Director of Exhibits

Wing Luke Museum (WLM) Mission: We connect everyone to the dynamic history, cultures, and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity.

WLM Values: People give us meaning and purpose. Relationships are our foundation. We desire community empowerment and ownership. We do this work knowing: the labor is intensive; the work requires flexibility; we willingly relinquish control.

Position Title: Director of Exhibits

Temporarily Reports to: Executive Director

Rate of Pay: $84,085 - $97,000 annually, DOE

Schedule: Full-time; Monday - Friday, occasional evenings and weekends as necessary

Benefits: WLM offers a comprehensive package to full-time staff, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance at no additional cost, 403(b), 12 holidays, PTO (paid vacation and sick leave). Staff enjoy museum membership and discounts at the Marketplace and programs.

Position Summary:

Direct the community-based exhibit development process including planning, proposal and budget development, monitoring and evaluation. Organize, research, and create community-based and community-driven exhibits. Lead the Exhibits team. This position supervises the Exhibit Developer and Exhibit Specialist and is a member of the Programs Department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight of the community-based exhibit development process, including planning, scheduling, and facilitating the exhibit proposal review with staff; proposal and budget development; organizing, research, and execution; tracking budgets and invoicing, including grant funding; monitoring timelines; grant reporting as necessary; evaluation and documentation.
• Responsible for strategic growth of the Exhibits area, furthering the community-based model and engaging with local and national artists.
• Work with Community Project Leads/Guest Curators/Community Advisory Committees to recruit and organize community members to develop exhibit content and themes, recruit and train research volunteers, conduct research including oral history interviews, transcribe interviews, develop exhibit content and storyline, compile and select text, photographs, artifacts, multimedia materials.
• Work with Community Project Leads/Guest Curators/Community Advisory Committees and Exhibit Designers/Fabricators on exhibit design and installation.
• Conduct feasibility, development, and coordination of off-site and traveling exhibits.
• Lead the Exhibit team. Supervise the Exhibit Developer and Exhibit Specialist positions as well as exhibits interns and volunteers. Participate as a member of the staff senior management team.
• Oversee or participate in special projects, and share publicly about the WLM’s community-based approach.
• Be an enthusiastic WLM ambassador!
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of related professional experience, including exhibition development.
• Knowledge of and experience with museum and exhibition methods and best practices.
• Experience with and commitment to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community activities and/or with community-based nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in museology, design, art, history, architecture, or other related field or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
• Experience managing complex and multi-year projects with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Direct supervision experience, as well as overseeing a department.
• Self-motivated and able to work accurately and independently, with a high level of confidentiality.
• Highly collaborative in organization-wide initiatives, as well as departmental efforts.
• Capable of managing sensitive matters effectively and with diplomacy. Creative problem solver.
• Effective communication skills, including excellent research, writing, and editing experience. Public speaking experience preferred.
• Experience upholding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility best practices.
• Strong proficiency with a range of computer software and other online, cloud-based project management and collaboration tools, desirable.
• Demonstrated curiosity with a passion for learning and growing professionally.

Do you have experience with exhibit work or community engagement but not necessarily in a museum setting? The WLM may provide professional development training if needed. Individuals with transferrable skills with a strong desire to work in exhibit development and learning more should apply.

To Apply (no phone calls, please):

Please e-mail a letter of interest

and resume to: jobs@wingluke.org

Museum Overview:

As a National Park Service Affiliated Area and the first Smithsonian affiliate in the Pacific Northwest, the Wing Luke Museum offers an authentic and unique perspective on the American story. Nationally recognized for our work in creating dynamic, community-driven exhibitions and programs, we put our community at the heart of each exhibition we create. The stories you see and hear within our walls are their authentic experiences and perspectives. From the struggles of early Asian pioneers to accomplished works by national Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) artists, their contributions give us a look at what it means to be uniquely American. Our 60,000 square foot facilities offer three floors to tell our communities’ stories, with contemporary galleries showcasing both temporary and permanent exhibitions as well as preserved historic spaces accessible only through our daily guided tours. Beyond our walls, we like to tell the story of our neighborhood, Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. While economically challenged, it is a historically and culturally vibrant area, and we see ourselves as a neighborhood concierge and an economic anchor for the nearby small businesses. From restaurants to statues that you might not otherwise notice, there are layers of history and significance that are waiting to be uncovered. Wing Luke Museum offers guided neighborhood tours and events that will encourage you to discover stories and tastes both on and off the beaten path. For more information, please visit www.wingluke.org.

The Wing Luke Museum is a 501c3 organization. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, racial and social justice. BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply.