The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.
The Exhibits Manager provides operational leadership for exhibition implementation, exhibit maintenance, and exhibit project delivery across The Henry Ford's venues. This role is responsible for supervising the Exhibits Team and managing the planning, coordination, fabrication, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of exhibitions, exhibit components, and artifact-based displays.
Serving as the operational project manager, this position translates approved exhibition concepts into successful installations by coordinating people, schedules, resources, vendors, fabrication, logistics, and exhibit maintenance. Working collaboratively with the Head of Exhibitions and Performances, Experience Design, the AV Technology Manager, Historical Resources, and other institutional partners, the Exhibits Manager ensures exhibition projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with institutional quality standards while supporting an exceptional guest experience.
Essential Responsibilities
- Supervises the Exhibits Team, including union Exhibits Preparators and Exhibits Maintenance Utility staff, through hiring, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and workforce development
- Leads the planning, coordination, and operational execution of temporary exhibitions, exhibit installations, artifact rotations, gallery improvements, and related exhibit projects across The Henry Ford's venues
- Serves as the operational project manager by developing project schedules, coordinating resources, monitoring timelines, resolving issues, and ensuring successful project delivery
- Partners with the Head of Exhibitions and Performances, Experience Design, and the AV Technology Manager to coordinate the successful implementation of exhibition projects while maintaining clear ownership of design, technology, and operational responsibilities
- Coordinates the work of internal departments, contractors, vendors, consultants, lenders, and other external partners to support exhibit fabrication, installation, technology integration, logistics, and deinstallation
- Oversees exhibit fabrication, installation, maintenance, repairs, rigging activities, artifact movement, and exhibit support services to ensure exhibits remain safe, functional, and presentation-ready
- Manages the Exhibits work order and ticketing system, prioritizing requests based on operational needs, safety, exhibit quality, and guest experience
- Ensures exhibition projects and exhibit operations comply with institutional standards, preservation requirements, safety regulations, accessibility expectations, and museum best practices
- Collaborates with Historical Resources to support appropriate artifact handling, installation methods, and preservation standards throughout exhibit projects
- Develops and maintains departmental procedures, operational standards, and continuous improvement initiatives supporting exhibit operations and project delivery
- Represents the Exhibitions department during project planning, exhibit reviews, institutional initiatives, media opportunities, tours, and special events as appropriate
- Performs additional responsibilities that support the operational objectives and strategic priorities of the Exhibitions department and The Henry Ford
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, Exhibition Design, Construction Management, Project Management, Theater Production, Fine Arts, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in museum exhibitions, exhibit fabrication, exhibit production, construction, project management, or a related operational environment, including 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
- Experience supervising represented (union) employees or demonstrated knowledge of collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations, and progressive discipline preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience with project management, work order, scheduling, or ticketing systems
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects, coordinating multiple priorities, and delivering projects on schedule
- Ability to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to support exhibit installations and special events
Special Skills
- Exceptional organizational, time management, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex projects
- Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships and effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and coordinate projects across multiple departments to achieve successful outcomes
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to supervise, coach, develop, and motivate employees within a collective bargaining environment
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Knowledge of museum exhibition development, installation, artifact handling, and preservation practices sufficient to effectively oversee exhibit projects
- Ability to effectively manage contractors, consultants, vendors, and external partners while maintaining project schedules and quality standards
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL
The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical:
- Sitting: 50%; Standing: 25%; Walking: 25%
- Occasional: Lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 50 lbs; Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb ladders while inspecting exhibit installations, maintenance activities, or project work; Navigate exhibit galleries, workshops, storage areas, construction zones, and outdoor campus locations; Handle exhibit materials or artifacts in accordance with established procedures
- Rare: Crawl or work in confined spaces when necessary to inspect exhibit installations or maintenance activities
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Sufficient manual dexterity & coordination to operate standard office equipment, inspect exhibit installations, climb ladders, and safely handle exhibit materials or artifacts when necessary
Vision: Normal or corrected vision sufficient to review exhibit plans, inspect installations, and operate standard office equipment
Mental: Strong observation, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously; Ability to adapt to changing priorities and communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Environment: Work performed in office, museum, exhibit, workshop, storage, construction, and outdoor environments; Regular exposure to dust, noise, temperature fluctuations, non climate-controlled spaces, and occasional smoke associated with historic operations; Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to support exhibit installations, maintenance activities, special events, and operational needs.
