About Monterey Bay Aquarium
With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay
Aquarium (the Aquarium) is the most admired aquarium in the United
States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean
conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public
policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our
blue planet.
Founded in 1984, the Aquarium is known for our focus on local and
global research and conservation efforts, excellence in exhibits and
educational programs, and animal husbandry techniques. Frolicking sea
otters, fast-swimming sharks, pulsating jellies and waddling penguins –
the Aquarium’s world-class exhibits and breathtaking scenery instill a
love of the ocean in their visitors. With nearly 2 million visitors a
year and over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals, the Aquarium
is a window to the wonders of the ocean.
Scientists at the Aquarium are rebuilding sea otter populations,
transforming fisheries and aquaculture around the world, and working to
protect California’s ocean. Our policy experts are moving the needle on
legislation to address climate change and end plastic pollution. The
Aquarium’s Seafood Watch team is shifting the global marketplace to make
seafood more sustainable.
Education is a top priority at the Aquarium. Since 1984, more than 2.5
million students have visited for free. Our life-changing teacher and
youth development programs are helping young people find their voices as
ocean conservation leaders and will ensure a healthy future for the
ocean.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has taken a strong, public stance and made a
significant investment in promoting diverse voices in ocean science and
conservation. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, and people
of color, as well as LGBTQIA+ people, have been underrepresented in
marine science and conservation fields.
Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at
https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
The Opportunity
The Vice President of Exhibitions is a creative visionary who transforms
the Aquarium's world-renowned location and landscape into a living
narrative of ocean conservation. Building upon the institution's
architectural elegance and iconic exhibition design, this role leads the
creation of extraordinary visitor experiences that weave together
sophisticated spatial design, cutting-edge exhibition techniques, and
profound ecological storytelling. By crafting compelling narratives that
spark awe, invite curiosity, and promote empathy and conservation for
ocean life, the VP of Exhibitions connects visitors to the wonder and
critical importance of marine ecosystems through immersive, thoughtfully
designed physical and interpretive spaces.
Collaborating closely with teams across Animal Care, Guest Experience,
Conservation & Science, Marketing, and Campus Management, the VP of
Exhibitions will lead efforts to align exhibition development with the
Aquarium’s
strategic plan, Visitor Experience Plan, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape the next generation
of interactive and transformative exhibits, ensuring that Monterey Bay
Aquarium continues to set the standard for innovative, mission-driven
storytelling in the field of conservation and public engagement.
***This role is being recruited by a third party agency, Koya.
you must apply via the Koya website.
Applications submitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium website will not
be considered.***
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Exhibition Development
Lead the comprehensive creation and evolution of the Aquarium's
exhibition portfolio, developing a multi-year Visitor Experience Plan
that balances innovation, research and evaluation, conservation
storytelling, and exceptional guest engagement. Ensure exhibition
strategies meet the highest standards of animal well-being, interpretive
excellence, and institutional strategic goals.
Design & Implementation Excellence
Direct the end-to-end exhibition development process, from
conceptualization through fabrication and evaluation. Oversee project
management, content development, design, prototyping, graphic
production, and digital experiences that create memorable, impactful
visitor connections to marine life and conservation.
Cross-Divisional Collaboration & Innovation
Foster collaborative relationships across Aquarium divisions, leading
cross-functional teams to develop integrated experiences that align
Animal Care, Conservation, Marketing, and Guest Experience priorities.
Drive innovative approaches to exhibition design that position the
Aquarium as a global leader in visitor-centered interpretation. Maintain
strong collaboration with the Vice President of Animal Care to ensure
the highest standards of animal well-being and that exhibit elements
align with animal care and exhibit maintenance best practices.
Resource Management & Operational Leadership
Manage the Exhibitions division's $5M operating budget and complex
project portfolios. Develop and oversee financial resources, attract top
talent, and inspire a creative work environment that supports
high-performance team dynamics while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Equity & Accessibility Leadership
Champion exhibition development that prioritizes inclusion,
accessibility, and bilingual engagement. Create exhibition experiences
that welcome diverse audiences, reflect the institution's commitment to
equity, and make ocean conservation approachable and inspiring for all
visitors.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal
qualities, skills, and characteristics:
-
Ten years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale
exhibition design and development.
-
Proven expertise in exhibition best practices, audience evaluation,
and project management.
-
Demonstrated success in creating complex, multi-disciplinary
exhibition experiences.
-
Exceptional leadership and team-building skills for managing creative,
diverse teams.
- Outstanding written and oral communication capabilities.
-
Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects with shifting
priorities.
- Deep commitment to maintaining organizational core values.
- Proficiency in project management and design practices.
Preferred, but not Required:
-
Experience developing exhibitions involving live animal collections.
-
Background in marine biology, museum studies, or scientific
interpretation.
- Bilingual capabilities.
- Advanced degree in design, museum studies, or related field.
- Experience with sustainable exhibition design practices.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range
for this role is $190,000 - $240,000 with a generous benefits package.
The exact salary that will be offered to the Vice President of
Exhibitions will be determined based on a consideration of the
successful candidate’s skills, experience, and geography and aligned
with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.
Contact
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained
for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Christy
Farrell. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by
filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and strongly
encourages applications from people of color, persons with
disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
