Project Director of the Future Cities Initiative

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.

We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.

Position Summary

The National Building Museum is seeking a visionary and dynamic individual to serve as the Project Director of the Future Cities Initiative for an exciting three-year term. The qualified candidate will bring subject matter expertise, project management skills and a collaborative spirit to this new and exciting Museum-wide initiative. This transformative project explores the past, present, and future of our cities through a series of exhibitions, public programs, youth programs, and other activations. An overview of the initiative is included below.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Advisory Committee Creation and Management
• Work with museum staff and stakeholders to identify advisory committee members. The advisory committee will be comprised of experts from various fields related to urban planning, architecture, sustainability, technology, and social sciences. The Museum seeks to include diverse voices on a national scale within this committee and to identify opportunities for community and public engagement.
• Develop an engagement strategy and scope of work for the committee.
• Collaborate with the committee to provide support and advice on the initiative.
• Program Development and Execution
• In collaboration with the Public Programs Department, develop a diverse range of programming, including lectures, panel discussion, workshops, symposia, and community engagement events to complement the exhibitions and further explore the themes of the Future Cities Initiative.
• External and Interdepartmental Communication and Fundraising
• Act as liaison between the Future Cities Initiative and other departments within the museum.
• Provide regular updates on the initiative's status and coordinate efforts with relevant departments to ensure alignment of goals, objectives, fundraising milestones and donor deliverables.
• Working with the development team, draft proposals and funder reports on the initiative. Assist with collecting metrics and knowing the overall impact of the initiative.
• Work with the marketing and communications team to develop and grow the initiative’s online presence. Draft copy for social and traditional media, blog posts and web pages to promote the initiative.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the initiative with external stakeholders and funders.
• Exhibition Team Participation
• Serve as an integral member of the exhibition team, contributing expertise and insights to the development of exhibitions related to the future of cities.
• Collaborate with curators, designers, and educators to ensure Future Cities exhibition content is timely, informative, and reflective of the initiative’s overarching themes.
• Budget Development and Management
• With the Deputy Director of Interpretive Programs, develop and manage budgets for the initiative, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
• Monitor expenses and revenues.
  

The hours for this position will typically be Monday-Friday, but some evenings and weekend work is to be expected based on Museum programs. The Museum’s Administrative offices work a hybrid schedule of MWTh in the office and TuF from home.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban planning, architecture, museums studies/education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably with a museum, cultural institution, or urban development organization.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and budget oversight.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration.
• Deep understanding of urban issues, trends, and challenges, with a passion for exploring innovative solutions and envisioning the future of cities.
• Experience working with advisory committees or similar groups is preferred.
• Passion for the mission of the National Building Museum.
  
  

What We Offer

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Employer paid Life and Disability insurance
• Hybrid schedule
• 11 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off policy
• 403 (b) plan with match
• Museum Shop discounts
• Free on-site parking
  
  

Our Commitment

At the Museum, we pursue diversity and endeavor to create an inclusive and accessible environment for our staff, visitors, stakeholders, and Board members. We value diverse perspectives and believe the power of diversity enriches us all. Creating an inclusive environment is critical to every individual’s work. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.