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Job Title


Manager, Living Collections


Company : Museum of Science


Location : Boston, MA


Created : 2025-11-15


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Who We Are As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, theMuseum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use sciencefor the global good while keeping up with the pace of change. Among theworld?s largest science centers and New England?s most attended culturalinstitution, we engage nearly five million people a year ? at SciencePark and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online. TheMuseum?s singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us atthe junction of some of the world?s most influential academicinstitutions and industries, local and state government, schools, andthe public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned toconvene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all. Come joinus on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone andliving our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us forthe good of all of us. What You?ll Accomplish Oversee the LivingCollections department and ensure the live animal and plant collectionsalign with and advance the Museum's mission, educational goals, andaccreditation standards. Help the Museum launch and maintain Life in theForests, our largest-ever live animal exhibition. Collaborate across theMuseum to elevate our live animal public programs strategy in theMuseum?s Public Science Common, a world-class programming venue openingat the Museum in fall, 2026. Ensure compliance with Museum policies, AZAstandards, and all local, state, and federal regulations regarding thecare, use, and exhibition of living collections. Lead strategic planningfor the collection, including species selection, resource management,and permit compliance, to support long-term sustainability and impact.Direct budgeting and financial stewardship for the department, includingoperating and restricted funds, to ensure optimal allocation ofresources. Implement and refine best practices for animal and plantcare, staff training, enrichment, and wellness, emphasizing innovationand continuous improvement. Lead the Museum's AZA accreditationprocess, including application, site visit, and hearing every fiveyears, to maintain institutional credibility and excellence. Cultivaterelationships with professional peers, regulators, and partnerinstitutions, positioning the Museum as a leader in living collections.What We?re Looking For Leadership & Team Development: Demonstratedexperience and ability to recruit, coach, manage, and retain ahigh-performing team, aligned with professional growth andorganizational values. Strategic Thinking: Capacity to plan for thelong-term sustainability of the collection while adapting to changinginstitutional or environmental conditions. Compliance & Accreditation:Demonstrated expertise in AZA accreditation and regulatory affairsrelevant to animal care and exhibition. Animal Welfare & CollectionManagement: Deep understanding of best practices in animal husbandry,enrichment, and training, with a track record of applying them in amuseum or zoological setting. Collaboration & Communication: Skilled atcross-functional communication, engaging stakeholders inside and outsidethe organization with diplomacy and transparency; including engagementwith donors and Board members. Financial Stewardship: Proven ability tomanage complex budgets, balance multiple funding sources, and alignspending with mission-driven outcomes. How We Work - Our ValuesEveryone: We are everyone?s museum. We pursue equity and celebrate everyperson for who they are. We foster an inclusive environment in which wevalue and respect diversity. Service: We serve our colleagues andcommunity. We hold ourselves accountable to be a trustworthy publicresource, and to support a sustainable, just and evidence-based future.Learning: We love learning. We are curious about the world and want toshare our joy and wonder with others. We value open minds and ecognizethat every