative team environment preferred.
• Flexible team player able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and follow through on issues in a timely manner with constant attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interest in/enthusiasm for American History is preferred.
• Maintains confidentiality.

To Apply
The Museum of the American Revolution (www.AmRevMuseum.org) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply, please send a cover letter including resume and three professional references to employment@amrevmuseum.org.

This job was sourced via MuseWeekly Newsletter.