If you’ve always hoped your work would appear in a museum someday … here’s your chance. 

As Art Director for The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat), you’ll shape the design aesthetic for one of San Diego’s most popular and loved cultural attractions. You’ll be responsible for the Museum’s visual design direction for external communications as well as branding components onsite at the museum. 

You’ll need to be adept at a wide range of design challenges, from a giant building banner to a tiny display ad to a branded product for our store. You’ll need to be equally comfortable working in the digital space as you are at a press check. And most of all, you'll be able to translate our conservation and education work into compelling materials that help communicate The Nat’s brand story.  

You’ll be that rare species of designer known as “Someone Who Can Do It All.” 

This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications and works closely with others from across the organization to support business goals and continually strengthen The Nat brand. 

• Contribute to and have high-level understanding of the organization's graphics standards, techniques and methods. Participate in the development and implementation of logos and branding elements as assigned. 
• Work with Communications team on brainstorming marketing and advertising strategies, and assist with copywriting and messaging to keep creative fresh and compelling. 
• Lead larger graphic design projects from conception with client through iteration process, through approval, print, quality assurance and delivery.  
• Design or supervise the design of all graphics needs for the Museum, including: 
  • Advertising and marketing collateral: Traditional and digital advertising, print collateral stationery, and brochures/publications.  
  • Exhibition design: Graphic identity for exhibitions, and design and execution of exhibit components (title wall, panels, and labels, etc.) 
  • On-site graphics: Posters, banners, and operational signage   
  • Store and promotional products: Develop artwork that will be applied to store products and merchandise (both on-site store and ecommerce) and promotional products   
  • Digital media/multimedia: Creative direction and design for websites, social media graphics, and email marketing program; manage photo or video shoots and assist with video editing/production where needed.    

• Produce high quality, industry-standard, electronic pre-press files by creating, managing and collecting appropriate electronic files, fonts and support graphics. 
• Create and maintain graphic templates. 
• Coordinate assembly (or multi-piece projects) and mailings with mail house to ensure materials arrive to recipients on deadline. 
• Review press proofs and provide appropriate feedback; schedule and attend press checks for quality control when appropriate. 
• Facilitate schedule with printers, mail houses, and other trade vendors to ensure deadlines, brand goals and budgets are maintained.  

• Regularly interface with department heads, project managers, and museum leadership to participate in strategy discussions as well as outline your own visual campaign strategies, pitch ideas and concepts, and clearly articulate artistic intention. 
• Direct the work of the Production Designer and occasional freelancers. Manage and maintain relationships with vendors and subcontractors as needed (printers, videographers/photographers, etc.). 
• Manage departmental workflow, including project management/ticketing system.  
• Oversee file management processes. 

• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, juggle numerous projects on various time frames, and work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment, toggling between big picture strategic work and smaller projects w/ quick turnarounds.  
• Strong problem solver and project manager with stellar customer service, presentation, and communication skills. Ability to confidently interface with leadership team as well as internal clients across disciplines.   
• Demonstrated understanding of industry trends and creative tools: expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, with a strong focus on InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop; working knowledge of HTML and CSS; experience developing and publishing web content using CMS systems and email marketing platforms; UI/UX knowledge and experience with Adobe Premiere Pro a plus. 
• Self-starter who takes initiative.  
• Existing relationships with print vendors and strong understanding of print production processes. 
• Strong understanding of branding and advertising strategy as well as creative/ad principles for both digital and traditional communication platforms. Demonstrated understanding of web and digital trends and best practices and how to tell a story through both traditional and digital media. Copywriting experience a plus.  
• 5-7 years of experience in a strategic supervisory or management role: Overseeing and leading staff members/direct reports to manage their successful accomplishment of ongoing functions and their roles in furthering the organization’s mission; assisting in translating organizational vision to departmental goals and monitoring implementation of goals, making necessary adjustments and informing higher levels of management regarding significant changes. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field preferred.  
• Agency background and/or museum/exhibition experience a plus.  

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

Salary commensurate with experience, will range from $65,000-73,000.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt position eligible for benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

A cover letter, current resume, and online or PDF portfolio are required for all applicants; please send to rhandelsman@sdnhm.org.  No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. Having recently completed a strategic roadmap, The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era as it approaches its 150th anniversary, focused on innovative audience engagement and an increased role in conservation. 

Founded as—and still officially named—the San Diego Society of Natural History (The Nat), the organization traces its roots to an enthusiastic group of amateur naturalists who came together in 1874 to study the unique flora and fauna of our region. Now known as the San Diego Natural History Museum (and affectionately referred to as The Nat), the organization focuses on the natural history and unique biodiversity of our binational region. With a $12M annual budget and 170 employees, we welcome nearly 400,000 people to the Museum each year. In addition to our location in Balboa Park, The Nat hosts environmental education programs in the community, and we are engaged in scientific research throughout Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. 

While many people know The Nat as a flagship institution in Balboa Park, we are much bigger than our building. The world we live in is an amazing place. We want everyone to understand it better, enjoy it more, and love it as much as we do, so we’ll all protect it for the future. Because we believe that nature is the biggest exhibition of all. For more information, please visit: sdnat.org.

• Salary: $160,000 - $170,000
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health, Dependent and Transit
• Life Insurance for annual salary up to $150,000.
• AD&D and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life or Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Retirement Plan eligible to contribute immediately. Employer match, after one year of employment.
• 10 paid days off
• 10 paid sick days
• 15 paid holidays
• Park Employee discounts at stores, coffee carts and restaurants.
• Free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums and the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
• See our website for more information on benefits of working at the Museum: https://www.bioblitz.sdnhm.org/about-us/employment/why-work-here

With a new strategic plan, the upcoming capital campaign and our 150^th anniversary fast approaching, the CFO/COO will have a real opportunity for impact. The Nat is a key player in conservation conversations and is actively addressing environmental issues that will shape our region for future generations. The CFO/COO will report to the CEO, and work closely with the Board of Directors, including the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees. They will manage our $12M annual budget, with overall strategic and operational responsibility of the finance, operations, and administrative departments for one of San Diego’s most beloved institutions. This includes building facilities, accounting, HR, and IT/AV, as well as our museum store retail operations and food & beverage sales. In addition, the CFO/COO will leverage their business acumen to help us grow our contract services division, which provides environmental consulting services throughout the region. Currently a $2M business for The Nat, this division has very exciting growth prospects.

The CFO/COO will lead a dynamic and talented team, managing five to six direct reports and a total team of 25 staff altogether. A key member of our senior leadership team, this is a high-profile position, both within our organization and our sector locally, as they collaborate with executives at other leading cultural institutions. The CFO/COO role offers an excellent opportunity for a candidate with exceptional inter-personal skills and collaborative, transparent and inclusive management ethos.

• Provide strong financial and strategic support to the CEO.
• Collaborate with the CEO to develop a comprehensive business plan to expand The Nat’s earned revenue streams, such as environmental consulting, events, retail, food and beverage.
• Finalize the rollout and implementation of the new accounting software, Sage Intacct.
• Lead a compensation analysis and salary modeling for all positions across The Nat to support equity and retention.
• Ensure all departments are prepared for The Nat’s capital campaign.
• Hire and oversee a project manager responsible for managing the capital improvement projects tied to the campaign.
• Prepare for and oversee the audit.

• Oversee cash flow planning and ensure availability of funds as needed.
• Oversee cash, investment, and asset management.
• Oversee financing strategies and activities, as well as banking relationships.
• Develop and utilize forward-looking, financial analyses to provide insight into the organization’s operations and business plans. 

• Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets.
• Develop financial business plans and forecasts.
• Participate in corporate policy development as a member of the senior management team.
• Engage the finance committee of the board of directors to develop short-, medium-, and long-term financial plans and projections.
• Represent the Museum to financial partners, including financial institutions, donors, foundation executives, auditors, public officials, etc. 
• Remain up to date on nonprofit audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations. 

• Oversee the operations of building support staff and security functions to ensure safety and comfort of visitors, employees, and collections.
• Oversee capital improvement projects and prepare capital budgets. 
• Pursue energy savings projects where applicable to the Museum operations. 
• Oversee operation of information technology function and develop priorities regarding investments in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. 
• Oversee the human relations function to ensure compliance with the employee manual and all state and federal employment laws.
• Manage insurance and legal needs. 

