Interpretation and Exhibits Program Manager

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring!

Are you an educator experienced in program design, passionate about plants and the environment, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) goals? We’re looking for an Interpretation and Exhibits Program Manager excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine.

See the full listing on our website: https://www.mainegardens.org/employment/

The Interpretation and Exhibits Program Manager oversees a wide array of informal learning and hands-on experiences at the Gardens, including interpretive signage, permanent and temporary exhibits, interactive programs, and guided tours. In addition, they are also responsible for important wayfinding materials for guests, including our guest map and wayfinding signage throughout the Gardens. They collaborate closely with the Volunteer Engagement Program Manager to support the Gardens’ volunteer docent program throughout the season.

Full-time, salaried exempt

$55,500 – $65,000

Review of applications begins Monday, March 27.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience or training in informal learning, program design and development, and program evaluation.
• Education and/or significant practical experience in horticulture, botany, environmental education, and/or landscape design/maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience and training in coordinating and managing docents or a similar volunteer corps.
• Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, board members, and the community, striving to exceed guest and program participant expectations and creating an exceptional experience while visiting the Gardens.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be enthusiastic about plants, conscientious of the environment, and willing to participate in all horticultural best management practices and organization events.
• Experience in collaborative project planning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development.
• Proficient in basic computer software such as Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles into CMBG’s internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.

Primary Functions

• Oversee all aspects of interpretive project development, including conception, budgeting, researching, writing, collecting and attributing images, production, and installation.
• Manage the planning, implementation, training, and long-term strategy of live interpretation and informal drop-in programming, including regular and specialty tours, docent stations, and other programs for adult audiences and families.
• Plan and produce interpretive signage, educational exhibits, apps, podcasts, and/or mobile phone guides.
• In alignment with CMBG’s commitment to equity and inclusion, explore and advance ideas or strategies that advance our goal of diversifying the voices, perspectives, and representation in interpretive materials.
• Working closely with the Volunteer Engagement Program Manager, organize and provide staff and docent training in interpretive themes, techniques, and content.
• Manage ongoing support, training, and continuing education opportunities to CMBG’s docent corps, strengthening and developing their role as ambassadors to CMBG and its mission.
• Plan and produce directional and wayfinding signage, in collaboration with other departments as appropriate.
• Working with the Guest Experience Director, coordinate production of visitor maps and other materials such as self-guided tour brochures, exhibit shows, and other wayfinding materials.
• Develop and manage the Interpretation and Exhibits program budget.
• Supervise and support staff in the Interpretation and Exhibits Program, including both year-round educators and interns and/or seasonal positions.
• With key leadership, oversee the cyclical development and implementation of a Master Interpretive Plan.
• Annually evaluate the Interpretation and Exhibits program, assess participation patterns and trends and set strategic direction for program changes or growth.
• Communicate Interpretation & Exhibits programs across the organization, in particular sharing needed information with the Guest Experience team and collaborating with the Gardens’ other mission pillar departments (Horticulture and Plant Science) where relevant to achieve shared goals.
• Stay current with best practices in the field and amongst peer institutions, including ongoing professional development.
• Participate in Gardens-wide initiatives including Gardens Aglow assignments.
• Promote and foster a culture of teamwork, cooperation, integrity, efficiency, diversity, inclusion, belonging,?and respect throughout the Gardens with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and others.??

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens