Museum Manager

Please apply only if you are passionate about this work, local to South Florida and have your own reliable transportation. This small organization has a staff of two, so please be prepared to be very hands on.

Island SPACE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora community.

In 2020, we founded the first Caribbean heritage museum in the US. Our operation is in need of dynamic talent with a passion for community and culture to take the endeavor to the next level.

We are seeking a Museum / Operations Manager to provide logistical leadership for the smooth functioning of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a small operation with immense potential.

To apply, please email calibe [at] islandspacefl.org with your resume and cover letter.

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Basic Working Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00am – 7:00pm with flexible time for attendance at board and committee meetings and museum activities, including on weekends.

Job Profile Summary:
Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for three main functions:

Revenue Generation – Ensure that Island SPACE is developing a strong financial backbone, monetized through the oversight of multiple streams including but not limited to: guest admission fees, merchandise sales, individual and corporate memberships, group tours, partner events and museum-promoted programming and activities (with fees attached or sponsored to cover expenses). Support fundraising committee activities, including grant activities and donor relationship management.

Operations – Manage museum staff, interns and volunteers in the general day to day efficient running of the museum. Coordinate hired and partner events from intake and preparation to execution and post event follow up. Ensure the facilities (museum, gallery and multipurpose room) are kept clean and functional. Responsibility includes the scheduling and supervision of hired service providers and volunteer support before and after events. Ensuring that supplies remain stocked and that logistics are managed efficiently.

Programming – Based on the prescriptions of the programming committee or event partner, support planning and coordinating the development, marketing and execution of programming elements for Island SPACE Caribbean Museum within established performance criteria. Requirements include collaborating with the Programming Committee on any of the planning, documentation, scheduling, production, cataloging, information management , resource/supply acquisition and other related activities for the museum, gallery and multipurpose room. Responsibilities include managing the research, development and cataloging of cultural exhibits and fine art shows.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience may be considered.

Minimum Experience/Training: Two years of related experience required.

Requirements:
Professional demeanor and appearance, adherence to museum policies and guidelines, and positive representation of the museum whether on or off property. Efficient, dedicated, detail oriented and focused on sustaining museum operations and activities. Strong project management, revenue generation and marketing skills as well as the ability to problem-solve and execute organizational strategy are required. Direct experience managing staff and volunteers is required.

Essential Functions:
Many of these functions may be assigned in or executed in conjunction with the Operations Coordinator. However, it is the Operations Manager’s responsibility to ensure the work is done accurately, efficiently and timely.

– Revenue generation is a crucial part of museum operations, and all team members are responsible for this role. Organized events, group tours, donations, individual and corporate memberships, merchandise sales, and other on-site revenue generation opportunities are priorities for the operations manager.

– Oversees museum team and functions on the four regular days of opening (Thursday through Sunday). The fifth workday is flexible and may be dedicated to admin and planning duties or may be dedicated to private events. Responsibility includes overseeing task assignments on the administrative work day.

– Ensures there is a maintained contact list of current volunteers who are provided with a monthly museum calendar of events. Solicits, creates tasks / project lists for and oversees volunteers, ensuring that they are scheduled as necessary for upcoming events.

– Working in concert with the Programming Committee and / or outside partners, develops, schedules, implements, and manages programmatic activities including art exhibits, virtual discussions, on-site mixers, partner programs including concepts like spoken word shows, film series, sip and paint events, kids events, educational and community events and other similar programs, various volunteers, community members, promoters and board members who may collaborate on execution.

– Liaises with artists, exhibitors, speakers and other program related people to develop, schedule and execute program and marketing related activities. Ensures contact information is held in a central database. Ensures that proposals for exhibits and programs are received timely so that promotional materials may be developed well in advance.

– Manages grant program execution and researches new grant opportunities. Facilitates research and outreach related to grant submission and grant execution. Monitor timeline for grant applications and post implementation reporting.

– Receives, solicits and catalogs collection items with the goal of refreshing and updating current displays, and expanding the collection for future displays.

– Oversees marketing activities including development of website content, social media messaging based on collections and programs, exhibition descriptions and other promotional and descriptive content as necessary.

– Responsible for managing use of space inquiries, various contracts for member and program activities specific to exhibitions, speaker events, art shows, cultural events etc.

– Oversees facilitation of cleaning crews and their coordination for special events via operations coordinator.
Provides advice on maintenance or other facilities issues that must be addressed. Problem-solving independently where possible.

– Works with a flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends and long hours.

– Performs related duties as assigned.

– Reports on accomplishments, challenges and needs at the monthly board meeting.