Senior Project Manager
Background:
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) will celebrate the similarities and differences of the world’s cultures as expressed through music – a language common to us all. With musical instruments from every country in the world, MIM will pay homage to the history and diversity of instruments and introduce museum guests to their varied and unique sounds. MIM will be an engaging, entertaining and informative experience, in which the uninitiated and the knowledgeable, the young and the old will feel welcome. MIM is an approximately $125 million project and is currently constructing a 190,000 square foot building in Phoenix, Arizona. It is scheduled to open in early 2010. Further information on MIM may be found at http://www.themim.org.

Essential Duties:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic individual to plan, coordinate, and manage the efforts and processes required of various museum departments to complete the construction and installation of exhibit galleries for the opening of the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). As a senior member of MIM administration, the Project Manager will work with the internal MIM team to insure that its deliverables and schedule are aligned with those of the external vendors, partners, and service providers. The duration of this position will be at least 18 months from the time of hiring and the individual filling it may choose to work as a contracted consultant or as an employee of MIM. The Project Manager will report directly to the President and Director.

Responsibilities:
  • Coordinates with the internal MIM team and its outside partners and consultants to develop and define scope of work, schedules, deliverables and resources required for putting together the elements that will be part of the new museum.
  • Integrates each departmental (curatorial, registration, conservation, exhibits, information technology) plan and schedule into a cohesive project plan and identifies critical paths for completion of the project.
  • Manages and updates/revises project work plans and schedules as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
  • Creatively problem solves as challenges arise in project plan or timeline.
  • Challenges traditional approaches to find new, more efficient and cost-effective ways to accomplish the museum’s goals.
  • Documents and tracks decisions, approvals, and action items from meetings and calls.
  • Keeps project teams well informed of changes within the organization, to scope of work, to deadlines or deliverables. Effectively communicates relevant project information to superiors.
  • Works with MIM team to identify staffing resources and needs both internal and external to the organization.
  • Works with the President/Director and Controller to manage and control the museum project budget.
  • Ensures museum project legal documents are completed and signed as well as oversees that consultant deliverables adhere to their contractual obligations.
  • Motivates team and partners to work together in the most efficient manner. Strategizes new ways of communicating effectively.
  • Maintains familiarity with museum industry standards, AAM guidelines, ADA compliance, operational strategies, and RFQ and RFP templates.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required, formal training in Project Management or Museum Studies preferred.
  • 5+ years experience as a Project Manager or Supervisor with a proven track record of managing similar fast-track projects in a museum, design or fabrication firm or similar type organization.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize and execute/delegate tasks in a high-pressure environment is crucial.
  • Excellent understanding of the processes and responsibilities of the various departments within a museum setting including Registration, Conservation, Curatorial, Education, Exhibits and Fabrication.
  • Can conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities. React to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.
  • Must have strong leadership skills, understand how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully, and have experience with successfully motivating people.
  • Strong computer skills in Windows-based applications, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Love for world music and musical instruments a plus!

Other:
  • Located in Tempe, AZ during planning stages of MIM; located in Phoenix, AZ once museum building completed (estimated November 2009).
  • Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
  • Evening and weekend work as necessary.
  • Some travel will be required for meetings.
  • Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.


Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will be accepted until the position is filled. More information regarding MIM is available on the website at www.themim.org.

Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume or CV, and three professional references to:

Human Resources
Attn: Senior Project Manager Search
Musical Instrument Museum
8550 S. Priest Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85284

Or Via E-mail to HR@themim.org

 
The Mission of MIM
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) will celebrate the similarities and differences of the world's cultures as expressed through music - a language common to us all.

MIM is scheduled to open in early 2010 in Phoenix, AZ.
Musical Instrument Museum