Director of Exhibits

Job Title: Director of Exhibits

Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $66,825 - $100,100 annually

Reports to: Deputy Director/COO

Who we are…

Discovery Lab is a hands-on museum in the heart of Tulsa. We provide Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) learning and engagement opportunities to the community. We create progressive STEAM programming, engineer world-class exhibits, and strive to be leaders in the museum field.

We are looking for people who…

• Are committed to Discovery Lab’s mission to inspire children, connect families, and build community through exploration, exhibits, programming, and play.
• Have integrity, compassion, a sense of humor, and a commitment to excellence.
• Can demonstrate the behaviors that uphold and advance Discovery Lab’s core values of accessibility, collaboration, meaningful play, diversity, sustainability, and relevance.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and creative culture.

What you’ll do:

This is a senior-level position reporting to the Deputy Director/COO. The job requires previous experience in informal science education, exhibit development, staff management, project planning, project budgeting, and project management.

The Director of Exhibits is responsible for developing a strategic vision for the museum’s exhibits, ensuring they align with Discovery Lab’s educational mission and engage diverse audiences through interactive, inclusive, and accessible experiences.

The Director of Exhibits oversees the exhibit enterprise including all temporary and permanent exhibit development, design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance as well as exhibit sales and rentals for Discovery Lab. The Director of Exhibits develops and monitors the annual exhibits budget, oversees exhibit production shop areas and warehouse, and contracts with outside vendors as necessary.

All positions at Discovery Lab are required to assist with front-line operations as needed and may be assigned other duties as applicable by their direct supervisor. This position description is representative of the major position requirements and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Oversees the exhibit development process for new museum-produced exhibits and renovations.
• Directs exhibit design, development, prototyping, and construction including supervision of exhibit production and operations.
• Responsible for exhibit staff training and performance management.
• Ensures that all exhibits are aligned with Discovery Lab’s strategic plan and mission objectives.
• Responsible for exhibit installations and de-installations
• Develops and manages business plans, budgets, and project management schedules
• Oversees the cleaning, organization, and maintenance of exhibit shop, warehouse, exhibit yard, and shop equipment
• Provides content/collateral required by development for grant writing and fundraising
• Responsible for exhibit repair and maintenance
• Develops, articulates, and implements a strategic vision for renting exhibitions and exhibit sales to ensure the exhibit enterprise achieves revenue targets
• Responds to sales inquiries from the public, staff, and other museums and maintains a high standard of customer service
• Serves on the Exhibits Committee and represents the Exhibits department at Board meetings.
• Ensures effective cross-departmental communication and collaborates on museum-wide projects

What you’ll need:

• Demonstrated knowledge of exhibit construction techniques, materials, production processes, and practices.
• Proficient in museum exhibit design or development; children’s and science museum exhibit design or development preferred.
• Demonstrated strategic, financial, project, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and customer service skills to work effectively with people of diverse talents and backgrounds.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to exercise initiative and good judgment in anticipating problems before they arise.
• Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under pressure with flexibility.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and ensure accuracy under pressure. Four-year college degree in Exhibit Design, Museum Studies, Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in exhibit design, fabrication, or management, preferably in science or children’s museums 2 years’ experience with development and oversight of budgets, establishment of work plans, and creation and implementation of project timelines.
• 2 years managing individuals who are working on projects or programs.

Whom you’ll support:

Exhibit Designer

Lead Exhibit Builder

Exhibit Technician

Exhibit Builders

All Discovery Lab staff are encouraged to enhance team spirit and support throughout the organization.

How you’ll work:

This position is regular, full-time, and exempt with a typical schedule of Monday – Friday. Occasional after-hours or weekends may be required. Moderate to loud noise environment. Required to work near moving mechanical parts.

Physical Demands

50% sitting, 40% standing, 10% lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling at least 50lbs.

Mental Demands

Flexibility, resilience, reasoning, and decision-making.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,825.00 - $100,100.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Office

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $66,825 - $100,100