Director of Exhibition Content

About Monterey Bay Aquarium

With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a trusted global voice for ocean conservation. The Aquarium combines world-class exhibits with groundbreaking science, policy, and public engagement—helping to redefine what an aquarium can be.

The Aquarium was founded through the vision of marine scientists and the support of David Packard, whose engineering mindset and commitment to innovation shaped the institution from the start. Built on the site of a former cannery, it became a powerful symbol of renewal, transforming into a global center for ocean conservation and education. It introduced the world’s first living kelp forest exhibit and set new standards for immersive habitats, animal care, and conservation storytelling. Its partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) continues this spirit of innovation, linking advances in marine science and technology with public engagement and conservation.

The Aquarium’s conservation programs are rebuilding sea otter populations and tackling plastic pollution, while its groundbreaking Seafood Watch program is transforming global seafood practices by helping consumers and businesses make more sustainable choices. As an educational institution, the Aquarium offers free programming for students and educators, delivering innovative experiences on-site and online that inspire and equip the next generation of ocean leaders.

Today, the Aquarium welcomes nearly two million visitors each year and engages millions more through digital platforms and partnerships. Its location on the edge of Monterey Bay provides daily inspiration from one of the world’s richest marine regions, while its proximity to global centers of technology and creativity in Silicon Valley reinforces a culture of curiosity and innovation.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities have been underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields. By actively working to change that, the Aquarium strengthens its ability to serve visitors, advance ocean conservation, and shape the future of the field. Candidates who share this commitment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at https : / / www.montereybayaquarium.org / .

The Opportunity

The Director of Exhibition Content is responsible for leading the content development process, shaping how complex science and conservation ideas become compelling words, stories, and experiences. Equal parts visionary and strategist, the Director ensures that every exhibition, tour, and program connects audiences meaningfully with the ocean conservation and key initiatives.

Working closely with the Vice President and core Exhibitions Division Leadership, this leader will mentor content and editorial staff, manage schedules, and oversee rigorous cross-divisional review processes to ensure clarity, accuracy, and impact of messaging and experiences. They will transform research and big ideas into accessible narratives, collaborating with scientists, designers, animal care specialists, marketers, and guest experience professionals to create seamless, institution-wide storytelling.

This highly collaborative role requires fluency in both writing, communication, and experience development along with the confidence to guide feedback from multiple stakeholders. The Director must balance short- and long-term priorities—overseeing project planning, technical briefs, and evaluation contracts—while ensuring that ongoing interpretive content consistently supports the Aquarium’s mission and conservation priorities.

This is a rare opportunity for a leader who can unite content, story, and experience—and ensure that every visitor, whether in person or digitally, leaves with a deeper understanding of the ocean and their connection to it.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the development of interpretive strategies and narrative frameworks for exhibitions, tours, and programs, ensuring alignment with the Aquarium’s mission and conservation priorities.
• Mentor and manage the Content team, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and a culture of creativity and rigor.
• Act as lead project developer at times, guiding the creation of compelling, innovative, and fully bilingual (English and Spanish) visitor experiences.
• Transform research and big ideas into accessible stories, with fluency in writing, editing, and messaging for all audiences.
• Collaborate across divisions—including Conservation & Science, Guest Experience, Animal Care, Marketing, and Exhibitions—to align storytelling, coordinate reviews, and strengthen institutional connections.
• Collaborate on annual planning, project planning, and scheduling with Director of Exhibition Projects, including writing technical briefs and white papers.
• Create and document content development processes and templates, proof and edit essential documents, and ensure timely delivery of content strategies for operational updates and upcoming projects.
• Develop strategies and intent for evaluation, incorporating visitor feedback into future projects.
• Manage outside consultants including evaluators, planners, and developers.
• Balance immediate deadlines with long-range planning, ensuring the Content team can support strategic goals 2–3 years ahead.
• Serve as a clear and trusted representative of the division, able to communicate ideas confidently in diverse settings.
• Bring forward-looking best practices and expertise from narrative-driven fields—such as museums, aquariums, zoos, theatre, or journalism—to spark fresh ideas and proven approaches.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics :

• Substantial experience developing interpretation and experiences for aquarium, zoo, and / or natural history exhibitions.
• Substantial experience managing creative staff with diverse responsibilities.
• Strong team building and leadership skills with diverse individuals.
• Advanced planning and organizational skills for a high volume of work.
• Strong exhibition writing, copyediting and proofreading skills.
• Ability to develop small- and large-scale exhibitions under deadline pressure.
• Knowledge of current exhibition best practices and strategies and a commitment to the guest experience.
• Knowledge of conservation issues and practices.
• Competency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• A commitment to transparency and excellent verbal, nonverbal and written communication and feedback skills.
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values.
• Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies.
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred.
• Working knowledge of database software programs, such as FileMaker Pro.
• Knowledge of and experience in informal science education best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, writing / composition, museum studies or related field, or equivalent experience in a zoo, aquarium, or other informal science education institution. Advanced degree preferred.
• Ten years of experience leading the content development of large-scale exhibitions.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $190,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Director of Exhibition Content will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills and experience and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Christy Farell. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile . All inquiries are strictly confidential.Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. Education

Preferred : Bachelors

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