Manager of Interpretation

Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA Description Opportunity Title: Manager of Interpretation Reports To: Director of Content and Interpretive Engagement Salary or Hourly: Salary Salary Range: 67,500 - 72,500 About the Role We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative Manager of Interpretation to lead the development of meaningful, visitor-centered experiences across our campus. This role is central to shaping how audiences connect with art, nature, and place—bringing stories to life through engaging, inclusive, and accessible interpretive strategies. You will lead a talented interpretation team, guide cross-functional projects, and play a key role in exhibition development, ensuring all interpretive content aligns with institutional goals for engagement, learning, and community connection. What You’ll Do Lead the creation and implementation of interpretive content across multiple platforms (written, digital, media, and A/V) Design engaging visitor experiences for exhibitions, collections, gardens, and historic spaces Serve as lead interpreter on assigned projects, shaping storytelling frameworks and audience outcomes Incorporate visitor research and feedback to continuously improve experiences Collaborate with community partners and artists to ensure inclusive, relevant storytelling Exhibition & Cross-Functional Collaboration Lead or co-lead exhibition content and design teams Partner with curators, educators, and internal stakeholders to deliver cohesive experiences Manage timelines, workflows, and communication across departments Operations & Budget Management Oversee interpretation spaces, including family-focused and interactive areas Manage budgets for exhibitions, operations, and interpretive initiatives Maintain processes that ensure consistency, quality, and operational efficiency Supervise, mentor, and develop interpretation staff and volunteers Lead hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning What You Bring Required Skills Strong collaboration and relationship-building abilities Proven leadership and meeting facilitation skills Excellent project management and organizational capabilities Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Experience working across departments to drive shared outcomes Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Art Education, Visual Communication, or related field (Master’s preferred) Minimum of 5 years of experience in a museum or similar cultural institution Demonstrated experience in interpretation, visitor engagement, or exhibition development Equivalent combination of education and experience considered Work Environment & Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout galleries and outdoor spaces Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds Work in indoor and outdoor environments, including varying weather conditions Availability for occasional evenings and weekends Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Newfields