Museum Operations Manager

Job Title: Museum Operations Manager Job Summary: The Museum Operations Manager leads the day-to-day operations of the museum, overseeing facilities management, security, parking/transportation, safety, and risk management. This role ensures efficient, sustainable, and seamless museum operations while delivering an exceptional, inclusive visitor experience and safeguarding collections, exhibitions, staff, and guests. The position collaborates across all departments to advance the museum’s mission, adapts to evolving visitor needs (including hybrid in-person/digital engagement), promotes environmental sustainability, and maintains compliance with current regulations and best practices. This position reports to the Chief Operations Officer. Key Responsibilities: Operational Oversight: Direct daily museum operations, including opening/closing procedures, visitor flow, ticketing systems, and facility upkeep. Actively coordinate with collections, curatorial, education, exhibitions, guest services, retail and events teams to support smooth execution of programs, exhibitions, and special events, including hybrid or digital-enhanced experiences. Manage vendor contracts for cleaning, maintenance, security, parking and other services, with emphasis on sustainable and cost-effective partnerships. Develop and refine operational policies and procedures to boost efficiency, visitor satisfaction, and environmental sustainability (e.g., waste reduction, energy conservation). Monitor operational budgets, track key performance metrics (visitation, incident reports, energy usage), and identify opportunities for resource optimization and revenue enhancement. Security Management: Oversee security operations, including supervision of in-house or contracted security teams and integration of modern security technologies (e.g., surveillance systems, access control, digital monitoring). Protect museum collections, exhibits, staff, and visitors through proactive security protocols and risk assessments. Lead development and regular updates of emergency response and business continuity plans for threats such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or public health incidents. Conduct security audits, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services. Provide training on security awareness and de-escalation techniques for all staff. Parking, Transportation, and Accessibility: Manage parking facilities and transportation services (including shuttles or partnerships with ride-sharing/public transit) to ensure safe, efficient, and accessible access for visitors and staff. Oversee parking systems, signage, maintenance, and digital ticketing/reservation tools while maintaining full compliance with ADA and accessibility standards. Address visitor concerns related to transportation and implement improvements to enhance equity and convenience. Safety and Risk Management: Create and enforce comprehensive safety policies that prioritize visitor, staff, and asset protection. Perform regular safety and facilities inspections, including fire/life safety systems, environmental controls (HVAC, lighting, climate for collections), and accessibility features. Ensure adherence to OSHA, local, state, and federal regulations, with a focus on sustainability and energy-efficient operations. Lead staff training programs in first aid/CPR, emergency evacuation, active threat response, and wellness initiatives. Manage incident reporting, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions to foster a culture of continuous safety improvement. Staff Supervision, Training, and Culture: Recruit, supervise, schedule, and evaluate operations, security, facilities, and support staff (including volunteers where applicable). Deliver ongoing training and professional development opportunities focused on operational excellence, customer service, inclusion, and emerging technologies. Promote a positive, collaborative, and equitable work environment that supports staff well-being and aligns with the museum’s values of diversity and belonging. Visitor Experience and Facilities Management: Maintain clean, welcoming, well-maintained, and sustainable museum facilities, incorporating eco-friendly practices (energy-efficient systems, waste reduction, green cleaning). Oversee building systems (HVAC, lighting, AV/tech infrastructure) to ensure optimal performance for both in-person and hybrid programming. Respond to visitor feedback on operat