Temporary

The Skirball Cultural Center seeks a Project Director, Core Renewal Project through Fall 2030. Reporting to the President and CEO, this position will lead the development and day-to-day management of the Skirball’s reimagined core exhibition—managing the conceptualization, design, and implementation—that will attract and engage a diverse audience, build relationships with those who share the organization’s values, and provide a one-of-a-kind experience that distinguishes the Skirball among Jewish and other cultural institutions in Los Angeles and around the world. 

Starting salary: $160,000

Responsibilities:

• Manage and facilitate the planning, production, and implementation of the core exhibition in accordance with complex timelines, budgets, and professional museum practices
• Supervise and coordinate the work of all internal and external contributors in the execution of the complex and diverse aspects of the exhibition
• Serve as the liaison with Board committees, lead interdepartmental staff-led planning, and coordinate with advisory and stakeholder groups
• Commission audience research, feedback, and input throughout the exhibition development; integrate findings into the design and production
• Analyze, assess, and make recommendations regarding the feasibility and value of exhibition concepts; provide direction and guidance in their development; collaborate with contributors to develop exhibition parameters
• Develop and manage budgets and timelines
• Audit exhibit components regularly to ensure the final product is in line with the organization’s accessibility, educational messaging, and design standards and appropriately addresses sensitive and controversial issues
• Oversee production, fabrication, installation, and quality control of the exhibition
• Partner with key staff across the institution to ensure the successful integration of all tasks and impacts
• Participate in donor meetings, walk-throughs, and briefings
• Participate in institution-wide calendar processes; develop a comprehensive schedule for maintenance, replacement, and care of exhibit components after completion
• Identify ongoing expenses and staffing needs to support the core exhibition and provide budget information to be including in annual operating budgets and Capital Campaign Planning
• Develop, manage, and oversee communication systems to keep stakeholders informed and updated on core exhibition planning and projects

Qualifications, Experience, and Attributes:

• 15+ years of relevant experience planning and overseeing major exhibitions and a demonstrated background in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing public-facing experiences and operations for diverse audiences
• Track record of creating highly interactive and engaging experiences that meet organizational vision, programmatic goals, and deliver audience and evaluation metrics
• Extensive knowledge of museum standards and practices including working knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of presenting religious content, personal and community stories, and material culture
• Expertise with financial management, budgeting, and risk management; experience managing exhibition budgets in excess of $10M
• Exceptional track record of developing, maintaining, communicating, and successfully managing complex schedules, critical deadlines, a wide range of producers and collaborators, and significant risks to schedule and budget
• Proven experience building and managing teams
• Strong commitment and ability to increase belonging, diversity, equity, and accessibility
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, professional collaborators, donors, vendors, and volunteers in an environment that prioritizes belonging and inclusive community; ability to interact diplomatically with the public
• Excellent written communication skills with demonstrated ability to conceive and produce high-level correspondence, membership/visitor materials, and public messaging
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to travel (15-30%) and work weekends and evenings as appropriate
• Preferred: Background in developing content for youth/teen audiences, audience engagement, public history, communications, media, environmental design, education and/or background in sharing Jewish heritage and culture with diverse audiences