Exhibits Technology Manager

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

The Manager of Exhibits & Technology oversees the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of exhibit technology, including audiovisual, show control, media systems, digital signage, and other guest-facing technologies across the campus.

This role manages technical union staff, sets priorities, and leads technology projects to ensure systems are reliable, safe, and presentation ready. Serving as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders, the Manager supports exhibits, programs, and events while promoting accountability, service excellence, and operational efficiency.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Supervise technical staff, including represented employees, through scheduling, work assignments, coaching, and performance management
• Support employee development through training, feedback, and skill advancement
• Partner with leadership, Talent & Culture, and labor relations processes as needed regarding employee matters
• Organize departmental workload, projects, and staff assignments through clear plans, priorities, and workflows
• Communicate expectations, timelines, and responsibilities clearly to staff, vendors, and internal stakeholders
• Oversee maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and performance of exhibit technology, AV systems, control systems, and related equipment
• Ensure guest-facing technology systems, including projection, audio, media, and interactive exhibits, remain functional, reliable, and presentation-ready
• Support AV content and digital signage platforms such as Appspace, BrightAuthor, or similar systems
• Monitor system performance and coordinate repairs, upgrades, replacements, and corrective actions as needed
• Maintain preventative maintenance schedules, service records, and technical documentation
• Respond to escalated technical issues and operational service interruptions
• Lead exhibit technology upgrades, installations, replacements, and enhancement projects
• Assist in the design, implementation, and integration of new exhibit technologies and control systems
• Coordinate vendors, contractors, internal teams, and project timelines to ensure successful project delivery
• Develop and maintain technical procedures, diagnostics, documentation, and operating standards
• Partner with Museum, Village, Guest Services, Events, and internal departments to support daily operations and special programs
• Oversee temporary AV setups for catered events, meetings, training sessions, and presentations
• Provide responsive support to internal users while maintaining clear communication and service standards
• Assist in development and management of annual budgets, business plans, and capital improvement needs
• Maintain inventories of technical equipment, tools, and replacement components
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned in support of departmental and organizational needs

Qualifications: 

• Associate degree, trade certification, or equivalent experience in Electronics, Audio Visual Technology, Information Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in audiovisual systems, exhibit technology, show control systems, controls integration, or related public-facing technical environments
• 3+ years of supervisory, lead, or project management experience
• Working knowledge of audiovisual systems including projection, sound reinforcement, displays, media playback, and control systems
• Experience troubleshooting electronic, mechanical, and network-connected equipment
• Working knowledge of Ethernet/IP networking principles
• Experience with control platforms such as AMX, DMX, Crestron, Q-SYS, or similar systems
• Ability to read schematics, wiring diagrams, blueprints, and technical manuals
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard computer applications
• May require evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency support based on operational needs
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

Special Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership and ability to hold staff accountable for performance expectations
• Strong project coordination, planning, and prioritization skills
• Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving ability in a fast-paced environment
• Initiative to identify issues, develop solutions, and seek continuous improvement opportunities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines
• Strong customer service and internal partner support orientation
• Mechanical aptitude with strong attention to detail
• High level of professionalism, reliability, and dependability
• Ability to work independently and exercise discretion with minimal supervision
• Commitment to The Henry Ford’s mission, vision, and values

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL

Work Environment:

Work performed in office, museum, exhibit, shop, and event settings with regular movement between indoor and outdoor campus locations in varying weather conditions. May require evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency support based on operational needs.

Physical:
Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer use. Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and work in confined spaces.

Mental:
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, respond to urgent technical issues, and exercise sound judgment with attention to detail.

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.
Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.

Operates an American history museum complex and historical village.