Ensure bars and bar service areas are maintained, replenished and clean at all times. Have knowledge of bar supplies and inventory. Ensure client and guest satisfaction. All duties are to be performed in accordance with California State laws and regulations as well as Company policies, practices and procedures. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Major Responsibilities

• Complete tasks related to stocking, replenishing, cleaning, maintenance and preparation of beverages.
• Move and assemble portable bars.
• Clean and polish bar, counters, shelves and equipment.
• Comply with inventory control measures.
• Return all product and equipment to proper storage location or dish room.
• Remove all trash and recyclables from bar areas and dispose of properly.
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized and stocked work area following sanitation standards.
• Maintain professional relationship with all coworkers.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years’ experience in food and/or bar service desired
• High School Diploma or equivalent desired
• Good oral communication skills and the ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Excellent hospitality and customer service skills, service standards, guest relations and etiquette.
• Able to understand directives and utilize basic mathematical skills
• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds at a time, perform various activities such as constant standing, walking, frequent bending, reaching, kneeling and squatting.
• Ability to work in a noisy environment.
• Flexible part-time schedule including some long shifts, nights, weekends and holidays on an on-call basis.
• If hired a (Live Scan) background check will be required.

Please send cover letter and resume to rhammond@sdnghm.org

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking enthusiastic and friendly part time Café Attendants to assist guests at our Cafe. The Café Attendant provides Museum guests an unparalleled customer service experience in a fast-paced, educational and entertaining environment. The ideal candidates will be comfortable shifting roles and responsibilities throughout the day while continually maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor. 

This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in kitchen. Prepare food according to the instructed recipe, package and label items for sale, make coffee.
• “Clean as you go” for each work station
• Change trash as needed. Clean tables and sweep dining area as needed.
• Keep track of current stock levels for all items in use. Restock as needed.
• Maintain accurate cash drawer through shifts
• Provide consistent and excellent customer service to visitors, members, and staff
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must possess valid food handler
• The top qualification required is a friendly personality with a guest-focused attitude and a commitment to creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for the Museum's visitors
• Professional demeanor, reliable, and hardworking
• A background in customer service, hospitality, or retail with experience in cash handling is desirable
• Familiarity with Balboa Park a plus
• Must be able stand for long periods of time and communicate verbally for the majority of each shift
• Ability to learn processes, procedures and information quickly 

Please submit your cover letter and resume to rhammond@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

The San Diego Natural History Museum seeks a full-time professional for the position of Collections Manager for the Department of Herpetology. While traditional collection management experience is necessary, the position also expects candidates to be involved in one of our applied science roles, which includes field biology, conservation, collection digitization, diversity analysis using morphological and/or genomic data, and distribution modeling and mapping.

Areas of responsibilities include:

• Maintenance, improvement, and use of the amphibian and reptile collection.
• Specimen preparation: whole-body and tissue preservation.
• Computer entry, editing, and maintenance of department databases.
• Supervision of science volunteers.
• Applied science activities to include one or more of the department’s roles in field biology, conservation, collection digitization, diversity analysis, and distribution modeling. 

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of collections care and amphibian and reptile taxonomy.
• Skills in project management with an attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated experience in herpetology.
• Proficiency in relevant computer programs (e.g, Specify 6 or 7, ArcGIS 10) or demonstrated ability to learn applications based on proficiency in similar programs.
• Professional demeanor, reliable, punctual, and hardworking.
• Ability to learn processes, procedures, and information quickly.
• A minimum degree of M.A/M.S. in the life sciences.

Weekend and some evening availability is sometimes required. While the majority of work falls within the normal working day, field projects often extend through weekend and evening hours.

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with benefits. Also enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo. Position pays between $22.00 to $24.50/hour depending on experience.

