POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT, DIRECTOR OF EXHIBITS
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History seeks an imaginative yet practical
leader, who will serve with other members of the Core Process Team to lead
the expansion and reinstallation of the existing exhibit galleries and
contribute to the revitalization of the entire Museum. In addition to the
leadership role in the capital expansion, the Director of Exhibits serves as
a key member of the senior management team, directing all projects related
to CMNH's permanent and temporary exhibition program. The ideal candidate
possesses a passion for the natural world, an enthusiasm for creating
engaging spaces for informal education, and a persistent drive for
excellence in scheduling and delivering an appealing and diverse year-round
schedule of exhibitions in four temporary galleries. This individual will
have demonstrated experience leading a team of creative professionals in the
design, development and implementation of large exhibition projects and in
producing and managing multiple budgets, timelines and schedules. Strong
interpersonal and written communication skills, computer literacy including
knowledge of graphic production software, and familiarity with the
guidelines and best-practices of museum administration are required.  An
advanced degree in a museum-related field is highly preferred. 

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, three
professional references and portfolio samples to 
Bonnie Cummings 
Chief Operating Officer
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive
Cleveland, OH 44106

Review of applications will commence on May 15, 2006 and continue until the
position is filled.  The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY
The Director of Exhibits, working as part of the senior management team, is
responsible for providing leadership in the development of CMNH's overall
Exhibition program including all permanent and temporary exhibitions. 
He/she directs exhibition project planning, concept design, content
development, contract negotiations and budget management.  The Director
leads a full and part-time creative staff responsible for exhibit design,
fabrication, graphic production, installation, renovation and maintenance..  
Leading up to and during CMNH’s building renovation, the Director will work
closely with the Core Process Team, the Board of Trustees and outside
consultants to develop exhibition plans for the new galleries.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management Role:
As a member of the Core Process Team, participates in the implementation of
CMNH's strategic plan and development of a master plan; embraces innovation,
fostering the desire to create a new museum experience with exciting and
engaging exhibits.
Develops and maintains effective relationships across the CMNH organization,
and in collaboration with other museums, cultural institutions, community
partners, donors, trustees and stakeholders.
Maintains familiarity with the guidelines and best-practices of museum
administration, exhibition trends and art/artifact handling procedures.
Department Leadership:
Establishes short-, medium- and long-term objectives, strategies and
budgets, for the purpose 
of planning and implementing projects that present the Museum's collections
and mission in permanent exhibits and temporary/traveling exhibitions.

Works closely with internal and external partners to formulate and recommend
future exhibit plans to the Exhibition Selection Committee, developing a
dynamic exhibition program. 
Convenes and presides over meetings of the Exhibition Planning Committee
conferring with education, curatorial, marketing, development and exhibit
staff members to discuss content, promotion, interpretation and location of
exhibits.
Reviews exhibition contracts and protects CMNH interests in dealing with
external exhibition suppliers. Works with CMNH Registrar to secure and
arrange the loan of artwork and/or specimens from other institutions for the
purpose of exhibition at CMNH.
Maintain competency in a wide range of changing technologies, materials and
processes and able to implement these in a practical and cost effective manner.
Oversees preparation of artwork/artifacts and construction of exhibit
components to ensure the intended interpretation of concepts and conformance
to both structural and material specifications.
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with CMNH policies
and applicable laws. This includes interviewing, hiring and training
employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance;
and resolving problems.
Education and/or Experience:
Demonstrated experience in museum exhibitions and management of creative
professionals. 
Strategic planning skills, experience preparing and budgeting proposals, and
familiarity with the RFP and competitive bidding process.
Ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple projects under strict time
constraints.
Excellent writing and editorial skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office
programs and knowledge of graphic production software.
Strong interpersonal communication skills, experience conducting meetings
and visual presentation skills including proficiency with PowerPoint software.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a museum-related field highly
preferred.

Physical Demands: 
Position may require sitting, walking, standing, reaching, stooping,
kneeling and crouching. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds.
Errors to be guarded against: 
Performs all duties according to established Museum operating, financial,
quality, safety and environmental policies.  Probable errors may cause
significant loss of Museum's credibility as an institution.
Work Environment: 
Office environment requiring attention to detail, working under time
pressure constraints.

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