Executive Producer- Exhibit Development and Production

About Us: 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 math.

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 Executive Producer is responsible for the direction and oversight of all projects of the department. In collaboration with the VP, Exhibitions, Collections and Buildings, this role will establish and define creative intent, quality standards and management processes, and execute them throughout the lifecycle of all department work.

Responsibilities

• Direct the development and production of a wide variety of projects from concept, design, and engineering through fabrication, construction, and completion. Projects include temporary exhibitions, permanent exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, large scale events, experiences, MSQ (Museum Show Quality) enhancements, and building capital projects.
• Establish best practices and standards for design and storytelling, as well as budgeting, scheduling, and resource management for both internal and external projects.
• Hire, train, lead, and mentor a team who work on a diverse and eclectic portfolio of museum projects by supporting creative intent and project management standards and facilitate positive and productive communication between all disciplines. 
• Assign project work and maintain project lists and reports.
• Collaborate closely with other museum divisions and departments to ensure consistency, accountability, and operational robustness.
• Ensure all Department work is aligned with MSI Exhibit Development Process and Exhibit Standards and Specifications documents, as well as the Museums standard operating procedures and policies.
• Develop executive summaries, statements of work, and other project documentation.
• Analyze, negotiate, and provide oversight and review for all bidding and contracting documents and activities in the department and maintain rigorous procurement standards. 
• Review and approve all bids, proposals, contracts, change orders, invoices and other project documentation, and work closely with the museum's in-house legal and finance teams.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with leading creative and production consultants, vendors, and suppliers in the museum, themed entertainment, design, construction, and specialty fabrication industries.
• Direct contractors, vendors, and consultants ensuring the highest level of show quality and guest experiences.
• Prepare and present project concepts and updates to MSI's internal and external stakeholders including museum employees, leadership, board of trustees, donors, and sponsors. 
• Establish and maintain standards for documenting, organizing, and archiving of project materials in both analog and digital formats.
• Participate in and support the efforts of MSI's museum-wide leadership and management teams and MSQ (Museum Show Quality) programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing complex exhibition and construction projects. 
• Demonstrated successful leadership of goal-oriented project teams, overcoming challenges, meeting deadlines and fostering team cohesion.
• High level of initiative and exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Must be innovative, creative, and adept to establishing clear project goals and objectives.
• High level of communication (both written and oral) and collaboration skills; must be able to work effectively within and across teams comprising diverse skill sets. 
• Strategic thinker with a positive can-do attitude; enthusiasm and respect for colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a flexible creative thinker who is able to solve complex problems.
• Demonstrates a passion for process and organization and provide expert input and feedback on day-to-day problem-solving, risk mitigation, and other related tasks.
• Must have Microsoft Office and Project skills.
• Working knowledge of ADA requirements.
• Familiarity with digital and media-based experience technologies.
• Demonstrated high level of organizational and time management skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple projects/tasks with excellence. 
• Ability to to deliver tailored communication transparently that inspires others to act, while providing a larger vision behind choices, changes, and decisions.
• Skilled at consistently focusing on top priorities while completing work with integrity and high standards.
• A solution-oriented individual who can develop solutions for difficult problems and brings clarity to ambiguous situations.
• Strong collaborator who seeks out and includes others' strengths and proactively assists team members.
• An innovator who offers/implements ideas that challenge the status quo and continually pushes the Museum to grow.
• Language:
  • Ability to read and comprehend complex design and construction drawings. 
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
• Mathematical:
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Reasoning:
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret technical information and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Physical:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel. crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment:
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; outside weather conditions, extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Our DEAI Mission

The Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

MSI 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.