Museum Operations Manager

Museum Operations Manager The Sixth Floor Museum - 3.2 Dallas, TX Job Details 17 hours ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Safety regulations Regulatory compliance Managing budgets in a finance role Bachelor's degree Team management Decision making Vendor relationship management Security Productivity software Data-driven decision making Organizational budget management Analytics Stakeholder management

Full Job Description Job Title:

Museum Operations Manager Job Summary:

The Museum Operations Manager leads the day-to-day operations of the museum, overseeing facilities management, security, parking/transportation, safety, and risk management. This role ensures efficient, sustainable, and seamless museum operations while delivering an exceptional, inclusive visitor experience and safeguarding collections, exhibitions, staff, and guests. The position collaborates across all departments to advance the museum's mission, adapts to evolving visitor needs (including hybrid in-person/digital engagement), promotes environmental sustainability, and maintains compliance with current regulations and best practices. This position reports to the Chief Operations Officer.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Oversight:

Direct daily museum operations, including opening/closing procedures, visitor flow, ticketing systems, and facility upkeep. Actively coordinate with collections, curatorial, education, exhibitions, guest services, retail and events teams to support smooth execution of programs, exhibitions, and special events, including hybrid or digital-enhanced experiences. Manage vendor contracts for cleaning, maintenance, security, parking and other services, with emphasis on sustainable and cost-effective partnerships. Develop and refine operational policies and procedures to boost efficiency, visitor satisfaction, and environmental sustainability (e.g., waste reduction, energy conservation). Monitor operational budgets, track key performance metrics (visitation, incident reports, energy usage), and identify opportunities for resource optimization and revenue enhancement.

Security Management:

Oversee security operations, including supervision of in-house or contracted security teams and integration of modern security technologies (e.g., surveillance systems, access control, digital monitoring). Protect museum collections, exhibits, staff, and visitors through proactive security protocols and risk assessments. Lead development and regular updates of emergency response and business continuity plans for threats such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or public health incidents. Conduct security audits, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services. Provide training on security awareness and de-escalation techniques for all staff.

Parking, Transportation, and Accessibility:

Manage parking facilities and transportation services (including shuttles or partnerships with ride-sharing/public transit) to ensure safe, efficient, and accessible access for visitors and staff. Oversee parking systems, signage, maintenance, and digital ticketing/reservation tools while maintaining full compliance with ADA and accessibility standards. Address visitor concerns related to transportation and implement improvements to enhance equity and convenience.

Safety and Risk Management:

Create and enforce comprehensive safety policies that prioritize visitor, staff, and asset protection. Perform regular safety and facilities inspections, including fire/life safety systems, environmental controls (HVAC, lighting, climate for collections), and accessibility features. Ensure adherence to OSHA, local, state, and federal regulations, with a focus on sustainability and energy-efficient operations. Lead staff training programs in first aid/CPR, emergency evacuation, active threat response, and wellness initiatives. Manage incident reporting, root-cause investigations, and corrective actions to foster a culture of continuous safety improvement.

Staff Supervision, Training, and Culture:

Recruit, supervise, schedule, and evaluate operations, security, facilities, and support staff (including volunteers where applicable). Deliver ongoing training and professional development opportunities focused on operational excellence, customer service, inclusion, and emerging technologies. Promote a positive, collaborative, and equitable work environment that supports staff well-being and aligns with the museum's values of diversity and belonging.

Visitor Experience and Facilities Management:

Maintain clean, welcoming, well-maintained, and sustainable museum facilities, incorporating eco-friendly practices (energy-efficient systems, waste reduction, green cleaning). Oversee building systems (HVAC, lighting, AV/tech infrastructure) to ensure optimal performance for both in-person and hybrid programming. Respond to visitor feedback on operations, safety, and accessibility, using data to drive improvements and enhance overall experience. Collaborate with front-of-house and digital engagement teams to deliver high-quality, inclusive customer service.

Budget, Resource, and Sustainability Management:

Develop and administer budgets for operations, security, parking, safety, and facilities initiatives. Track expenditures, pursue cost-saving measures, and integrate sustainability metrics (e.g., energy use, carbon footprint) into decision-making. Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment, prioritizing procurement of sustainable and resilient options.

Emergency Preparedness and Resilience:

Build and maintain robust emergency preparedness and continuity plans covering natural disasters, medical emergencies, security threats, and public health scenarios. Partner with local emergency services and conduct regular drills and tabletop exercises. Adapt plans based on risk assessments, regulatory changes, and lessons from industry-wide events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, museum studies, facilities management, public administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 5-7 years in operations, facilities, or security management, with at least 3 years in a museum, cultural institution, or high-traffic public venue. Demonstrated experience with security/safety protocols and vendor management is essential. Familiarity with sustainability practices and digital tools for operations is highly desirable.

Skills:

Proven leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering inclusive and high-performing teams. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including data-driven decision-making. In-depth knowledge of safety regulations (OSHA), security systems, emergency management, and sustainability standards (e.g., LEED or equivalent). Budget development and financial oversight experience. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders—executive leadership, staff, visitors, vendors, and community partners. Proficiency in facilities management software, modern security systems, visitor analytics tools, and Microsoft Office 365 (or equivalent). Experience with ticketing, reservation, or IoT/building management systems is a plus.

Certifications:

Preferred certifications include OSHA safety, CPR/First Aid/AED, security management (e.g., CPP), or facilities/sustainability credentials. Willingness to obtain relevant certifications is required.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk/stand for extended periods, navigate museum spaces (including stairs and outdoor areas), and occasionally lift up to 25-40 lbs during inspections or emergency response. Comfort working in varied environments (office, gallery, outdoor parking).

Work Environment:

Combination of office, museum gallery, and outdoor settings, with potential exposure to varying weather during parking or facilities oversight. Flexible schedule required, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and on-call availability for emergencies or special events. Occasional travel for training or industry conferences may be necessary.

NOTE:

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation is commensurate with experience and aligned with the organization's salary structure and budget. The Sixth Floor Museum offers a full benefit package including medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, life insurance 401(k) match, vacation, sick, and personal time off.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Sixth Floor Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.