Director of Museum Operations

Role Overview:

The Director of Museum Operations for our heritage museum is a unique role that combines modern

business logistics with the stewardship of history. Unlike a standard gallery, our operations focus heavily

on historic preservation, site-specific security, and managing the delicate balance between high-volume

public access and the protection of irreplaceable cultural assets. You will ensure the museum’s building,

landscapes, and daily functions are managed to the highest professional standards.

The Museum Operations Balance Framework:

To create a cohesive environment, the Director of Operations acts as the "center of gravity" between

two often-competing forces:

1. Front of House (The Visitor Journey): Focuses on hospitality, engagement, storytelling, and

comfort.

2. Back of House (The Heritage Stewardship): Focuses on preservation, security, infrastructure,

and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop the museum's operations strategy and readiness assessment plan.
• Develop a visitors' experience strategy for the museum.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to improve institutional efficiency.
• Oversee the annual operational budget, including long-term capital improvement projects.
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the museum's strategic
• roadmap.

2. Heritage Facility & Site Stewardship

• Oversee the maintenance of historic structures and grounds, ensuring all repairs align with
• preservation standards and local heritage codes.
• Manage specialized HVAC and climate-control systems essential for the stabilization of archival
• materials and organic artifacts.
• Coordinate with conservation specialists to ensure that facilities work does not compromise the
• integrity of the historic site.

3. Risk Management & Collection Security

• Develop security protocols tailored to historic layouts (e.g., non-standard exits, multi-building
• campuses).
• Serve as the primary liaison for insurance providers regarding Fine Arts & Heritage coverage and
• risk assessment.
• Maintain the museum’s Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recovery plans, with a focus on
• Salvage priorities for the permanent collection.

4. Public Engagement & Event Operations

• Oversee the "Front of House" team to provide an immersive, educational, and welcoming visitor
• experience.
• Manage the operational logistics for educational tours, historical reenactments, and
• community festivals.
• Coordinate the use of the site for private rentals (weddings, corporate events) while ensuring
• strict protection of the heritage environment.

5. Sustainability & Growth

• Identify and implement "green" operational practices that are compatible with historic
• architecture.
• Manage vendor contracts for specialized services, such as heritage-appropriate landscaping or
• traditional masonry.
• Oversee the museum’s retail/gift shop operations, ensuring merchandise reflects the museum’s
• historical mission.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in Museum Studies, Heritage Management, Cultural Economics, or a related field
• 10–12+ years of progressive operational leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a high-profile museum, cultural site, or UNESCO World Heritage location.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated experience in "Museum Readiness" or launching new cultural institutions