Exhibit Manager | Houston, TX

Job Title:  EXHIBIT MANAGER 
Reports to:  Senior Director - Guest Engagement 
Job Status:  Full-time, some evening, weekend, and holiday hours 
Pay Classification:  Exempt, Benefits eligible 
Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000 
  

About The Health Museum 

The Health Museum is a mid-sized interactive science center with a highly collaborative work culture. Our mission is to inspire wonder and curiosity about health, medical science and the human body. While families and schools with elementary and secondary school children make up a large segment of our visitors, we serve a diverse group of guests and continually strive to create a welcoming and accessible space for our visitors. 

Our footprint includes a combination of approximately 10,000 sf of permanent and travelling exhibition galleries, including an interactive lab space. In addition to a focus on exhibitions that explore the science of health and medicine, we launched a Healing Arts Initiative in 2024. Through programs and community-based exhibits, this initiative explores the intersections of art, culture, and medicine in an effort to raise awareness of important health topics in the community and promote well-being.    

The Health Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate and member institution of the Texas Medical Center. We are located in Houston, Texas, in the heart of the Houston Museum District. 

Please note that The Health Museum is not a traditional collections-based museum. 

Job Description Summary:  

Guided by the Museum’s mission and strategic plan, the Exhibit Manager’s primary responsibilities include creating and/or maintaining inspirational, functional, accessible, and safe exhibition spaces at the Museum, and in some instances, out in the community.  

In addition to day-to-day management of exhibitions, the Exhibit Manager will work with the Senior Director of Guest Engagement to develop both short and long-range plans and budgets for permanent exhibitions and travelling exhibitions from other institutions. Examples of upcoming projects include equipment updates in our interactive lab and the installation of a new, 2000 sf immersive experience that is currently under development and slated for a 2026 opening.  

Candidates for this position should be able to demonstrate a solid grasp of industry standards and best practices, the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, and enthusiasm for the Museum’s mission. Candidates should also be comfortable managing exhibits that employ technologies including interactive monitors, projectors, microscopes, various computer components, etc.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITES: 

Exhibit Planning 

Work with the Senior Director of Guest Engagement to develop and implement multi-year exhibit plan and budget.  

Identify potential traveling exhibitions that align with mission, audience, and resources. 

Project Management  

Oversee different phases of exhibit projects, which may include coordination with traveling exhibit companies, floorplans, design, fabrication, installation, lighting, and evaluation.  

Create and manage project timelines, budgets, contracts, and resources to ensure exhibits are completed and/or (de)installed on time and within budget.  

Submit documentation (including contracts, invoices, receipts, reports, etc.) in a timely manner.  

Coordinate with consultants, vendors, and contractors, as needed for exhibit design, fabrication, maintenance, and/or (de)installation.  

Work with Facilities staff to coordinate scheduling and site/equipment needs.   

Exhibit maintenance  

Ensure exhibits are maintained to a high standard of function and safety.  

Troubleshoot exhibit issues. 

Develop and implement procedures for regular exhibit maintenance, updates and repairs. 

Maintain exhibit storage area, workshop, and tool inventory.  

Manage and maintain physical and digital assets.  

Supervise exhibit technicians as needed. 

Compliance and Safety 

Ensure exhibits comply with safety regulations, accessibility standards, and best practices in museum exhibit design. 

Manage risks associated with exhibit installation and maintenance, and ensure proper training and procedures are in place for staff. 

Collaboration and Communication 

Communicate effectively with museum staff, stakeholders, and the public regarding exhibit plans and progress. 

Work with Programming and Guest Services staff to coordinate training of staff and docents as needed 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Approach: Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and passion for science communication through exhibits in a museum/science center setting. Thrives in a small but highly collaborative team setting.  

Knowledge/Experience: 5 years+ of proven experience in exhibit management and/or development. While other fields with transferable skills (engineering, architecture, etc.) will be considered, familiarity with museum exhibits is key. Keeps current with best practices in exhibit design and visitor engagement.  

Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and monitor projects. Communicates in a timely manner and executes agreed upon project timeline and budget. Experience managing floorplans and (de)installation helpful. 

Quality Control: Prioritizes accessible, functional and safe exhibit space. Minimizes downtime when possible through regular maintenance, anticipating needs, and thoughtful scheduling.  

Communication: Demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills. Interested in working in an organization that values collaboration across departments 

Organization Skills: A self-starter who can handle multiple projects. Is adaptable and able to prioritize as needed.  Follows through on commitments.  Values the time of other by being prepared and on time for meetings and responding to emails. 

Team Orientation: Uses good judgement when communicating. Listens to others. Identifies team needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Keeps teams (both internal and external) informed about the status of pending actions. 

Due to the nature of the position, this is primarily an in-person position. There is the option for limited remote work hours (schedule and project permitting) after thirty days of employment.  

Skill sets within the exhibition field vary considerably. The description and qualifications listed are not all-inclusive, but they are representative of key responsibilities for the position.  

To apply please submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio of previous exhibit work (if applicable) to Kristi Birdsell, HR Manager, at hr@thehealthmuseum.org.