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Posted December 17, 2025
Theatres Manager
Clark Planetarium
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salary Range: $67,237 — $100,855 depending on experience
JOB SUMMARY
Manages programs, content, systems, operations, budget and staffing for Clark Planetarium’s Dome and large-format (IMAX) theatres. Oversees the development of original planetarium content for public and school audiences, ensuring alignment with the agency’s goals and strategic initiatives. Ensures presentations are engaging, enjoyable and uphold the agency’s reputation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a physical science discipline or closely related field, plus four (4) years of related experience, of which two (2) must have been supervisory; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience. Education may not be substituted for the required supervisory experience. Preference will be given to experience managing theatres in an informal science education institution. Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass a required background check through fingerprinting and enrollment in the continuous RAP Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) program in accordance with current County Human Resources policy requirements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the work performed by the incumbent(s) in this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of specific duties and responsibilities will not preclude it from the position. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Researches, develops, and delivers accurate, compelling, engaging, and timely theatre content.
- Develops a vision and strategy for growing theatre market share through innovative programming.
- Presents content effectively to diverse audiences of all ages and abilities.
- Plans, researches, implements, and directs work for upgrades of all equipment and systems.
- Ensures team goals are met through coordination, collaboration and performance monitoring.
- Supervises staff, which includes hiring, orienting, motivating, training, assigning and reviewing work performance, annual work performance appraisals, and discipline.
- Ensures that proper staffing levels are maintained for both public-facing and back-of-house operations.
- Troubleshoots, and oversees repairs and maintenance of equipment and systems.
- Reviews, tests, and proposes only the highest quality programming likely to play well in our market based on personal and audience reviews.
- Develops policies and implements procedures based on best practices.
- Provides expertise and support to other planetarium departments.
- Develops positive relationships with other industry professionals and attends conferences on behalf of the planetarium and supports show and digital interactive exhibit sales.
- Develops and monitors budgets.
- Oversees assigned special and capital projects for the theatres.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)
Knowledge of:
- Advanced computer operations with a wide variety of software and system platforms
- Dome Theatre & IMAX systems including Digistar, Pangolin, DMX Programming, and BSS Audio Control Systems, etc.
- Educational principles, pedagogy, and best practices as used in informal science education
- Best practices in structuring presentations for audiences when telling a story
- Best practices in supervising and motivating employees
- Best practices in project management
- Astronomy and space science
Skills and Abilities to:
- Establish strategic goals for the theatres that align with broader institutional goals
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Program the dome theatre by writing efficient and creative scripts in Digistar and sub-system software to tell compelling stories
- Present accurate, interesting, fun and engaging programs and train others to do so
- Speak professionally in a variety of settings
- Lead, mentor, motivate, empower, and train staff to perform well in accomplishing their duties
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment
- Work independently and in a team environment with little direct supervision
- Establish priorities and follow through with task completion in a timely manner
- Work on multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining the status for each at a high level
- Work with and supervise staff with highly diverse personalities
- Work within budgets to accomplish tasks
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to climb ladders, lift up to 50lbs, stoop, crawl and squat in limited-access spaces. Must be able to work in dark places and noisy environments.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION
Clark Planetarium is open 363 days a year with operational hours averaging twelve (12) hours a day. Scheduling flexibility is required. Occasional work is required during early morning and/or late at night. May be required to work weekends and holidays and travel to conferences.
View the complete description.
Posted December 17, 2025
Director
Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, National Museum of American History
Washington, DC
Salary Range: $168,000 — $195,000
About Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
The Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation has led the study of invention and innovation at the Smithsonian since 1995, empowering the public to solve problems, navigate challenges, and effect real change in their lives and communities. Lemelson Center staff build collections related to invention, advance scholarship, share stories about inventors and their work, and nurture creativity and innovation in young people. In all their work, Center staff pursue the core values of innovation, embracing creativity and innovative thinking and the potential rewards of intellectual risk-taking. For more information on Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, please visit invention.si.edu.
The Opportunity
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the Jerome and Dorothy Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (Lemelson Center), part of the Division of Public History at the National Museum of American History (NMAH). The National Museum of American History’s mission is to “empower people to create a just and compassionate future by exploring, preserving, and sharing the complexity of our past.” In alignment with this vision, the Lemelson Center engages, educates, and empowers the public to participate in technological, economic, and social change. Through original historical research, dynamic educational initiatives, compelling exhibitions, and innovative public programs, the Center advances new perspectives on invention and innovation, spurs interactions between the inventors and audiences, and fosters a public spirit of inventiveness.
The Director of the Lemelson Center sets the vision and mission for the Center, providing strategic and creative leadership across all areas of operation. The incumbent oversees and manages the Center’s programs, staff, and budget—including stewardship of an endowment of approximately $25 million. This role directs research, fundraising, and public engagement efforts for both permanent and temporary exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, and special projects. The Director serves as a key advocate to advance invention education at NMAH and across the Smithsonian Institution, shaping how the story of innovation is explored and shared with audiences nationwide and around the world.
View the complete description.
Candidate Profile
We recognize that there is a spectrum of experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Strategic Leadership
- Ability to develop and advance strategic planning, in alignment with the National Museum of American History’s (and broader Smithsonian’s) mission and goals
- Capacity to navigate a complex organization
- Skill in setting priorities, allocating resources, and managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to think critically and creatively, anticipating challenges and opportunities
- Knowledge of the museum field, including procedures and best practices, management and leadership strategies, challenges and trends
- Experience in leading cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative work environment
- Strong work ethic and a leadership style marked by integrity, empathy, curiosity, clarity, accountability, and humor
Passion for Invention Education
- Strong understanding of education principles and ability to inspire an inventive mindset among audiences
- Experience designing educational programs or curricula related to innovation or STEM fields
- Knowledge of current trends in invention education research
- Knowledge of the history of science and technology, invention and innovation
Fundraising and Development
- Proven track record of securing funding from diverse sources, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders
- Skill in writing and creating fundraising/sponsorship proposals
- Experience in managing budgets and financial report
- Ability to communicate the impact and value of interpretive programs to funders and partners
Collaboration and Partnership-Building
- Ability to build trust and establish strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, educational institutions, and businesses
- Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from community members to senior leadership
- Capacity to navigate complex networks and systems to achieve partnership goals
Communication and Ambassadorship
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to synthesize and communicate research findings through varied media formats to engage diverse audiences, from scholars to the general public
- Skill in crafting compelling narratives about the power of interpretive work and its impact
- Ability to serve as institutional spokesperson at public events, conferences, and meetings with stakeholders
- Knowledge of media relations principles and practices, skill as public spokesperson, and ability to build relationships with media representatives and influencers
Adaptability and Flexibility
- Ability to navigate complex bureaucratic systems
- Capacity to adapt and navigate in uncertain environments
- Experience in managing change initiatives
Education and Experience
Advanced degree in relevant field and 5 years of experience leading teams are required
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The Smithsonian Institution provides a generous and comprehensive benefits package. Note: Washington, DC-area residency required. This position is NOT remote and requires a primarily in-office work schedule.
Contact
DSG | Koya, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Tenley Bank, Stephen Milbauer, and Naree W.S. Viner of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials here: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22637 or email Tenley directly at tbank@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6794771