Please email a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae to bhollingsworth@sdnhm.org by the end of the day on Monday, June 10, 2019. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking enthusiastic and friendly part time Custodians to be part of the cleaning crew that daily cleans and maintains the buildings public areas, office areas and collection areas.Also, to assist with daily chores needed by staff. 

This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 

Responsibilities include:

• Clean restrooms
• Clean floors
• Trash removal
• Clean windows, exhibit cases
• Dust
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Able to lift up to 35 pounds
• 2 years of janitorial experience
• High school diploma or GED
• Able to work weekends and holidays
• Great customer service skills

Qualified applicants please send your resume to hr@sdnhm.org

The Events Manager is responsible for the production and on-site execution of Museum events. This includes internal events and external venue rentals. In addition, this position supports the sales and marketing efforts of the Special Events Department. This position also manages the on-call part-time event staff.  Reports directly to the Director of Events and works closely with the Events Coordinator to manage all on-site events.

Roles and responsibilities:

Production of Facility Usage Events

• Manages the production of Facility Usage events (external clients)
• Conducts walk-throughs with booked clients and/or vendors
• Advises the client throughout the planning process and provides pre-event guidance to clients to ensure adherence to all Museum regulations
• Creates work orders and diagrams and distributes to key departments
• Maintains a strong working relationship with internal clients to ensure event logistics are secured
• Develops professional relationships with vendors and works closely with them throughout the event planning process, including the load-in and load-out logistics
• Provides on-site coverage at events, supervising all Event Leads and Event staff
• Works closely with Building Operations and Security the night of the event
• Is knowledgeable on emergency procedures during an event
• Provides on-site expertise and excellent customer service to the client throughout the duration of the event

Production of Internal Museum Events

• Manages the production of Internal Museum events
• Works closely with Museum staff to manage the internal departmental events, including: Fundraising, Membership, Paleo Dinner, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Educator Night, Staff Parties and other internal Museum events
• Creates work orders and diagrams and distributes to key departments
• Works closely with numerous Museum departments (Security, Building Operations, Visitor Services, Marketing, Audio Visual, Museum Store and Education) to ensure proper communication and that event logistics are secured
• Provides on-site coverage at events, supervising all Event Leads and Event staff

Events Staff

• Manages the hiring process for all Event Staff
• Reviews staffing pools and makes hiring recommendations
• Trains all new hires
• Conducts annual health and safety training for all departmental staff
• Works closely with Director of Food & Beverage and Event Coordinator to determine staffing needs for all events
• Reviews staff schedules for each event with Director of Events and Event Coordinator
• Supervises event and bar staff during events
• Reviews and submits all part-time staffing hours for payroll

 Sales and Marketing 

• Assists the Director of Events in reaching the Department’s overall sales revenue goals
• Responsible for booking events to meet a targeted personal sales revenue goal as determined by Director of Events
• Responds to all leads as assigned in a timely fashion
• Conducts potential client site visits
• In Director of Events absence, responds to sales leads, conducts site visits and creates proposals as needed
• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree preferred, special event certification a plus
• 2-3 years special events experience required
• Must have experience managing staff
• Exemplary customer service skills
• Must have rigorous attention to detail, ability to manage multiple deadlines, and excellent organizational abilities
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Database experience preferred
• Ability to work late nights and weekends
• Must be guest-oriented and service-minded
• Focuses on wedding sales and client event booking experience
• Prepares facility proposals, contracts, impact reports, invoices, etc.
• Assists with facility usage contracts and other sales functions as requested
• Attends industry events as needed
• Assists with the Annual Vendor Showcase marketing event
• Works closely with the Director of Events to manage all marketing efforts, including print and online 

Department Resources

• Updates and edits the Museum Events calendar as needed
• Leads the weekly Museum Events meetings
• Attends (and leads as necessary) the weekly Museum Events meetings
• Manages facility usage clients and vendors in Altru database

