Assistant Director of Interpretation
We are seeking an extremely creative and strategic thinker to help build and lead our Interpretation Department. In November 2011 PEM announced a $650 million Campaign to advance the museum's mission. The Campaign includes $200 million for a 175,000-square-foot expansion including $100 million to support creative new installations of the collection and several infrastructure improvements to existing facilities.
Reporting to the Chief of Education and Interpretation, this newly created position will be responsible for innovative, challenging and dynamic interpretation schemes being fully integrated into exhibition design development, build and installation for the PEM expansion project, and complementary to interpretation for changing exhibitions. The position will also recruit and build the interpretation team, which will be responsible for acting as audience advocates, initiating, developing and testing interpretive content, and working to ensure integration with future programming of events and activities. The Assistant Director of Interpretation will work closely with Exhibition Planning, Integrated Media, Exhibitions and Research, Curatorial, and Design.Working in a mission-driven, highly creative environment, this is a dream opportunity for a dynamic and hands-on professional who will support and engage staff. The Assistant Director will need to focus on delivery in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
The position requires proven managerial, problem-solving and planning capabilities, along with leadership experience in interpretation within an art museum setting, or in a relevant field that exposes art to diverse audiences; a passion for conveying the world of art, art history and our rich cultural history to diverse audiences. Experience developing exhibition content, an understanding of the access and diversity needs of a range of different audiences as they relate to galleries; knowledge of informal learning skills and techniques, communication and environmental design; a mature level of judgment and decision-making in a changing, forward-thinking and visitor focused environment are essential. A Bachelor's degree is required, an advanced degree is preferred.
Interested candidates should send their resumes with cover letters and salary requirements, by email to jobs@pem.org or apply to Human Resources, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem, MA 01970-3783.
