VP - Exhibits & Programs

Job Title: Vice President, Exhibits & Programs

Division: Exhibits & Programs

Department:

Supervisor: President & CEO

Location: Minnetrista Main Building

FLSA Status: Exempt, FT

Organizational Function: Leadership

PURPOSE:

Create and lead the guest experience at Minnetrista, including but not limited to exhibits, programs, and signature events. Direct and lead activities related to Minnetrista’s historic resources, including the acquisition, use, and management of the museum’s collection, as well as the preservation of the organization’s historic structures. Oversee and provide direction for the institutional exhibition program across Minnetrista’s 40-acre campus, and head the institution’s research and interpretation efforts. Supervise the development, delivery and evaluation of the visitor experience. Participate in strategic and operational discussions and decision-making as a member of the Leadership Team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have BS/BA in History, Arts Administration, Museum Studies or relevant field, coupled with five to eight (5-8) years’ related experience. Graduate degree preferred.
• Demonstrate knowledge of preservation methods and practices, including environmental monitoring.
• Display broad knowledge of professional museum collections standards, practices, and procedures, encompassing the care and display of object and archival collections, as well as database management and registration methods.
• Possess strong research skills; understand best mechanisms for sharing this research with staff and the general public.
• Show excellent communication, computer, project management and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively and ability to manage and meet deadlines.
• Be able to interact, manage, lead, motivate, and delegate as appropriate with division staff
• Present a broad knowledge of, and experience with: museum exhibit development, theory, and design; current best practices in audience engagement, informal education, visitor experience, and programming; understanding of and application of academic standards in museum settings.

To be successful in this position, an individual must be aligned with Minnetrista’s cultural values and visitor-centric focus. The incumbent ensures effective working relationships by cultivating and maintaining professional credibility with all staff, administration, and volunteers. The individual demonstrates maturity, sound judgment, positive attitude, and works collaboratively with peers and colleagues throughout the organization and community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Minnetrista’s culture is team-oriented and collaborative. To that end, all position responsibilities include the following three performance expectations & priorities:

• Achieve the organization’s purpose demonstrating Minnetrista’s vision, values, mission, goals, and strategies daily.
• Help others achieve the organization’s purpose through collaboration and teamwork.
• Carry out your job function through completing the following essential duties directly or through subordinate personnel.

JOB DUTIES:

Leadership

• Demonstrate understanding of institutional policies and procedures; make recommendations to the President and CEO when appropriate.
• Engage with entire Leadership Team in strategic thinking and proactive decision-making.

• Engage in and support continuous professional development for self and staff in the division and across the institution; maintain an understanding of museum and related trends in order to make strategic decisions. Participate in institutional success by improving processes, sharing information and contributing new ideas.
• Represent Minnetrista, specifically the collection, exhibitions, and programming, professionally through participation in a variety of state, regional, and national conferences, committees and organizational working groups.

Collections Management

• Guide and direct the collections management department according to institutional strategic framework, annual goals, museum policies, and within budget.
• Oversee the management of the collection, including the maintenance of accurate records; acquisition and deaccessioning of permanent collection; intellectual control; care and conservation of object and archival collections and historic structures; environmental monitoring; and access to collections via institutional research library, technology, hands-on opportunities, public programs, loans, and other opportunities.
• Provide leadership in the academic interpretation of the museum’s object and archival collections.

Curation & Exhibitions

• Develop and nurture relationships with regional historical and art organizations and special interest groups.
• Lead the preservation and appropriate use of historic resources.
• Coordinate and manage exhibition projects; includes long-term and short-term leased exhibits and in-house exhibits
• Coordinate collections-based historical research needed for exhibits, publications, and collections-related public programs.

Experience & Education

• Oversee the development, delivery and evaluation of a full and balanced schedule of educational programs, including but not limited to classes, workshops, lectures, and tours.
• Help create and champion a diverse offering of events and activities to attract, retain and grow visitor base.
• Guide content creation for digital programming; work collaboratively with other staff to ensure appropriate delivery platforms.
• Oversee development and delivery of theatre and outreach programs.
• Coach the development of Signature Events.

General

• Communicate with staff to promote and increase internal awareness of collection.
• Collaborate with communications department to activate collections and translate research into products – articles, publications, label copy, physical and virtual exhibits and programs.
• Represent Minnetrista in a professional manner through active participation and involvement in community activities and clubs.
• Serve as staff liaison for the Board of Trustees’ Collections Committee and the Visitor Experience Committee. Participate in Board meetings.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of divisional policies and work systems.
• Prepare and manage divisional budget; assist managers in preparing departmental budgets.
• Perform all other duties required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to work in an office environment as well as collections storage areas and exhibition spaces. May involve standing on concrete floors or sitting at a work station for long periods of time, exposure to dust and/or mold and moderate to high noise levels. Must be able to climb stairs, stretch, reach overhead, and lift up to 50 lbs. Remote work may be appropriate as facilitated through CEO. Must be able to move about 40-acre main campus. Work hours require flexibility with some evenings and weekends.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minnetrista values diversity and inclusivity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Revised 7/20, 4/23