Project Manager

SUMMARY

The Exploratorium’s Media Studio is a team of graphic designers, writers, photographers, web developers, and video producers who collaborate in the creative development and production of assets for both our museum in San Francisco and for our partner organizations around the world. The Media Studio produces a variety of work: exhibit labels, signage, programs, brochures, websites, environmental graphics, audio visual assets, original photography, advertising campaigns, and more, and as such, works with almost every department in the institution.

The Project Manager plays a critical function in supporting the Exploratorium’s diverse portfolio of work, balancing a high-level view of project goals with the details of execution, acting as a central resource for team members, and integrating timeline, budget, and scope. The Project Manager works closely with Project Directors, project team members (including exhibit and program developers, writers, web and graphic designers, and evaluators), and a variety of external consultants, contractors, and advisors in support of project outcomes. This position manages a variety of projects across the institution, bringing their excellent planning, budgeting, and communication skills to different groups as needed. The Project Manager reports to the Media Studio Operations Manager and is also accountable to Project Directors with regard to the implementation of projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Project Administration

• Work closely with the Media Studio Operations Manager and Project Directors to manage all activity necessary for the successful implementation of a project, working within systems to monitor project goals, budgets, timelines, deliverables, risks, and team activity.
• Establish and maintain all project tools and resources, including team collaboration spaces, timelines, and task lists. Facilitate the creation of all project documentation, such as project briefs and project review documents.
• Organize and support the execution of specific project activities, such as charrettes (collaborative co-design and stakeholder input sessions), advisor meetings, exhibit openings, website launches, and artist residencies.

Communication

• Facilitate communication with stakeholders across the organization, including the fundraising and marketing departments.
• Flag project issues, and support Project Directors in facilitating team decision-making.
• Serve as administrative liaison with external organizations, governmental agencies, contractors, community partners, and individuals involved programmatically or contractually in the project, and ensure administrative needs are met.
• Other duties as assigned.

Budget Management

• Create and manage project budgets in collaboration with Project Directors and the Administrative Director.
• Track expenses, including processing contract payments and other invoices, producing periodic budget status reports, and interfacing with the Finance & Accounting departments.
• Identify and facilitate the resolution of project staffing needs and other issues in conjunction with Project Directors and the Administrative Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-3 years’ experience managing or coordinating project activities, preferably in an informal education, non-profit art or science, or research and development environment.
• Experience drafting and managing budgets.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Suite, cloud-based budget software such as Adaptive Insights, and Basecamp or other project management applications; experience with issue tracking software such as JIRA a plus.
• Track record for detail-oriented, timely, and consistent performance of duties.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Talent for collaboration and effective teamwork.
• Skills in facilitation a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work at computer for extended periods of time, utilize general office equipment, lift and carry up to 20 pounds short distances.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a regular, full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, union position that includes benefits. The starting range for this role is $38.88 to $41.17 per hour DOE. This range represents steps 1-3 on a 6 step union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

Please include a cover letter with your application and provide an example of a new tool or process that you brought into a project, which helped to improve it, or even turn the tides when something difficult was happening.

Condition of Employment: Willingness and ability to provide proof of completed COVID-19 vaccination will be required. All medical or sincerely held religious belief exemptions regarding vaccination status will be considered.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.