• Understands and is proficient in all Museum safety and emergency procedures

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree preferred, special event certification a plus
• 2-3 years special events experience required
• Must have experience managing staff
• Exemplary customer service skills
• Must have rigorous attention to detail, ability to manage multiple deadlines, and excellent organizational abilities
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Database experience preferred
• Ability to work late nights and weekends
• Must be guest-oriented and service-minded

COMPENSATION

• $19-21/hour DOE

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking enthusiastic and friendly part time Line/Prep Cooks to assist the Kitchen Supervisor at our Cafe. The Line/Prep Cook provides support to the Kitchen Supervisor in a fast-paced, educational and entertaining environment. The ideal candidates will be comfortable shifting roles and responsibilities throughout the day while continually maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor. 

This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares food according to the instructed recipes
• Packages and labels food items for sale
• Follows food prep list created by Kitchen Supervisor
• Labels and stocks all ingredients on shelves so they can be organized and easily accessible
• Undertakes basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces, parboiling food etc.
• Maintains a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash etc.
• Keeps work station clean during shift
• Conducts back-of-house opening and closing tasks as required
• Must have experience on all stations (Line, Sauté, Fry, Grill, etc.)
• Performs other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must possess valid food handler certification
• 2+ years’ experience as line/prep cook
• Professional demeanor, reliable, and hardworking
• Patient with an ability to stay positive under pressure
• Must be able stand for long periods of time and communicate verbally for the majority of each shift
• Ability to learn processes, procedures and information quickly

• Strong comprehension of recipes, intermediate knife and kitchen equipment skills
• Proven cooking experience, including experience as a line chef, restaurant cook or prep cook

Please submit your cover letter and resume to rhammond@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

We are looking for a highly motivated Production Designer to work with the Marketing team to concept, design, develop, and implement print, digital or video related marketing materials and communications that support and reinforce the master brand of the San Diego Natural History Museum. The Production Designer will be focused on both digital and traditional print execution, along with some work in exhibit graphic design. The successful candidate will possess strong communication and customer service skills, an impeccable attention to detail, ability to represent the brand by executing designs based on established style guides, and the ability to work successfully as a part of a diverse team.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Expertise in Adobe suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat
• Experience in front-end design for web and mobile as well as content management systems and email marketing platforms
• Pre-print set up and production design
• Creative and critical thinking capabilities, prioritization and troubleshooting skills
• Must be able to take direction and give clear feedback
• 2-4 years of production or visual design experience
• B.A. in art/design or equivalent experience

Responsibilities

• Quickly produce high quality and on-brand communications and promotional pieces
• Brainstorm creative concepts for future deliverables
• Communicate with leads from brand, design, and copy teams to ensure quality from conception to launch
• Seamlessly pick-up and hand-off projects at various stages of production
• E-newsletter design, programming, and management
• Track projects from creation, through the routing process, pre-press and press-check
• Create and update website pages for various departments, adhering to industry best practices
• Work with Marketing staff and vendors to provide graphic services in a timely manner

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience, will range from $40,000-45,000. A cover letter, current resume, and online or PDF portfolio are required for applicants; please send to etoussaint@sdnhm.org by June 19.

Applications are invited for four (4) paid undergraduate student positions in the Department of Paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM). This is the second round of what is hoped will be an on-going immersive apprenticeship program to provide undergraduate students with Museum-based experience in fossil preparation, identification, and curation.

Objectives & Duties:

Specific fossil preparation tasks to be taught will include mechanical preparation of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils using static hand tools and pneumatic tools; wet-screening of sediment samples to concentrate micro-invertebrate and micro-vertebrate fossils; consolidation of fossils using various chemical consolidants; and construction of fiberglass-reinforced support cradles for vertebrate fossils.

