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Exhibition Director Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Director

College Park, MD · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Summary The Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Programs acts as a direct assistant to the Director of the David C. Driskell Center in all aspects of managing, planning and coordinating activities ...

Assistant Director

College Park, MD · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Summary The Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Programs acts as a direct assistant to the Director of the David C. Driskell Center in all aspects of managing, planning and coordinating activities ...

Exhibits Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

This position is located in the Office of Exhibits, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ... Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer * Males born after 12/31/59 must be ...

Exhibits Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

This position is located in the Office of Exhibits, National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute ... Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer * Males born after 12/31/59 must be ...

Proactive, organized leader that exhibits calm demeanor and well-constructed approach to obstacles ... Under direct supervision of the Senior Director of Clinical Services or designee.

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Exhibition Director information

What is the difference between Exhibition Director vs Exhibition Coordinator?

AspectExhibition DirectorExhibition Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall exhibition planning, strategy, and high-level managementHandles logistics, setup, and day-to-day coordination of exhibitions
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in arts management, event planning, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesOften requires experience in event coordination, with relevant certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentLeadership in museums, galleries, or large event organizationsOn-site at venues, working closely with vendors and staff

The Exhibition Director focuses on strategic oversight and high-level management of exhibitions, while the Exhibition Coordinator handles the operational details and logistics. Both roles are essential for successful exhibitions but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does an Exhibition Director do?

An Exhibition Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, organization, and execution of exhibitions and events. They coordinate with artists, vendors, curators, and staff to ensure the exhibition runs smoothly and meets its goals. Their duties often include budgeting, marketing, logistics, and managing installation and deinstallation processes. Exhibition Directors also work to ensure the event attracts visitors and provides a positive experience for both exhibitors and attendees.

What are the primary challenges an Exhibition Director faces when coordinating large-scale events?

One of the main challenges an Exhibition Director encounters is balancing the logistical demands of organizing complex events with the expectations of exhibitors and attendees. This involves coordinating multiple stakeholders, managing budgets, and ensuring all regulatory and safety requirements are met. Additionally, adapting quickly to unforeseen issues, such as last-minute cancellations or technical problems, is crucial. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as the role requires frequent collaboration with marketing, operations, and vendor teams to deliver a seamless exhibition experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exhibition Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exhibition Director, a strong background in event management, budgeting, and a relevant degree in arts administration, business, or a related field is essential. Familiarity with event management software, CRM systems, and health and safety regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help in managing diverse teams and building partnerships. These skills ensure successful planning, execution, and profitability of exhibitions while providing an engaging experience for attendees.
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Director, Exhibits Design and Special Projects

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Exhibits, Design, and Special Projects, Office of the Deputy Director HMSG, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Office of the Under Secretary of Museum and Culture (OUSMC), Smithsonian Institution (SI).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Director of Exhibits, Design, and Special Projects holds primary responsibility for the planning, design, production, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions as well as public and non-public spaces.
In this position, you will:
  • Supervise and direct day-to-day functions of Exhibits, Design, and Special Projects and Publications staff.
  • Oversee short- and long-range program planning for the exhibition programs at HMSG.
  • Plan and manage exhibition, tour, and special project schedules, including the establishment and tracking of project timelines, milestones, and required deliverables.
  • Prepare budget estimates for all departmental teams as well as the museum's upcoming exhibitions support requirements.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Requires career/career-conditional status or eligibility.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Education
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position.
Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.
or
Specialized Experience
Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes work in the appropriate field, e.g., design, modelmaking, art, taxidermy, or restoration.
In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as supervisory experience leading exhibition planning, managing budget development; and designing and implementing plans for touring exhibition programs.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
In an effort to streamline our hiring process, SI employees whose current position of record is in the same job series (1010) and who are in a (Federal competitive or excepted service appointment) as this advertised position, are not required to submit a transcript with your application package. However, if selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcript before your start date in the position.
Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).
Education
This position has basic education requirements.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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