Director, Exhibitions

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Exhibitions leads the planning, coordination, and execution of the Arboretum's exhibition portfolio, including recurring seasonal exhibitions and large-scale temporary exhibitions that advance the Arboretum's mission and enhance the guest experience.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director serves as the organization's central project leader for exhibitions, guiding projects from concept development through deinstallation. Working collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, the Director ensures exhibitions are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Exhibition Portfolio Leadership

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Arboretum's exhibition portfolio from concept development through project close-out.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and implementation strategies that align creative vision with operational requirements.
• Serve as the primary project manager for exhibition initiatives, establishing milestones, managing risks, and ensuring accountability across participating departments.
• Facilitate project meetings, coordinate decision-making, and keep the Chief Operating Officer informed of project status, emerging risks, resource needs, and significant issues requiring executive decision-making.

Exhibition Development and Partner Relations

• Participate in the development of exhibition concepts and implementation strategies, providing operational guidance that supports successful execution while preserving creative intent.
• Serve as the primary liaison with exhibition studios and creative partners throughout the exhibition lifecycle, fostering productive relationships and ensuring clear communication, alignment, and successful project delivery.
• Oversee vendor and partner performance, ensuring contractual obligations, deliverables, and project milestones are achieved.
• Help ensure exhibitions deliver an engaging, accessible and high-quality guest experience while supporting the Arboretum's mission and strategic priorities.

Budget and Administration

• Develop, administer, and monitor project budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Oversee procurement, contract administration, project documentation, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate project records and prepare project updates and budget reports for organizational leadership.
• Conduct post-exhibition evaluations to assess project outcomes, identify lessons learned, and recommend improvements for future exhibitions.

Department Leadership

• Supervise the Exhibitions Department and establish departmental priorities, workflows, and project management standards.
• Develop and manage the Exhibitions Department budget.
• Evaluate departmental processes and implement continuous improvements that strengthen organizational effectiveness and project delivery.
• Lead special projects and other initiatives as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.

Requirements

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, project management, museum studies, arts administration, communications, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of applicable experience, including supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cross-functional projects involving budgets, schedules, and external partners.
• Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, consultants, artists, exhibition studios, or other external partners.
• Experience in a public garden, museum, cultural institution, visitor attraction, performing arts organization, or similar experiential environment preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management training preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by exhibition schedules and special events.
• Ability to successfully complete all pre-employment requirements, including a background check and drug screening.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Influence without authority
• Planning and execution
• Problem solving
• Project leadership

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world-class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment.

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.