Specific curation tasks to be taught will include: microscopic “picking” of wet-screened sediment concentrate for micro-invertebrate and micro-vertebrate fossils; general sorting and taxonomic identification of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils; organizing sorted fossils into individual species lots and placing in archival specimen trays, plastic vials, glass vials, and/or gel capsules; entering collection locality and specimen identification information into the SDNHM Paleontology Collection Database; writing locality and specimen tracking numbers on catalogued fossils; placing organized, trayed, catalogued, and numbered fossils into steel drawers and storage cabinets in the SDNHM Paleontology Collection.

Examples of fossil specimen projects to be worked on as part of the internship include: late Pleistocene terrestrial and marine microvertebrate fossils from coastal southern California; early Pleistocene terrestrial macrovertebrate fossils from inland southern California; late Pliocene and late Miocene marine invertebrate and vertebrate fossils from coastal and inland southern California; middle Eocene terrestrial vertebrate fossils from coastal southern California; late Cretaceous marine invertebrate vertebrate fossils from coastal and inland southern California.

Schedule:

The apprenticeship program will involve up to 10 hours of work per week over a total period of 20 (twenty) weeks (September through January 2020). Compensation will be $12.00 per hour.

Qualifications:

To be considered for this position, applicants must be full-time students in the final 2 (two) years of an earth science undergraduate degree program.

Applicants should submit a cover letter/email, a succinct statement (250-500 words) detailing course work completed and scientific interests, and the names and contact information for two faculty references. Please submit materials to Thomas A. Deméré (tdemere@sdnhm.org) by August 5, 2019.

Starting Date: As soon as September 1, 2019 (but negotiable)

We are seeking an energetic and organized thinker with excellent people skills to support the VP of Science and Conservation in a variety of community science initiatives at the Nat. The ideal candidate must work with a high level of confidentiality; have excellent interpersonal skills, project coordination experience, and ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients, vendors, and stakeholders. The role requires a self-motivated person who can work proactively and independently, but who also knows when to ask questions before proceeding. This is a one-year term appointment with an hourly wage of $16-$21, dependent upon demonstrable work experience in similar roles.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist the VP or designate in organizing people and resources to ensure that projects run smoothly and are completed efficiently.
• Coordinate between team members and other stakeholders to schedule and plan meetings, symposia, and workshops.
• Assist in the assembly and analysis of ecological data in support of projects.
• Prepare presentations/reports, and coordinate materials for projects
• Provide regular updates on the status of actions, tasks, and activities within the organization.
• Support special projects and reporting as requested.
• Will positively represent the Nat with stakeholders, project partners, the general public, and with vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A M.S. or B.S with equivalent work experience in biological sciences
• Superb written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; strong editing and grammar skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely
• The ability to perform and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to perform research, gather data, and basic data analysis
• Experience in conservation science or community organizing
• Better than working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or Google equivalents)

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to hr@sdnhm.org. Application review will start on July 22, 2019.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking intuitive, reliable, attentive, detail-oriented individuals with strong communication and customer service skills part-time security officers. Security officers are expected to uphold the museum rules and regulations by patrolling, observing, and reporting to the Security Supervisor and Operations Manager. This position is also expected to be the exemplary for Museum safety, customer service, general Museum knowledge, Park knowledge, and a model citizen, as well as protect Museum property and provide safety for Museum visitors, employees, and vendors.

This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Patrol, observe, and report to Security Supervisor, Operations Manager, and Director of Visitor Services
• Assist visitors and provide a variety of information regarding the Museum and Balboa Park.
• Maintain a guest approach with all visitors to ensure a positive experience, including greeting each person as they enter and thanking each visitor as they leave.
• Learn and stay current with Museum knowledge, such as pricing, membership, closures, and policies.
• Maintain high level of awareness with regard to Museum rules, regulations, procedures, and policies; and enforce these with visitors and staff.
• Daily documentation required to keep up to date the Daily Log.
• Respond to visitor complaints and/or requests for assistance and evaluate appropriate course of action
• Respond to emergency situations within and directly outside Museum (i.e. natural disasters, medical emergencies, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Guard Card certification through BSIS
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
• High School diploma or equivalent; Post High school work preferred
• 2 – 5 years of security experience, preferably in a cultural institution
• Able to walk or stand up to 5 hours
• Able to climb stairs, stop, kneel; able to respond quickly or jog
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to maintain a professional demeanor in a challenging, dynamic environment and with all levels of patrons
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Intuitive decision-making and response
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Comfortable dealing with a wide array of guests and customer service situations
• Ability to perform crowd control by providing clear guidance and direction
• Bilingual preferred

