Director of Exhibits & Facility Operations - Children's Museum of Rock County The Children's Museum of Rock County is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Director of Exhibits & Facility Operations to lead the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of our building, grounds, exhibits, and infrastructure. This role ensures the museum provides a clean, safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers. As a key member of our leadership team, you will oversee facility maintenance and custodial operations, vendor contracts, safety systems, code compliance, and long-term building planning — while also supporting the design, fabrication, installation, and lifecycle of our interactive exhibits. If you are a proactive problem-solver who takes pride in keeping a community space running smoothly, we'd love to hear from you. Position Overview The Director of Exhibits & Facility Operations is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of the museum's building, grounds, and infrastructure. This role ensures the museum provides a clean, safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers. The Director manages facility maintenance/cleaning, exhibit maintenance, repair schedules, vendor contracts, safety systems, compliance with applicable codes, and long-term building planning. Key Responsibilities Facility Operations & Maintenance
- Oversee daily maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, life safety, elevators, and mechanical systems.
- Implement preventative maintenance schedules and ensure timely completion of repairs.
- Conduct regular facility walkthroughs to assess repair needs and safety compliance.
- Oversee cleaning and custodial operations for the museum. Building Safety & Compliance
- Ensure museum facilities meet all federal, state, and local regulations, including ADA, OSHA, fire, and health codes.
- Develop and maintain safety procedures and emergency response readiness in collaboration with the Executive Director and Visitor Services staff.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for inspections, permits, and compliance testing. Exhibits & Program Support
- Partner with the Director of Education & Engagement to support installation, repair, and upkeep of interactive exhibits.
- Assist with construction, painting, carpentry, and technical needs for exhibit fabrication.
- Lead exhibit design, development, prototyping, and lifecycle/rotation planning.
- Manage exhibit fabrication, installation, de-installation, and preventative maintenance scheduling.
- Uphold exhibit accessibility and child-safety standards for interactive components.
- Use visitor feedback and observation to evaluate and improve exhibits.
- Coordinate traveling and rented exhibits and manage the exhibit budget. Vendor & Contract Management
- Manage relationships and contracts with cleaning, landscaping, security, and specialty service vendors.
- Review bids and oversee contractors for renovations, repairs, and major capital projects. Facility Planning & Budgeting
- Develop short- and long-term building and capital improvement plans.
- Prepare and monitor the facilities budget, recommending cost-effective measures for utilities, maintenance, and repairs.
- Track and report on energy use and sustainable practices. Leadership & Team Management
- Supervise custodial and maintenance staff, scheduling daily work and regular projects.
- Train staff in proper use of equipment, safety procedures, and emergency protocols.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and responsiveness to visitors and staff needs. Additional Responsibilities
- Support facility operations for special events, birthday party rentals, and fundraising events.
- All other duties as assigned. Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in facilities management, construction management, engineering, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of facilities or maintenance management experience, preferably in a museum, public attraction, school, or similar community-facing environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, life safety) and applicable codes (ADA, OSHA, fire, health).
- Experience managing vendor contracts, bids, and capital projects.
- Hands-on skills in carpentry, painting, and basic construction/fabrication.
- Supervisory experience with the ability to train, schedule, and lead a team.
- Strong organizational, budgeting, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends for events and emergencies.
- Successful completion of background check required. Physical Requirements
- Ability to move throughout the museum, climb ladders, lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
- Comfort working in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions.
Compensation & Benefits CMRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, along with opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. About the Children's Museum of Rock County The Children's Museum of Rock County inspires curiosity, creativity, and community connections through hands-on play and learning. As the museum continues to grow, the Director of Exhibits & Facility Operations will play a vital role in deepening community relationships, expanding access, and creating meaningful educational experiences for children and families across Rock County and beyond. How to Apply To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the Director of Exhibits & Facility Operations position. Include "Director of Exhibits & Facility Operations -- CMRC" in the subject line; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Submit resume and cover letter to Kent Anderson, Executive Director, at kanderson@kidsatplayrc.com.
Pay:
$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan
Work Location:
In person