Sr. Exh. Project Mgr.- Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, IL

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine.
We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!
The Job: The Senior Exhibition Project Manager provides Project Management of new and refurbishment of existing large-scale exhibits and construction projects from initial concept design through project completion, including technical direction, AV integration, graphic production, fabrication, and installation.
Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day aspects of projects of varying sizes as assigned by the Director of Project Management & Exhibition Operations, ensuring strict adherence to the Museum’s goals and objectives.
• Manage exhibit project scopes and budgets.
• Manage any and all exhibit fabrication, AV, graphic, media and component production from contractor selection through fabrication and installation of projects.
• Develop scopes of work and list of deliverables with payment schedules for production/ construction contracts.
• Negotiate work and contract pricing with contractors, subcontractors and vendors.
• Coordinate value engineering, as needed, to maintain design standards and reduce costs.
• Communicate with all parties involved in projects, including external consultants, Museum management, internal design team members, fabricators and vendors.
• Facilitate weekly internal exhibit team meetings and participate in all facility management meetings as they relate to the project.
• Create action logs, transmittal documents and meeting minutes, distributed promptly with expected actions and deadlines for each participant.
• Schedule and effectively manage design and fabrication milestone reviews.
• Oversee production and quality control for all exhibit elements related to projects.
• Track progress against the project schedule and budget, project contract and action items.
• Prepare and track weekly budget and schedule reports for management review.
• Resolve conflicts within the team and outside the team.
• Drive teams towards excellence in analysis and decision-making.
• Establish and schedule realistic document review periods and obtain sign-offs from signatory authorities.
• Complete exhibit project close out.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with seven (7) to ten (10) years of project management experience in exhibit projects, theater or entertainment venues, tenant improvement work and/or commercial construction.
• Experience with technical integration, including complex A/V installations, a plus.
• Experience producing, distributing and evaluating complex RFPs for exhibit design, multimedia design and production, lighting design and execution, exhibit content development and writing, A/V design and execution and/or fabrication work.
• Experience includes direct responsibility for projects over $2M including budget formulation and tracking, cash flow, purchase orders, invoices, direct purchasing, and expense reporting.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze bids and contracts.
• Proficient computer skills including project management/scheduling software, AutoCAD or equivalent, spreadsheets, and email.
• Working knowledge of ADA requirements.
• Excellent time management skills.

The Museum of Science and Industry is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.