Please send resume and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org No phone calls or drop-ins please.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking for a passionate mission supporting Special Events Lead. She/he will be responsible for overseeing the load-in and load-out of events, assisting in the management of Special Events Staff and having a Museum presence. This position requires the coordination of on-site event activities, including working with vendors, clients and guests. Hours are determined on as-needed basis.

Major Responsibilities:

• Event Presence

1. Reviews work order with Special Events Staff and becomes familiar with purpose/type of event, timeline/agenda of the event, as well as diagrams for each location.
2. Establishes contact with client as Museum contact person in addition to the Event Coordinator, Event Manager, or Director of Events.
3. Communicates with Event Coordinator, Event Manager, Director of Events and Director of Facilities to ensure all situations are being addressed.
4. Assists in the supervision of special events staff.
5. Creates a break schedule for special events staff and arranges for all breaks to be taken and covered.
6. Assists with the training of new special events staff.
7. Provides post-event feedback to Event Coordinator, Event Manager, or Director of Events.
8. Communicates with the Food and Beverage staff to ensure all contracted services are in place by the allotted time.

• Museum Safety and Cleanliness

1. Assists to ensure that Fire, City, Police, Park, Facility, and Alcohol codes are being followed to ensure that Museum is operating within the law.
2. Ensures special events staff is present on all floors where there are guests.
3. Monitors the event set-up to ensure security measures are met (i.e. tables are not too close to wall).
4. Be prepared to evacuate guests if necessary.
5. Completes the Special Events Lead event check-list for ensuring that the Museum has been cleaned up and can be locked up by Food and Beverage staff and Building Operations staff after the event.
6. Works with Building Operations staff at the end of the event to ensure that all exhibit areas/items are returned to regular for the Museum to open the next day.
7. Works with the Food and Beverage staff at the end of the event to ensure that all items are returned to its proper storage location.

• Vendor Load-in and Load-out

1. Ensures that only appropriate vendors access loading areas.
2. Operates Sidewalk Lift and Freight Elevator for vendors if Building Operations staff is unavailable.
3. Oversees wristband procedures as vendors arrive for load-in and when vendor crew returns for load-out.
4. Stops unauthorized vendors or Balboa Park guests from entering the Museum during load-in and load-out.
5. Ensures vendors are following facility guidelines.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A minimum of 3 months of special events experience
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds and to stand up to 5 hours
• Must be well-versed in the Museum, and the Museum Policies and Procedures
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the Museum
• Must be reliable to be present and aware at events
• Must have reliable form of communication (phone, email)
• Able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Strong customer service skills
• Managerial experience preferred
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
• Strong attention to detail

Qualified applicants, please send your resume and cover letter to igarcia@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop in visits.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking for a passionate mission supporting Special Event Staff. She/he will be responsible assisting with the load-in and load-out of events, assisting in the set-up and break-down of Museum events, assisting in ensuring the safety of the Museum, having a Museum presence. This position requires the coordination of on-site event activities, including working with vendors, clients and guests. Hours are determined on as-needed basis.

Major Responsibilities:

• Event Presence

1. Reviews work order and becomes familiar with purpose/type of event, timeline/agenda of the event, as well as diagrams for each location.
2. Communicates with on-site Event Coordinator, Event Manager, or Director of Events.
3. Assists with set-up and break-down of events.
4. Follows designated directions from on-site Event Coordinator, Event Manager, Director of Events, or Special Events lead.
5. Maintains museum presence while guests and vendors are inside the facility.
6. Provides post-event feedback to Event Coordinator, Event Manager, Director of Events, or Special Events lead.
7. Communicates with the Food and Beverage staff to ensure all contracted services are in place by the allotted time.

