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Contract Museum Programming Jobs in Massachusetts

Senior Electrical Engineer [Boston]

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

... NYC), Museum of Ice Cream (NYC), National Aquarium (Baltimore), The National WWII Museum (New ... Responsive to client requests to provide designs within the contract agreement. * Works with client ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer [Boston]

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

... NYC), Museum of Ice Cream (NYC), National Aquarium (Baltimore), The National WWII Museum (New ... Responsive to client requests to provide designs within the contract agreement. * Works with client ...

... NYC), Museum of Ice Cream (NYC), National Aquarium (Baltimore), The National WWII Museum (New ... Responsive to client requests to provide designs within the contract agreement. * Code/References

Chief Financial Officer

Salem, MA ยท On-site

$200 - $250/hr

... programming, research, and community partnerships, the museum serves as a vibrant cultural ... Contracts & Institutional Risk Oversight * Partner with the COO in providing executive oversight of ...

$200 - $250/hr

... programming, research, and community partnerships, the museum serves as a vibrant cultural ... Contracts & Institutional Risk Oversight Partner with the COO in providing executive oversight of ...

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Contract Museum Programming information

What are some common challenges faced in a contract museum programming role, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the primary challenges in contract museum programming is balancing multiple project deadlines while adapting to the institution's unique culture and expectations. Contractors often need to quickly establish rapport with permanent staff and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on program goals. Flexibility and strong organizational skills are key, as programs may require last-minute adjustments due to changes in exhibits, funding, or audience needs. Proactively seeking feedback and maintaining open lines of communication can help contract professionals integrate smoothly and deliver successful programs.

What is contract museum programming?

Contract museum programming jobs involve planning, organizing, and delivering educational or cultural programs for museums on a contract or temporary basis. These professionals may design workshops, lectures, tours, or special events tailored to different audiences. They often collaborate with museum staff, educators, and artists to create engaging experiences that support the museum's mission and goals. Contract roles allow museums to bring in specialized skills or extra support for specific projects or busy seasons.

What is the difference between Contract Museum Programming vs Contract Museum Education Coordinator?

AspectContract Museum ProgrammingContract Museum Education Coordinator
CredentialsRelevant experience in programming, event planning, or curationTypically requires education background in museum studies, education, or related fields
Work EnvironmentIn museums, cultural institutions, or event spacesPrimarily in museums, focusing on educational programs and visitor engagement
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by museums and cultural organizations for temporary or project-based programmingCommonly employed in museums to develop and implement educational initiatives

Contract Museum Programming focuses on creating and managing temporary or special events and exhibitions, while Contract Museum Education Coordinators concentrate on developing educational programs and engaging visitors through learning initiatives. Both roles require museum experience but differ in primary responsibilities and skill sets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract museum programmer?

To thrive as a Contract Museum Programmer, you generally need a background in art history, education, or museum studies, along with experience in program development and event coordination. Familiarity with museum management software, registration systems, and digital engagement tools is often required. Strong communication, creativity, and organizational skills are essential for collaborating with diverse stakeholders and designing engaging experiences. These skills ensure effective, audience-focused programming that enhances the museum's mission and visitor engagement.
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Contract Museum Programming jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Contract Museum Programming job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Museum Programming job openings in Massachusetts as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Director of Facilities Operations

Museum of Fine Arts

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Facilities Operations, Construction and Real Estate, the Assistant Director of Facilities is a senior facilities leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, and continuous improvement of the Museum’s facilities infrastructure. The Assistant Director ensures that the safety, efficient, reliable, and sustainable operation of all Museum-owned and leased properties are in place and up to standards, while maintaining the precise environmental conditions required to preserve world-class collections.

The Assistant Director provides leadership for facilities engineering, maintenance, utilities, building automation, life safety systems, capital renewal, and technical services. Working collaboratively with Museum leadership, curatorial staff, project managers, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies, this position develops and implements long-term infrastructure strategies that enhance operational excellence, minimize risk, improve energy performance, and support the Museum’s mission.

The Assistant Director leads a diverse team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians while promoting a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

The Assistant Director of Facilities plays a critical role in preserving the Museum’s buildings and collections while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and sustainable environment for visitors, staff, volunteers, and the community. Through strong leadership and sound stewardship of the Museum’s infrastructure, this position directly supports the Museum’s mission today and for future generations.


