Job description
Join Aurora Heritage Institute as the Museum Operations Director, leading strategic and day-to-day operations for a premier cultural campus in the heart of Washington, DC.
You'll oversee facilities, collections support, visitor services, security, risk management, and access programs, collaborating with curatorial, education, and development teams to deliver extraordinary visitor experiences while advancing the organization's mission.
We seek a proactive, data-driven leader with a passion for public programs, inclusivity, and sustainable museum practices.
Responsibility
- Provide strategic leadership for museum operations, facilities, security, and safety across all sites.
- Oversee collections logistics, registration, and conservation support in coordination with the curatorial team.
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, vendor contracts, and procurement to optimize resources.
- Lead visitor services, front-of-house operations, accessibility programs, and guest satisfaction initiatives.
- Drive fundraising and development collaborations, event planning, and sponsorship engagement.
- Lead risk management, safety compliance, and emergency preparedness.
- Build and mentor a cross-functional operations team, including volunteers and interns.
- Collaborate with external partners, educators, and community organizations to expand programs and audiences.
Qualification
- Master's degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Arts Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 5-7 years in museum operations, facilities management, or administration; 2+ years in a leadership role.
- Strong budgeting and financial management experience; grant writing and sponsorship experience a plus.
- Knowledge of museum standards (ACRM, AAM) and best practices for collections, documentation, and conservation; familiarity with collection management systems is a plus.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams and volunteers.
- Commitment to accessibility, DEI, and inclusive programming; experience with audience research and program development.
- Ability to work in the Washington, DC area with flexibility for evenings/weekends as needed.