• Museum Safety and Cleanliness

1. Assists to ensure that Fire, City, Police, Park, Facility, and Alcohol codes are being followed to ensure that Museum is operating within the law.
2. Be prepared to evacuate guests if necessary.
3. Works with Building Operations staff at the end of the event to ensure that all exhibit areas/items are returned to regular for the Museum to open the next day.
4. Works with the Food and Beverage staff at the end of the event to ensure that all items are returned to its proper storage location.

• Vendor Load-in and Load-out

1. Ensures that only appropriate vendors access loading areas.
2. Operates Sidewalk Lift and Freight Elevator for vendors if Building Operations staff is unavailable.
3. Follows wristband procedures as vendors arrive for load-in and when vendor crew returns for load-out.
4. Stops unauthorized vendors or Balboa Park guests from entering the Museum during load-in and load-out.
5. Ensures vendors are following facility guidelines.

• Able to lift up to 25 pounds and to stand up to 5 hours
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the Museum
• Must be reliable to be present and aware at events
• Must have reliable form of communication (phone, email)
• Able to communicate clearly in English
• Able to read and write in English
• Able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Strong customer service skills
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
• Strong attention to detail

Qualified applicants, please send your resume and cover letter to jsahagun@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop in visits.

Reporting Relationship

The Vice President, Education and Engagement will report to the Chief Executive Officer

Organization Background

Daniel Cleveland and Oliver Sanford, two professionals living in San Diego in the mid 1870’s were also citizen naturalists.  They envisioned a society focused on the nature around them.  Such natural history societies had gained popularity since 1850 and citizen scientists were gathering their own collections of specimens; Cleveland and Sanford were no exception.  In 1874, the two men spearheaded the effort to bring together a group of interested amateur naturalists into the San Diego Society of Natural History focused on the “study of nature, the acquirement and diffusion of scientific knowledge and the collection and preservation of materials pertaining thereto.”  Then and now, the focus has been the same: to research, conserve and educate.  Today, we continue to be a membership driven society and museum focused on our bi-national region, a wonderfully unique, ecologically bio-diverse area covering Southern California from coast to cactus and Baja California from coast to coast.

The Museum’s collection is composed of more than 8 million research specimens. Today, the Museum interprets the natural world through research, education and exhibits; promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of Southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and inspires a passion for nature and a sense of personal responsibility for its conservation. The San Diego Natural History Museum is a flagship Museum in Balboa Park, home to 17 cultural institutions, many gardens, and recreational facilities. The Museum has a balanced core operational budget of approximately $11 million with approximately 185 employees and is visited by 400,000 guests per year. It maintains very active programs of research, exhibitions and education (See www.sdnhm.org ). 

Position Description

The Vice President of Engagement and Education provides leadership and creative vision for the development and delivery of education, public programs, exhibitions, citizen science, volunteer programs, and community partnerships to support the strategic direction, growth, and financial stability of the Museum. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President of Engagement and Education collaborates with colleagues across the institution and stakeholders in the binational community to conceptualize, develop, and implement engagement initiatives that are relevant, compelling, and accessible for a diverse audience. This position will champion and cultivate a visitor-centered culture at the Museum and provide the binational public ways to engage in environmental education and science.  As a member of executive management team, he or she works directly with the Board of Directors and relevant committees to develop and implement Museum policy.   

A successful candidate will have both a strategic and hands-on approach to finance, accounting, and operations, be adept at analysis, business planning, forecasting, and be committed to the Museum’s mission.