• Participate in museum management and supervise, coach and mentor staff to achieve departmental and museum success. 
• Work effectively with peers on Executive Management team to anticipate and solve problems and create sound policies. 
• Actively communicate with staff inside and outside division to ensure that they have the tools, training and direction needed to be effective in their jobs. Provide feedback, and model respectful and collegial behavior.

• Incorporate principles of IDEA into all departments, including hiring, management of staff and volunteers, and activities for the public 
• Promote IDEA in all Museum interactions 

• Strategic and hands-on approach to finance, accounting, and operations; adept at analysis, business planning, forecasting, and committed to the Museum’s mission.   
• Demonstrated experience with audit, legal compliance, and budget development.  
• Strong knowledge of organizational development and HR management principles. 
• Excellent communications skills, written and oral; comfortable communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, the board, and outside stakeholders/partners.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining vigilant attention to details.  
• Minimum BA, a CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Prior nonprofit experience desirable.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

The primary role is to create the overall vision for the café and retail operations that enhances the visitor experience. The Director is responsible for leading the department to achieve revenue goals, and provide an outstanding experience for all visitors through creative, mission-related products, merchandising, menu options, and customer service.  This position ensures the shop and cafe are an integral part of the experience of all visitors. In addition, this position oversees the liquor license and beverage needs for special events. This full-time, exempt position reports to the CFO/COO and has a varied schedule that includes weekend and/or evening hours.  

• Directs the general vision, operations, and management of the food, beverage, and retail services (including e-commerce) department. 
• Responsible for ensuring the café and shop is on brand, reaches a broad audience, and reflect the Museum’s mission and strategic goals; 
• Creates the overall vision for the café and shop that enhances the visitor experiences and ensures it is an integral part of the experience for all guests. 
• Recruits, mentors, trains, develops and successfully manages a team to achieve the strategic objectives and the present and future needs of the department 
• Oversight of the annual department planning and in creation and management of annual operating plans and budget. 
• Analyzes financial data and develops strategies around pricing, merchandising, and promotions. 
• Manages the point-of-sale system; runs reports and reconciles with accounting.  
• Oversees inventory control and calculation for monthly analysis and reconciliation.  
• Directs ordering quantities and timing, receiving, invoice settlement and accuracy. 
• Manages food, beverage, merchandise, and labor costs. Monitors market conditions that impact menu and merchandise offerings, business volume, and profitability. 
• Oversees the creation of menus to entice a variety of audiences including café patrons and internal private events while incorporating a pricing structure that will support the bottom-line goals. 
• Works closely with the communications department to develop products and identify marketing opportunities to promote food, beverage, and retail products. 
• Coordinate with other departments on the retail display and merchandise and how it connects to the current exhibitions.   
• Trains bartenders and works closely with the special events department to oversee beverage service and inventory. 
• Develops beverage menus and pricing in coordination with the special events department. 
• Ensures compliance for the safe and legal service of alcoholic beverages. 
• Works with local and state inspectors (e.g., Department of Environmental Health and ABC) to ensure all food safety measures are met. Ensures all staff are in compliance with all health, safety, and training regulations. 
• Creates and implements all policies and procedures for the department including compliance of organizational standards relating to the quality of products and services. 
• Keeps all public and storages areas clean and organized.  
• Monitors all equipment to ensure all items are in working order for all functions. 
• Primary duty is management and leadership, however, may be required to fill in to relieve/back-up staff during peak periods or when short-staffed. 
• Maintains knowledge of other museums and industry trends. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

• Bachelor’s degree in food service/hospitality management preferred.  
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive responsibility in the food and beverage industry is required. 
• Advanced knowledge required of wines, distilled spirits, malted beverages, and service skills for high-quality beverage service, modern buffet and reception setup, flow management, replenishment techniques, and aesthetically pleasing presentation. 
• Certification in safe alcohol service or TIPS preferred. 
• Experience in resolving customer issues/complaints as well as overall excellent customer service required. 
• Proficient in computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel. 
• Proven ability to effectively build and foster a team environment. 
• Ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment. 
• Must be of legal age to service alcoholic beverages. 
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and non-verbally with others. 
• Ability to work with all personality types even in adverse situations. 
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, anticipate situations, and take quick action. 
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service. 
• Excellent problem solving/decision making skills. 
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to work late nights and weekends. 

• Ability to lift at 25 – 100 pounds. 
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time. 
• Must be able to bend, climb, balance, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl without hindrance. 
• Maintains a professional appearance appropriate to position and as per Museum policy. 
• Ability to climb on step stool or ladder in order to complete elements of the job or facilitate maintenance issues. 
• Fine motor skills. 
• Must have a valid driving license. 
• Experience with a database-driven POS required. 
• Must possess valid food handler card or acquire within first 30 days of hire. 
• Intermediate Microsoft Office skills. 
• Comfortable with public speaking and leading a small group. 
• Comfortable dealing with a wide array of guests and customer service situations. 

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

Weekly Schedule: Friday – Tuesday (subject to change as needed)

This is a full-time exempt position eligible for benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Salary Range: $70K to $80K – based on experience

To apply please submit resume, cover letter outlining your experience, salary requirement and three professional references to jsahagun@sdnhm.org.

NO PHONE CALLS, NO DROP INS, and NO RECRUITERS please.

As the San Diego Natural History Museum’s Volunteer Manager, you will recruit, interview and oversee a robust core of over 450+ volunteers that provide vital services and public-facing activities for one of San Diego’s most popular and beloved museums.  Reporting to the Senior Director of Visitor Services and Volunteers, this is a leadership position that is perfect for individuals who enjoy a variety of work and engaging with diverse groups and individuals.

The Volunteer Manager promotes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility values and works to build an esprit de corps among all volunteers and between volunteers and staff.

• Management of Volunteer/Intern program:
  • Works with Sr. Director to recruit, select, place, process and on-board new volunteers.
  • Assist Sr. Director and rotating leadership of volunteer groups to advance programs, including: Canyoneers who lead hikes; Whalers who staff whale watching cruises; Docents who volunteer in the Museum and provide school-based programming; and the Covey who support fundraising.
  • Works with Sr. Director on recruitment efforts including planning volunteer recruitment outreach with Marketing, tracking applicants, processing background checks, and conducting and updating volunteer orientations.
  • Provides feedback on volunteer performance and takes corrective action as needed.
  • Assists departments in identifying roles and responsibilities of volunteer positions and creates position descriptions for those roles.
  • Works with various Museum departments to identify support needs and to develop volunteer programs and trainings to meet those needs.
  • Communicates Museum news, and reinforces the Museum’s strategic direction to volunteer groups.
  • Works with various Museum departments to identify and plan short-term high school/college internship opportunities.
  • Assist with the organization of the annual volunteer recognition event.
  • Collaborates with the Summer Camp Volunteer Liaison to support summer camp volunteers.
  • Supports the Sr. Director in the achievement of department strategic plans and evaluation.
  • Represent the Nat at volunteer-focused meetings and affinity groups to learn about new opportunities and collaborations.

• Administrative Tasks:
  • Conducts all initial correspondence with prospective volunteer/intern applicants; maintains active communication with applicants through the entire onboarding process.
  • Collaborates with the Sr. Director to develop, manage and track annual Volunteer budget, petty cash and budgetary reports.
  • Maintains database of volunteers both in Volgistics and Altru to ensure accurate contact information and status of all volunteers/interns.
  • Aids departments needing reports on volunteer activities within their departments, or more broadly for other reporting purposes.
  • Facilitates and attends volunteer and staff meetings—reserves rooms’, completes work orders, and ensures all resources are provided (AV, tables, chairs, etc.)
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Highly organized and detail oriented with strong administrative skills.
• Excellent skills in time management and multi-tasking.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Skilled in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Windows, Excel, MS Teams and Zoom.  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Knowledge of Volgistics, Altru, or other comparable database programs.
• Experience developing new programs and protocols for volunteers.
• Experience planning, overseeing and reporting on sizeable budgets.
• A background in education and/or science background is desirable.
• Bi-lingual and/or ability to speak and write in Spanish is desirable.

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of two or more years’ experience directly managing volunteers and/or multiple personnel (experience managing large groups of volunteers and/or in museum settings is desirable) OR four years of equivalent professional management experience.
• Experience working successfully with a wide range of ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Some weekends and evenings are required.

This is a predominantly on-site position with flexibility for occasional remote work as approved by the Sr. Director. This policy is subject to change at the discretion of the Museum.

Includes benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

$23-$25 Hourly / Non-exempt

Please submit resumes and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.