Department Manager

Job Summary The Exhibition Manager will manage the Exhibition Art & Scenic elements and equipment within the Exhibition Technical Engineering department to ensure a high quality of functionality and aesthetic excellence. This role will function as a Technical Director / Project Manager and will oversee all technical aspects of the exhibit and all events hosted by the venue as well as support the execution of all exhibit projects, redesigns, and upgrades. As Exhibition Manager you will be responsible for the hands‑on fabrication, assembly, and on‑time delivery of projects as well as management of scenic and or technical contractors, suppliers, and vendors needed to support the site. You will manage, schedule, plan, and execute the operational, logistical, and financial aspects of the department along with being the inspiration in creating a collaborative and positive work environment. You will be expected to deal with a wide range of technical issues, and will benefit from experience in techniques, methods and standards of construction, electrical systems, computers, electronics, and emerging technologies. Under the direction of the Director of Exhibition & Facilities, you will coordinate all internal resources, corporate resources, in‑house and contract artists, external vendors, and contractors as needed. You are a key collaborator across the enterprise, offering at times operational insight to enhance decisions being made on new projects and new exhibitions. Key Responsibilities Support the installation team, creative directors, production designers and producers to learn the technical systems, scenic and artist intentions of the designers to ensure the creative vision and intent is being carried out post‑opening through the life cycle of the exhibition. Manage and lead exhibition maintenance and inspection (immersive art and technical engineering) along with projects during the design, production/fabrication, and installation phases. Maintain a maintenance & inspection database to monitor the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, projection, computer, monitors, data distribution, power distribution, relays and rigging equipment. Manage repair and replacement of equipment within budgetary constraints. Project‑manage (including budget management) and execute maintenance, new design & development projects from troubleshooting, planning, scheduling, redesigns, logistics, and financial tracking with a focus on quality and equipment uptime. Procure, program, install, maintain, and design necessary equipment and set a preventive maintenance and inspection duty cycle to support optimal long‑term functionality. Establish and maintain safety protocols and procedures and comply with building codes in alignment with state and federal rules and regulations. Ensure the highest level of safety for the teams conducting their duties and for our guests as they journey through our multiverse. Make recommendations to the Director of Facilities & Exhibition regarding capital purchases of technical equipment, operating budgets, team training and external vendors required to support the venue. Maintain the exhibit and all back‑of‑house and technical spaces in a safe, organized, and clean state. Strategically schedule staff for the most effective impact on the exhibition within budgeted guidelines. Maintain and submit employee time sheets, invoices, and other applicable financial items in a timely manner. Ensure spare parts and inventory are available as needed. Solve complex technological and scenic problems using a variety of technical skills and safe best practices. Help to resolve issues with low‑voltage electronics, lighting systems, video / projection systems and networking. Perform duties such as digital fabrication along with 3D modeling and design. May be involved in programming sound reinforcement, installing rigging equipment, electrical and electronics equipment, focusing equipment, exhibit maintenance including all network and control systems for the exhibit. Assist in training staff exhibition‑wide so that they are better able to engage the guests in the exhibition’s technical installations experience. Oversee punch‑lists and closeout procedures to hand‑over a completed project to members of the exhibition team. Act as liaison with identified internal or external artists as required to assure installations are managed and maintained to the highest standards. Other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work history in a core discipline such as Project Management, Technical Direction in the performing arts, Design Development & Installation, Engineering, or a related field. Experience in a technical leadership role working in the immersive arts / amusement park, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. Three to five years of professional experience in relevant industries, ideally working in Emerging Technology, Entertainment Technology, Software Development, Electrical Engineering, or Professional Audiovisual trades. Minimum five years of experience related to management of design moving to fabrication, welding, and installations. Experience managing multiple projects at once and prioritizing competing work streams. In‑depth knowledge of theatrical technical equipment, computers, data backbones and programming. Experience in one or more of the following specialties: Theatrical Lighting and Projection / Video Systems; Audio systems; Architectural Lighting Systems; TouchDesigner, Max/MSP; Visual Programming Environments; Processing; Arduino IDE; Creative Programming Environments; Electrical Engineering and Low‑Voltage Electronics; Creative Technology and Physical Computing; Network Engineering Principles. Depth of knowledge in woodworking, metalworking, plastics, electrical and assembly skills. Depth of knowledge in welding, power tools, shop tools and multifaceted fabrication, assembly, fastening, mounting techniques. Depth of knowledge in finishes, painted surfaces, adhesive and fastening methods. Depth of knowledge in rigging, fall protection, work access, trussing and chain motors. Demonstrated competency troubleshooting and repairing embedded systems that incorporate Arduino, Teensy and Raspberry Pi. Show lighting programming, in particular working with ETC systems and HOG Full Boar consoles. Advanced understanding of Network Engineering & IT infrastructure. Programming languages such as Python, C/C++, JavaScript, Java; and frameworks like OSC. Comfortable configuring, troubleshooting, and administering Linux computers from the command line, Macs from the GUI and command line, and Windows PCs. Strong knowledge of safety practices as it relates to lighting and electrical equipment. Experience troubleshooting projectors and media servers. OSHA 30 General Industry certification. ETCP certifications in Rigging and Electrical. CAD drafting skills. Aerial work platform experience and fall protection certification. Work Environment and Physical Demands This role operates in a professional office environment and also works in an indoor setting with exposure to noisy environments, dim lighting, strong visual effects including strobing lights, special effects, fog machines and small or enclosed spaces. Physical demands include walking, standing, taking stairs, slides, elevators, and navigating the elements during the day and night. The employee may be required to remain in a sitting or standing position for prolonged periods and repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Schedule This is a full‑time position that requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. Supervisor Responsibilities This position does require supervisory responsibility. Travel This position does not require travel. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Inclusion Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Benefits Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP Dental and Vision Insurance HSA, HRA, and FSA options 401k Retirement Plan Company‑paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s) Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies Company Paid Employee Assistance Program Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop merch and cafes Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests Regular or Project‑Based Full‑time positions Meow Wolf is an arts and entertainment company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences of all ages into fantastic realms of story and exploration. #J-18808-Ljbffr