Job Details

Salary: $58,717.51 - $75,591.58 Annually
Location : Portsmouth, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: FY2025-01229
Department: Museums and Tourism
Opening Date: 01/05/2026
Closing Date: 1/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, this position directs the exhibition division of the city museums, primarily the Children's Museum of Virginia, by providing oversight for the overall development of permanent and changing exhibition programs. This position reports to Director.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Oversees and conceptualizes exhibitions and provides the design for their production; works with the Courthouse Galleries staff and guest curators in all phases of exhibition planning and execution to include design, production, scheduling, loan requests, installation and contractual agreements; creates specifications for panels, labels, cases, vitrines, and plex-boxes, etc.; develops a preventative maintenance schedule for exhibits at the Children's Museum as well as the Naval Shipyard Museum.
Responsible for the effective supervision and administration to include budget preparation and coordination of exhibition contracts, and monitoring expenditures, staff development and training, succession planning, performance management, employee relations, prioritizing and assigning work and related activities; supervises Model Train Technician and develops a long range plan for the maintenance, acquisition and expansion of the train exhibition.
Maintains contractual, logistical, insurance and security arrangements for changing exhibitions; coordinates packing and shipping of exhibitions condition reports and routine monitoring of the exhibitions on display and in storage.
Proposes a 5-year changing exhibition schedule for the Children's Museum of Virginia, including funding requirements; proposes a 5-year schedule for up-grades and changing out of permanent exhibits; assists curator at the 1846 Galleries in scheduling, installation and dismantling of exhibitions.
Coordinates and oversees maintenance contracts for services, such as the Planetarium; coordinates contracts for exhibit fabrication and repair; directs the preparation of exhibit spaces for items being installed; analyzes condition of exhibitions and develops a plan for their repairs as well as repair, repainting and exhibit areas, etc.; coordinates major projects with General Services.
Maintains inventory of the exhibition department; ensures general security of the exhibition and collection; works with staff from the three sites on exhibit issues.
Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of Job: Has considerable knowledge of the policies and procedures, organization and functions of the Children's Museum of Virginia. Has extensive knowledge and technical skills in ideas, designs, fabrications, installations, repairs, budget management, bidding, and contracts. Has general knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment. Has considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision and organization. Is skilled in techniques of exhibit design, layout and interpretation. Has general knowledge of resources available from the city for the operation of the Museum system. Is skilled in the research, preparation and installation of various exhibits. Is skilled in the operation of a typewriter and computer equipment. Is able to utilize various types of computer software packages. Is able to interpret city and museum policy and procedural guidelines and to resolve problems and questions. Is able to maintain a variety of moderately complex records and to compile reports from such records. Is able to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Is able to exercise independent judgment, discretion and initiative. Is able to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with children, civic groups, other city employees and the general public. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all co-workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Function."
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and research problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.
Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc.).
Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisor for mutual and city benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all city employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, to project a good city image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the city. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals and the general public.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings and deadlines.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Museum Studies, Design or Graphic Art, a related discipline, and 3 - 5 years of experience in exhibit design and fabrication, or a related field, preferably in a museum setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in exhibition planning and production in a science/hands-on setting and a/v equipment and interactive exhibits are required. Lighting design preferred. Proficiency in Mac-based Microsoft & File Maker is highly preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check. Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. Must be able to work a schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and nights.
The city of Portsmouth offers a complete and comprehensive benefit package to full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, legal, Flexible Spending Accounts, basic and optional life insurance, short-term disability insurance, Virginia Retirement System (includes a mandatory 5% employee contribution), holidays, vacation, sick leave, deferred compensation plan, and Chartway Credit Union. To learn more details, visit
01

Please select the highest level of education completed.

• Less than High School
• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associates/Vocational/Technical
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher

02

Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Museum Studies, Design or Graphic Art, or a related discipline?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have 3 - 5 years of experience in exhibit design and fabrication, or a related field, preferably in a museum setting?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you proficient in Mac-based Microsoft and File Maker?

• Yes
• No

05

Describe your exhibition planning, production in science/hands-on setting, a/v equipment, and interactive exhibits experience.
Required Question