Essential Functions:

Strategic Leadership

  • In partnership with the Senior Director of Facilities, provides leadership and direction for all Facilities Operations.
  • Develop and implement long-term infrastructure and asset management strategies.
  • Work closely with the Senior Director of Facilities to align departmental goals with the Museum’s strategic objectives.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
  • Develop performance metrics and key performance indicators to measure operational effectiveness.

Facilities Operations & Engineering

  • Direct the operation, maintenance, repair, and optimization of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, controls, fire protection, and life safety systems.
  • Maintain environmental conditions necessary for the preservation of collections while maximizing occupant comfort and energy efficiency.
  • Utilize Building Management Systems (BMS) and building analytics to optimize system performance.
  • Lead preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs. This includes the equipment in multiple food service locations.
  • Develop and document operational standards and standard operating procedures.

Asset Management & Capital Planning

  • Assist with the development of a comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment and capital renewal plan.
  • Prioritize deferred maintenance and infrastructure improvements using risk-based methodologies.
  • Support development of the Museum’s annual and multi-year capital budgets.
  • Manage lifecycle replacement programs for major building systems.
  • Develop and maintain a library of as-builts, hardware schedules, warranties, and inspection renewals for the Museum's properties
  • Evaluate emerging technologies that improve reliability, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Project Management

  • Lead capital improvement projects, renovations, exhibit installations, and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Coordinate architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and vendors.
  • Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with Museum standards.
  • Review construction documents and technical specifications.
  • Ensure required permits are obtained and coordinate inspections.

Financial Management

  • Assist in developing and administering annual operating and capital budgets.
  • Monitor expenditures and forecast financial performance.
  • Manage service contracts and vendor relationships.
  • Develop technical specifications and oversee competitive procurement processes.
  • Identify opportunities for operational savings and reduction alternatives

Leadership & Staff Development

  • Hire, train, mentor, coach, and develop Facilities supervisors and staff, addressing issues as they arise.
  • Manage hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, succession planning, and employee development.
  • Promote teamwork, employee engagement, and professional development.

Energy Management & Sustainability

  • Develop and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption and utility costs.
  • Identify opportunities for utility incentives and energy rebates.
  • Support the Museum’s sustainability initiatives through efficient building operations and infrastructure improvements.
  • Monitor building performance using analytics and industry benchmarks.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, EPA, ASHRAE, local building codes, and all applicable regulations and coordinate related training programs.
  • Serve as departmental leader for workplace safety initiatives.
  • Oversee hazardous materials management and regulatory inspections.
  • Maintain required permits, inspection records, and compliance documentation.

Emergency Management

  • Participate in emergency preparedness planning and business continuity efforts.
  • Respond to critical facility emergencies on a 24/7 on-call basis.
  • Lead recovery efforts following mechanical failures, utility interruptions, or weather-related events.

Requirements and Characteristics:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or related field.
  • Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible facilities management experience, supervising technical staff, within a complex institutional environment.
  • Demonstrated leadership in managing and inspiring a diverse workforce and elicit excellence and accountability
  • Demonstrated experience (or “proven success”) managing large capital projects and operating budgets.
  • Experience managing unionized workforces preferred.

Knowledge & Technical Expertise

  • Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and life safety systems.
  • Building Automation Systems (BMS/DDC).
  • Preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
  • Emergency preparedness and business continuity.
  • Asset management and lifecycle planning.
  • Energy management and sustainability.
  • Construction administration.
  • Budget development and financial management.
  • CMMS platforms.
  • Building codes and regulatory compliance.

Leadership Competencies

  • Strategic thinker
  • Technical excellence
  • Sound judgment
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • Collaborative and influential style
  • Financial acumen
  • Technical and computer literacy
  • Integrity and accountability
  • Interest in mentoring and staff development
  • Solid customer service and relationship management
  • Change management
  • Continuous improvement mindset and self-direction to stay abreast of best practices and relevant compliance
  • Discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential matters

Working Conditions

This position requires flexibility and ability to cover periodic evening and weekend work and participation in a rotating 24-hour on-call schedule to respond to facility emergencies. The role requires frequent travel throughout Museum facilities/campus, including mechanical rooms, rooftops, construction sites, and other operational areas.


Salary Range: $120,000 - $143,000 commensurate with experience


The Museum reserves the right to change job descriptions. While this job description is intended to include essential duties, it is conceivable that job duties may change before the job description is officially revised.

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.