Responsibilities Include:

• Vision and Strategy: Shapes a vision and strategy for impactful education and public programs, exhibitions, volunteers, and citizen science that engage the public on both sides of the US/Mexico border with the Museum’s research and collections. Identifies measureable outcomes, success criteria, and planning and assessment tools. Stays current with educational, exhibition, accessibility practices, and scholarship through a network of colleagues in the field, other disciplines, and literature reviews. Participates in executive management leadership team that establishes priorities for the Museum. Raises funds for educational activities.
• Education and Public Engagement Program Development and Implementation: Oversees and directs the development and implementation of the Museum’s education program to engage students, adults, and Museum visitors on both sides of the US/Mexico border. Program design emphasizes the unique natural history of the Californias, and aims to instill a conservation ethic.  Works closely with schools and out of school learning organizations to design programs that are standards-based and complement school-based learning. Public engagement will support cross-departmental collaboration, outside partnerships, and citizen science to extend and enhance visitor experiences during open hours and after-hours programs.
• Communication and Collaboration: Works with colleagues across the Museum and Balboa Park to develop and implement key messages, strategies for outreach and promotion, and internal communications.  Promotes high standards of customer service, both internally and toward Museum visitors.   Works with Institutional Advancement colleagues to prioritize and develop funding strategies and proposals for engagement activities, in addition to cultivating funders and donors, and producing proposals. Works with CFO/COO to ensure that fee-based programs are financially sound, and programs meet safety guidelines and museum policies.  Works closely with scientific research staff to share the Museum’s current research and collections with the public in meaningful ways. Communicates engagement strategies to colleagues across the institution.  Works with outside partner organizations, including local school districts, universities and community groups to plan and support programming.
• Leadership and Staff Development: Direct reports include the Director of Experience Design (exhibitions), Director of Volunteers, and Education Department staff. Builds staff and volunteer skills by sharing new research and models, and through continuing education. Builds excitement and shared sense of program ownership with staff and volunteers through communication, and participation in program and exhibition development.
• Research and Evaluation: Participates on cross-departmental evaluation committee to evaluate and improve processes, content, communication, staffing, and other issues.
• Accessibility: Provides leadership to create bilingual exhibitions and materials that comply with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Universal Design to ensure that the Museum is accessible to all visitors, and serves as an advocate for accessibility issues. Establishes good working relationships with community organizations representing underserved communities and people with disabilities.
• Administration, Budgets, and Reporting: Works with direct reports to develop, plan, and track annual budgets and revenue for engagement areas. Oversees and directs the preparation of reports, conveying metrics, narratives, and/or budget.  Participates actively in planning and budgeting for the Museum.
• Special Projects: As a member of the executive team, when called upon, will assist with special projects and initiatives. Serve as project leader for key departmental and institutional strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience managing multiple departments, 3+ years of experience in a lead position as Vice President or executive level
• 5+ years of experience in a nonprofit environment
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing educational programs in museums.
• Demonstrated experience with exhibition development and communicating complex concepts to general audiences
• Proven effectiveness building and leading teams and empowering staff to make decisions
• Demonstrated experience volunteer management and customer service skills
• Demonstrated experience in effective oral and written communication, and successful grant writing. 
• Demonstrated experience developing operating budgets and forecasts for projects and programs.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting and interpreting evaluation studies, and developments in the field of education, identifying trends and new approaches.
• Technologically savvy, with experience in using social media for educational purposes.
• Passion for, or preferably background in natural history, and environmental conservation.
• Minimum BA, and advanced degree in a relevant field preferable.
• Ability to speak Spanish preferred but not required.

Personal Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal and team skills, extremely collegial
• Outstanding communication skills, written and oral
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment
• Leads by example
• Values inclusion, diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining vigilant attention to details
• Integrity and ethics beyond reproach
• Constantly looking to apply best practices

Compensation

Compensation will include salary and benefits.

Please submit resume, writing sample, cover letter including salary expectation to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

The Hiring Committee will start reviewing applicants on June 24, 2019.