Manager of Interpretation
Employment Type
Job (Full-Time)Job Categories
Education
Job Description
Interpretation at Newfields refers to the strategic development and delivery of content and experiences that help visitors make meaningful connections with art, nature, and place within the Newfields campus. It extends beyond the presentation of information to embrace inclusive storytelling, thematic coherence, and engaging communication across analog and digital platforms. The Manager of Interpretation leads and mentors the interpretation staff within the Department of Design, Interpretation, Media, and Publishing, managing the development and implementation of all interpretive projects that enhance visitors’ in-gallery and onsite experiences. This role applies best practices and visitor research—both onsite and within the broader garden, heritage and museum fields—to maximize the effectiveness, accessibility, and impact of interpretive experiences. Working collaboratively with curatorial staff, exhibition development teams, and cross-departmental partners, the Manager of Interpretation develops interpretive content for Newfields’ exhibitions, permanent collections, gardens, historic homes, and interactive spaces. The position serves on exhibition and reinstallation teams to ensure interpretive strategies align with institutional goals for visitor engagement and learning. In partnership with the Director of Content and Interpretive Engagement, the Manager of Interpretation supports the development and implementation of the department’s interpretive strategy and ensures projects align with the broader vision and priorities of the department. This role requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while working collaboratively and responsively across the organization.
About Us
Only Newfields could be Newfields. We are the Indianapolis Museum of Art and so much more. We are The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. We are the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse. We are Lilly House. We are The Garden. We are Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana.
The name Newfields is a celebration of our past and a commitment to our future. It is because of the Lilly family’s generous donation of the Oldfields estate 50 years ago, and generations of dedicated supporters, that we are who we are today.
Newfields is also a nod to our legacy and home on the Oldfields estate, and a commitment to explore new fields of study, pursue new fields of inquiry, and to continually expand the experiences available to our community.
Duties & Responsibilities
The following responsibilities describe the general nature of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory.
Interpretive Planning & Content Development
• Serve as a key partner for the Director of Content and Interpretive Engagement
• Lead the interpretation team in developing, implementing, and sustaining interpretive content and engagement strategies across formats (written, analog, digital, media, and A/V).
• Plan and deliver visitor-centered interpretive experiences for Newfields’ permanent collection, temporary exhibitions, historic properties, public art, gardens, park and other cultural assets , supporting both onsite and online audiences as appropriate.
• Serve as lead interpreter on assigned projects, guiding interpretive frameworks, learning and experiential outcomes, content development, and guest experience goals.
• Apply community engagement practices to align interpretation with institutional mission, vision, and strategic priorities, including collaboration with community partners and local artists.
• Conduct front-end and formative evaluation to gather guest feedback and inform interpretive approaches.
• Conduct ongoing research to stay current with best practices in museum interpretation.
Exhibition Development & Cross-Departmental Collaboration
• Lead or co-lead cross-departmental exhibition content and design teams by facilitating planning processes, advocating for guest-centered design, and ensuring clear documentation and information sharing.
• Serve on exhibition and reinstallation core teams to ensure interpretive strategies support institutional goals for visitor engagement and learning.
• Utilize established project management processes and tools to support collaboration, timelines, and accountability across departments.
Operations, Resources & Budget Management
• Manage and oversee family-oriented interpretation spaces and resources, including supplies and A/V, in collaboration with Interpretation staff, volunteers, Installation, Newfields Lab, and IT.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and functionality of interpretation-owned spaces and elements.
• Develop, document, and maintain interpretation processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and manage interpretation budgets for assigned projects and initiatives.
• Develop and manage annual budgets for interpretation operations, exhibitions, and family and gallery space updates or maintenance.
Staff Leadership & Development
• Lead, supervise, and mentor interpretation staff and volunteers, fostering professional growth, accountability, and effective day-to-day operations.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, and, as needed, corrective action.
• Support ongoing professional development, continuing education, and participation in national and international professional networks.
• Model and advance the institution’s mission, vision, and values, with leadership in inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education and Experience
Required Skills
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments to advance projects and resolve challenges.
• Proven ability to lead and facilitate meetings, including agenda development, discussion management, and follow-up.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including planning, prioritization, deadline management, multitasking, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional judgment and interpersonal skills when interacting with the public, board members, donors, colleagues, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including editing, content development, and the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Experience with cross-departmental project management, coordinating multiple stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Education and/or Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in art history, art education, museum studies, visual communication, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of professional experience working in an art or history museum, preferably with a focus on museum interpretation or visitor engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and cross-departmental collaboration.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.
Application Instructions
Please complete your application for this position at the link below:
