What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Interpretation position at Newfields?
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
Interpretive Strategy & Content Development
- 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
Team Leadership & Development
- 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