Sr. Exhibition Design Project Coordinator - The Henry Ford

Posted on 2/27/25

TITLE: Sr. Exhibition Design Project Coordinator

TEAM: Experience Design

SALARY RANGE: $59,000 - $65,000 (based on experience)

LOCATION: Hybrid

ANTICIPATED START DATE: March 2025

REPORTS TO: Director of Experience Design

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The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

Our Exhibition Design team is seeking an Sr. Exhibition Design Project Coordinator. As a vital part of the team, the person in this role represents projects of all sizes as the primary point of contact across the institution and with external partners. You will be responsible for planning, scheduling, communicating, and implementation management towards the creation of major exhibitions, programs, interiors, restoration/reinstallation projects, and other changes to visitor experiences.

This is a hybrid position with expectations of being available Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm for meetings and be on-site (minimum of 3 days) in Dearborn when needed for projects/meetings, etc. Projects may require being available outside of these hours on a case-by-case basis as needed. This role reports directly to Director of Experience Design.

Role Responsibilities:

Project Coordination

• Responsible for coordinating and executing all assigned projects; including, but not limited to:
• Permanent and temporary exhibitions, exhibit updates, space planning, product and program development and production, media development and production, related collateral, and necessary related tasks
• Works closely with other institutional teams, units, and trades to coordinate work for successful outcomes
• Creates and implements schedules for new projects; estimates length of time to complete specific tasks; tracks progress, revises schedules accordingly, and publishes regular updates
• Identifies and creates links between related projects
• Regularly documents and distributes the progress of projects to team members and stakeholders, through presentations and reports
• Shares information about projects in a variety of forums (i.e., All-Staff Meetings, learning lunches, etc.); provides project information for distribution externally (i.e., grant reports, press kits, Web site material, etc.)
• Identifies areas for improvement in the exhibition creation processes
• Continually monitors progress and status of projects for potential issues, or opportunities, and strategizes course-correction options
• Assesses assigned project impact on institutional resources and financial constraints
• Serves as vendor liaison and assists in the development of contracts with consultants and contractors
• Manages day-to-day communication regarding fulfillment of vendor contracts, including payment schedules, deliverables and scope verification

Team Management

Manages broad interdisciplinary teams on a project basis

Participates with program developers, experience developers and venue management as necessary to ensure that projects stay focused and within the establish project parameters

Facilitates Project Team meetings while identifying and assisting with the resolution of team conflicts

Financial

• Tracks established budgets for projects according to established formats
• Maintains financial records for all assigned projects
• Continually assesses project budgets to keep them within approved limits; offers recommendations and works with project teams to resolve budgetary issues
• Works closely with organizational units on reporting, auditing, etc.

Unit Teamwork Expectations

• Proactive and contributing member of the Experience Design team’s collaborative working process
• Advocates for project development processes and works toward further refinement
• Contributes to the effective identification and resolution of all departmental issues and opportunities
• Attends departmental team meetings to coordinate work and assist in project advancement

Your Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in museum exhibition or attraction development and construction
• 3+ years of experience in project coordination from concept phase through implementation
• Demonstrated experience coordinating exhibitions, programs, general construction projects, special events or other related multi-disciplinary team projects
• Experience with a variety of project management software (Workfront, Monday.com, MS Project, etc.)
• Experience with CAD software (Sketchup, Vectorworks, etc.)

Special Skills

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
• Exceptional time management skills while meeting assignment deadlines
• Strong ability to visually and verbally communicate design ideas, concepts, and solutions
• High level of attention to detail and big picture impact/strategies
• Highly motivated, self-directive, and pro-active strategic & creative problem solver
• Strong communicator with effective listening and presentation skills
• Knowledge and experience of project management process and workflow
• Proven ability to build consensus and find widely supportive solutions
• Ability to work in a dynamic workplace with a flexible, conscientious, curious, and service mindset
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and work effectively with diverse teams
• Ability to manage stress and remain calm under pressure
• Understanding of and appreciation for the creative process
• Familiarity with industry best practices and emerging trends
• Ability to read and understand architectural and fabrication plans
• Ability to conduct financial analyses and review expenses to confirm use of funds appropriately and following a budget

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.