Job Duties: Exhibit Operations Manager

Exhibit Operations Manager Jobs

In this article, we’ll look at the job information you need to know, including an example of Exhibit Operations Manager daily duties, a typical work day in the role & team meetings you would attend. We’ll also look at alternative names for this role and the software & templates you would use in this role.

Duties

An Exhibit Operations Manager oversees the planning, installation, and maintenance of exhibits in museums, galleries, or trade shows. They coordinate with designers, curators, and vendors to ensure exhibits meet organizational standards and timelines. They manage budgets, logistics, and staffing, ensuring all materials and equipment are available and functional. They also handle troubleshooting and problem-solving during setup and throughout the exhibit’s duration. Additionally, they ensure compliance with safety regulations and oversee the dismantling and storage of exhibits. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential for this role.

Typical Work Day

An Exhibit Operations Manager typically starts their day by reviewing the schedule and ensuring all exhibits are functioning properly. They coordinate with staff to address any maintenance issues and oversee the setup of new displays. Throughout the day, they monitor visitor flow, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience. They also handle administrative tasks such as budgeting, ordering supplies, and liaising with vendors. Regular meetings with curators and marketing teams help plan future exhibits and promotional activities. The day often ends with a walkthrough to ensure everything is in order for the next day.

Regular Meetings

An Exhibit Operations Manager would run or attend various types of meetings, including planning sessions to coordinate upcoming exhibits, budget meetings to discuss financial allocations, and logistics meetings to ensure smooth transportation and installation of exhibits. They would also participate in team briefings to align staff on daily tasks, vendor meetings to negotiate contracts and services, and safety meetings to review protocols and compliance. Additionally, they might attend marketing strategy meetings to boost exhibit attendance and post-event debriefs to evaluate performance and gather feedback for future improvements.

Alternative Names

An Exhibit Operations Manager can also be referred to by several alternative titles. These include Exhibit Manager, Exhibition Coordinator, and Exhibit Director. Additionally, they may be known as Exhibition Operations Supervisor or Exhibit Logistics Manager. In some organizations, the role might be titled Exhibit Production Manager or Exhibition Services Manager. Each of these titles reflects the core responsibilities of overseeing the planning, setup, and maintenance of exhibits, ensuring that all operational aspects run smoothly.

Software

An Exhibit Operations Manager would need a variety of software to effectively manage their responsibilities. Project management software like Trello or Asana is essential for planning and tracking exhibit timelines. Inventory management software, such as Fishbowl, helps in managing exhibit materials and supplies. Design software like Adobe Creative Suite is crucial for creating exhibit layouts and promotional materials. Customer relationship management (CRM) software, such as Salesforce, aids in managing client interactions and partnerships. Additionally, facility management software like FMX can streamline maintenance and operational tasks. Lastly, communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams are vital for coordinating with team members and stakeholders.

Templates

An Exhibit Operations Manager would need a variety of templates to streamline their work. These include project planning templates to outline timelines and tasks, budget templates to track expenses and allocate resources, and vendor contract templates to formalize agreements with suppliers. They would also benefit from exhibit layout templates to design floor plans, maintenance schedules to ensure regular upkeep, and staff rosters to manage team assignments. Additionally, visitor feedback forms are essential for gathering insights to improve future exhibits. These templates help ensure efficient and organized operations.