Exhibits and Facilities Manager – Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Lafayette, LA

Salary: $15 – $17 DOE

Hours: Full-time/ Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm non-exempt

Supervisor: Guest Experience Director

Location: Children’s Museum of Acadiana, 201 East Congress St., Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana 70501

The Facilities and Exhibits Manager is responsible for maintenance and oversight of the Museum’s building inside and out, exhibits, and equipment to ensure that the space is safe and functional. Reporting to and with the support and guidance of the Executive Director, the Facilities Manager will play a crucial role in inspecting facilities, coordinating updates and renovations, and managing relationships with service providers. The Facilities Manager works closely with the Guest Experience team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Facilities

• Develop clear and comprehensive operational guidelines, reporting, and procedures for staff and volunteers including but not limited to building emergency procedures, security, health and safety, material handling, crowd management policies, and preventative maintenance plans.

• Develop comprehensive guidelines for regular maintenance of building systems and design clear and accurate ongoing records of such systems as elevators, HVAC, phone systems, data systems, building keying, and access.

• Ensures exhibit and operations team is well prepared for facility emergencies and is well-versed in emergency protocols.

• Design and implement a comprehensive training & annual re-training program for all maintenance staff.

• Implement effective evaluation methods and monitoring processes for all operational aspects.

• Upkeep of interior and exterior condition of the building including grounds keeping.

• Responsible for performance and compliance with all local, state, and OSHA requirements, inspections, and regulations related to the facility.

• Responsible for inventory monitoring, ordering as necessary, and receiving deliveries to the facility ● other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Exhibits

• Develop and Manage RFP and bid processes for various contractors/vendors as needed.

• Manage new exhibit fabrication projects from concept to installation, including internal project management/owners rep work as well as liaising with vendor project managers.

• Lead designers, fabricators, and installation contractors, as needed on new exhibit, builds or refurbishment projects.

• Collaborate across departments (Education, Marketing, and Development, etc.) on exhibit development, content, production, operation, accessibility, and ongoing maintenance.

• Maintain an ongoing annual exhibit maintenance program to sustain optimum exhibit experience and continuous refurbishment of exhibits and components.

• Maintain system to track and reduce exhibit downtime, and establish procedures for common fixes, parts list, etc.

• Coordinate all exhibit-related technical or content deliverables with various departments as required.

• Serve as lead on all traveling exhibit projects, developing plans, equipment, and staffing needs for traveling exhibit installs / dismantle.

• Ensuring adequate backstock is maintained to limit exhibit downtime.

• Proactively identify needed exhibit improvements and work collaboratively to determine best ways to address and implement.

• Remains current in best practices and trends in exhibit development, experiential design, traveling exhibit opportunities, accessibility/inclusion, and facilities management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have up-to-date knowledge of trends in facility management and best practices.
• Possesses aesthetic, design, and creative skills.
• Working knowledge of ADA Standards & requirements
• Possess working knowledge of the safe operation of all tools & equipment in an exhibit shop.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with staff, visitors, volunteers and community partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate with all internal and external stakeholders regarding departmental logistics and operations.
• Creative problem-solving skills; proven ability to recommend and implement process improvements and new initiatives;
• Strong organizational and time management skills and superior attention to detail.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, third-party apps, lighting controls, CAD, and Illustrator; proven ability to learn new systems and software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods
• Lifting objects up to 25 pounds with or without assistance
• Noise level is generally moderate
• Indoor and outdoors in varying temperatures

Children’s Museum of Acadiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) dedicated to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equity. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. Everyone is encouraged to apply for available employment to ensure our staff reflects the diversity of our visitors and surrounding communities.

ABOUT US:

The CMA is Committed to:

• Serving young children, ages ten and under, and their families through hands-on interactive exhibits, projects, and programs.

• Providing engaging exhibits, projects, and programs that teach cultural understanding, positive social interaction, and celebrating diversity.

• Reaching a broad audience and encouraging exploration, imagination, curiosity, and creativity while learning by doing.

• Meeting and exceeding the Louisiana school curriculum benchmarks.

• Serving as a gateway to other cultural institutions and community programs.

• Supporting a diverse staff and Board of Directors who share a commitment to children and who

bring creativity and expertise to the CMA.