Director of Exhibits

Description: Museum of the Earth (MotE) at the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) seeks an experienced and motivated individual to serve as the head of our Exhibits Department. PRI is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. MotE exhibits make accessible the history of life on Earth, the processes by which the Earth system works, and the science by which we understand it.

The ideal candidate will have experience in leading teams, managing projects, and developing natural history and science exhibits. The Director of Exhibits will be responsible for developing and implementing an enhanced strategic vision for exhibits at Museum of the Earth, for overseeing department planning and exhibit-related projects and programs including the future development of the institution’s nascent traveling exhibits program. This position reports to the Associate Director for Outreach and works closely with other institutional personnel, especially outreach, collections, and museum operations staff in a team-centered environment.

Main job responsibilities include:
-- leading all aspects of the exhibits program at the Museum of the Earth, including development, fabrication, installation, and maintanance of permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits, traveling exhibits, and local offsite exhibits
-- supervising an Exhibits Manager and exhibits volunteers, working closely with other PRI staff, and collaborating with scientists and exhibits staff at other organizations
-- budgeting and fundraising for exhibits projects, and scheduling exhibits installations
-- overseeing exhibit evaluation

Requirements: Four year college degree; advanced degree strongly preferred, with strong preference for some background in natural sciences and informal education; 5+ years managing individuals, leading teams, and project management; 3+ years of e xperience designing and fabricating interactive exhibits for museum audiences; excellent written and oral communication skills and excellent organizational skills; flexibility, willingness to learn new things, and openness to receiving feedback; strong customer service orientation and willingness to provide assistance to others. Strong preference for software technology skills, including Adobe products and databases.

PRI is a fast-paced, non-profit; must be able to work on many projects simultaneously. Must work well in both an individual and team setting. Must be able to be lead and participate in each aspect of exhibit development, from conception through design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance. Irregular hours and periodic travel sometimes necessary.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications:
Applicants should send a cover letter describing interest and qualifications for the position, highlighting relevant skills, a resume/CV, and a list of three references (including address, phone number, and e-mail address) by email to ross@museumoftheearth.org or by post to: Robert Ross, Associate Director for Outreach, Paleontological Research Institution, 1259 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 (USA). We will review applications as they are submitted, starting July 21, and plan to fill the position as soon as possible.

The Paleontological Research Institution is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

7/2010

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Associate Director for Institutional Advancement

The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI), in Ithaca, New York, seeks a dynamic, highly motivated individual to lead its fundraising and public relations programs.

Founded in 1932, PRI is an independent natural history museum holding one of the nation's largest fossil collections and publishing its oldest paleontological journal. It operates the Museum of the Earth, a major public exhibits and education facility, and is a national leader in informal Earth science education. PRI has numerous and growing relationships with Cornell University, but is independent of the University.

Responsibilities of this position include coordination of all fundraising and public relations activities of the Institution, including: supervision of development staff and volunteers; management of annual, planned, corporate, and foundation giving; working with the Director and Board on planning and implementation of major gift fundraising; supervision of membership recruitment and retention; and supervision of all marketing and public relations activity. The successful applicant will have strong experience in fundraising; demonstrated management skills; flexibility; and the ability to work well with diverse people in a fast-paced environment. Experience with major campaigns is a strong plus. Salary dependent on experience.

Applications should include cover letter, resume, and names and addresses of three references, and be addressed to: Director, Paleontological Research Institution, 1259 Trumansburg Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. More information is available at www.priweb.org and www.museumoftheearth.org.

7/2010