Traveling Exhibits Tour Manager

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Job Type

Full-time

Description

The National WWII Museum is currently seeking a Traveling Exhibits Tour Manager. Reporting to the Director of Exhibits and working with the Exhibit Production Manager and the outside exhibit sales representative, the Traveling Exhibits Tour Manager oversees all logistical and operational aspects of the Museum’s traveling exhibitions program, excluding sales and business development. This role is responsible for managing the exhibition schedule, coordinating shipping and logistics, overseeing installation and deinstallation processes, supervising crews, ensuring contract compliance, and managing related invoicing and documentation at national venues, contributing to the Museum’s visibility and its agenda for audience expansion while building and maintaining strong relationships with exhibition hosts.

Requirements

• Manage day-to-day operations and scheduling of all traveling exhibitions, ensuring timelines, site commitments, and logistical requirements are met.
• Coordinate all transportation logistics, including freight arrangements, condition reporting, and insurance requirements, in collaboration with lenders and host venues.
• Work with internal departments to create clear and comprehensive instructions for installation, maintenance, deinstallation, packing, and shipping.
• Plan and oversee exhibit installations and takedowns at host venues, including on-site supervision of hired installation crews or contracted staff as needed.
• Supervise and coordinate all packing of exhibit materials, including the creation of detailed packing instructions to ensure safe handling and transport.
• Ensure all traveling exhibit contracts and loan agreements are adhered to, including proper handling, security, environmental conditions, and display requirements.
• Supervise and coordinate with external crews, local contractors, or Museum staff who assist with traveling exhibit operations.
• Track and process invoices related to travel, shipping, installation, and other project expenses in accordance with budget guidelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Museum and host venues (excluding sales contacts), responding to inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and providing detailed planning and support materials.
• Maintain accurate records of each exhibition’s travel history, condition reports, logistics, and debriefs. Provide regular reports to internal stakeholders.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, art history, or related field required. Program Management Certification (PgMP) preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience managing projects in multiple locations/venues.
• Minimum of two years of experience installing and deinstalling museum and/or trade show exhibits.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in museum exhibition handling, packing, and installation.
• Ability to work with limited supervision, under the pressure of deadlines, to plan multiple projects simultaneously and independently and bring them to fruition on a timely basis.
• Demonstrated experience with shipping coordination, budget management, and crew supervision.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills as well as a high degree of organizational skills.
• Willingness to work to meet deadlines.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• This position requires frequent travel to potential and host venues.
  
  

In addition to offering competitive wages, the Museum’s benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance – 2 plan options; Museum pays 75% of premium
• Dental and vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• 401(k) – Museum matches 50% of employee contribution up to 6%; employer contribution full vested after 3 years of employment
• Life insurance and AD&D - $15,000 policy employer paid; additional life and AD&D available
• Long term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays per year
• Free parking
• Tuition assistance and professional development
• Employee assistance program
  
  

The National WWII Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.