Job description
The Aurora Museum Foundation is seeking a strategic and hands-on Museum Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations in a thriving New York cultural institution. This role combines operations leadership, facilities management, visitor services, collections support, and fundraising collaboration to deliver exceptional visitor experiences while advancing the museum's mission.
In this position you will partner with curatorial, education, development, and finance teams to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and sustainable growth. The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader with a deep appreciation for the arts and a track record of managing complex museum environments.
Responsibility
- Oversee daily museum operations, facilities, security, safety programs, and visitor services to ensure an outstanding guest experience.
- Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets, monitor KPIs, and optimize revenue streams including admissions, memberships, events, and retail.
- Lead collections care and exhibition logistics in collaboration with curators, registrars, and conservators.
- Direct human resources activities including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and staff development.
- Plan and execute exhibitions, programs, and community engagement initiatives that align with the museum's mission and audience needs.
- Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, grantmakers, and partners; coordinate fundraising campaigns and grant reporting with the development team.
- Ensure compliance with governance, accreditation standards, risk management, and regulatory requirements; implement data governance and digital initiatives as appropriate.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, History, or a related field; Master's preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in a museum or cultural nonprofit, with a track record of operational excellence.
- Strong financial acumen with budget management, fundraising experience, and grant writing capabilities.
- Experience with collections management systems, cataloging, conservation coordination, and exhibition operations.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams.
- Knowledge of museum accreditation standards and regulatory compliance; ability to implement risk management strategies.
- Strategic thinker with data-driven decision making, project management, and a service-oriented mindset for visitors and staff.