Exhibition Project Manager III

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 supervision, simultaneously manage multiple medium and large exhibition projects from initial planning and design through construction and installation. Responsible for overall project communication and coordination on high-risk, high-visibility projects with impacts to the organization both internally and externally. Bring high-level expertise to the task of developing effective cross-divisional teams encompassing the work of Exhibitions (content, design, production, and interpretive media), Facilities (electrical and plumbing), and Animal Care (animal collections, life support, controls, HVAC, water quality), as well as architects, engineers, specialty designers and fabricators, the general contractor, and other external consultants. Perform other duties as required. The mission of Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans. All work will be conducted in a way that promotes animal welfare, environmental sustainability, as well as a sustainable culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Core Activities:

Develop and manage project plans (e.g. project objectives, action plans, responsibility charts, detailed requirements, etc.) for medium to large public-facing Exhibition projects from design through construction.

Develop scope, schedule, budgets and estimates, and identify resources needed for exhibition projects.

Update key project documentation throughout each project.

Produce and present quarterly status reports related to progress, budget, and schedule, developing risk mitigation strategies at all phases.

Lead collaborative processes (e.g. brainstorming, feedback and decision-making sessions, creative development, workshops, and retrospective reviews)

Lead cross-functional project meetings across multiple departments and divisions, managing overall project communication and coordination.

Manage project deliverables (from content, design, animal care, exhibit fabrication, and general construction) against project requirements (e.g. scope, timelines, budget) from initial planning through completion.

Review and manage the work of other staff and project managers throughout the Aquarium working on Exhibition projects, soliciting expertise, providing guidance and direction, and providing approvals.

Communicate expectations across key stakeholders and provide constructive feedback informally and formally to individual team members to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards are achieved.

Define needs and develop scopes of work, requests for proposal, and award of contracts for subcontractors and specialty fabricators.

Manage subcontractors, ensuring consistency and adherence to project parameters. (Subcontractors on large Exhibition projects can include the Architect, Engineer, Designers, General Contractor, Specialty Fabrication, and consultants).

Coordinate and track permit submittals or other documentation required by outside agencies, in coordination with our design team, the Architect, Engineer, and other project partners, related to Exhibition projects.

Develop new (and refine existing) processes, standards, and procedures to implement strategic project goals completely and efficiently.

Manage and configure tools for project management and provide guidance and training to team members on standard operating procedures.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

BA or MA, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Project Management certification or equivalent experience preferred

Minimum 4-5 years of project management experience

An experienced project manager who is self-directed, and can work under limited guidance

Deep level knowledge of exhibition project management and visitor-centered museum practice

Ability to keep creative and complex projects focused, on track, and in line with our goals and mission.

Leadership qualities with strong team building, communication, and active listening skills required

Experience with facilitation and design thinking

Ability to model an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment on project teams for all disciplines to contribute their best work in line with project constraints and parameters.

Ability to build positive relationships with personnel from other Aquarium divisions, leadership staff, contractors, and stakeholders

Capable of adhering to critical project timing while using good judgment, problem-solving skills, and follow-through

Maintains safety standards on all site work for projects, including internal staff and contractors

Ability, with training, to work with contractors and to learn to recognize and direct remediation of common construction hazards such as elevated work, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, the hazardous release of stored energy

Excellent computer skills (i.e. google docs, preparing presentations, creating budget spreadsheets, database management, email)

Experience preparing and managing project budgets from conceptual square-foot budgets and detailed estimates, through cost-to-complete tracking

Knowledge and experience reading, interpreting, and notating architectural and technical drawings

Knowledge with construction and specialty exhibit fabrication

Knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and/or Sprint project management methods

Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Must possess, or be able to obtain within the first 3 months of employment, a valid California driver's license in order to operate Monterey Bay Aquarium vehicles

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Typical office equipment

Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending

Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs

Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, active installation and construction sites, occasional offsite events and/or subcontractor visits

Annual Compensation Range:

$84,600-$104,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.