Senior Exhibition Developer

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.  We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Under limited oversight, lead the process of content development for large projects/exhibits throughout the exhibition planning and design process. This core member of a creative team that includes designers, A/V media developers, production staff, and project managers plays a critical role by consistently and reliably bringing the clarity of purpose and message that allows the team to direct creative energy towards shared communication goals. As an advocate both for visitors and for the MBA’s mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Senior Exhibition Developer leads the team in the process of synthesizing complex concepts related to marine science and ocean conservation into engaging experiences for a diverse audience. Perform other duties as required.*

*Please note: A cover letter, resume and writing samples are required to be considered for this role. For the writing samples, please include 2-4 examples of something you wrote to make complex content engaging and accessible for a general audience, with an explanation of why you chose these examples to represent your work.

Core Activities:

• Develop and document exhibit content, organizing ideas and effectively communicating exhibit messages, themes, and interpretive goals for project teams and across the organization.
• Advocate for exhibit messages throughout a collaborative development and design process, consistently leading the project team towards design decisions that serve content goals, often negotiating the perspectives of diverse reviewers and stakeholders, including senior MBA leadership.
• Conduct research in complex subject matter both independently and working closely with expert colleagues in our Animal Care and Conservation and Science divisions.
• Serve as lead writer for text, scripts for large and diverse exhibitions A/V media and live auditorium shows, and other interpretive tools and products.
• Develop prototypes for exhibit elements, working independently and in collaboration with exhibit production staff.
• Research and acquire images, A/V media, artworks, objects, and other assets for display.
• Lead the design and implementation of exhibit evaluations that support project goals (including evaluation staff and/or contractors).
• Partners with colleagues across divisions (e.g. Guest Experience, Education, Volunteers, etc.) to align exhibits and communication goals with programs, products, and tools/trainings.
• Identify and supervise external contractors, advisors, and service providers as needed.
• Serve as key spokesperson for exhibition projects to internal and external audiences, including preparing and giving presentations to staff, speaking to donors, conducting media appearances as needed, and negotiating project decisions with senior leadership and other key stakeholders.
• Serve on Aquarium-wide committees as an informed spokesperson and Exhibitions Division representative and liaison.
• Represent MBA at conferences, meetings with contractors or collaborators, or on research trips (travel as needed).
• Mentor and coach emerging colleagues.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Minimum 6-9 years of prior relevant experience
• Emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to self-reflect
• Commitment to collaboration and an iterative experience-design process
• Resilience, flexibility, and a high tolerance for ambiguity
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional ability to organize, document, and effectively communicate complex ideas
• Demonstrated ability to lead meetings and guide diverse groups towards successful outcomes
• Demonstrated presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead creative teams on large and complex exhibition projects.
• Significant knowledge of best practices in exhibit development, evaluation, and visitor-centered museum practice
• Knowledge of Spanish helpful but not required
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values and the core values of the Exhibitions Division

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, walking, standing, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium, and offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:

$91,200-$116,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

Salary : $91,200 - $116,000