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.
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.