ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Conduct content research for assigned exhibit development projects; includes literature review, visitor research, theme and topic development, brainstorming with other team members.
• Research and interpret science information, images, objects, tools, and technologies; contribute to developing interpretive strategies and interactive elements for assigned exhibits.
• Develop exhibition content and write interpretive copy that aligns with exhibit goals, objectives, and key messages of the exhibit; includes writing lively text for labels and media scripts; editing, revising, fact-checking, and proofreading; researching, selecting and helping to secure specimens, artifacts, images, diagrams, video, and other resources.
• Produce high-quality written materials for project teams, internal, and external audiences; help assure editorial quality control and provide regular status reports and updates.
• Conduct content review by in-house staff and outside consultants at specific points and incorporate feedback; coordinate distribution of exhibit content summaries and updates.
• Coordinate the translation process for multilingual exhibits by communicating with translation vendor and language reviewers about schedule and deliverables.
• Collaborate, communicate progress, and coordinate work with cross-functional teams including project managers, designers and developers, scientists and other subject matter experts, collections staff, educators, and other Academy staff.
• Advocate for audience needs and interests and apply audience research to create exhibit interpretation that makes science engaging, surprising, and compelling for broad audiences.
• Follow and contribute to the Academy's exhibit development process. Ensure timely completion of work so that exhibits are done on time and within budget.
• Participate in regular reviews of the visitor experience, aid in data collection efforts for evaluation projects as needed.
• Stay current in exhibit development field to pursue best practices, initiate relevant partnerships, and serve new audiences.
• Follow all Academy safety regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required or preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• A qualified candidate will have a combination of the following experience and/or equivalent education:
• Bachelor's degree in science communication, natural sciences, museum studies, or related field.
• 2-5 years of museum or related science communication experience, including writing and editing for exhibits, informal/popular science publication, or similar.
• Gifted science communicator and storyteller with demonstrated experience in research and science writing for diverse public audiences.
• Experience at successfully handling multiple projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with the exhibit development process, design principles, and concepts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Creative and open-minded collaborator who has the ability to work successfully in a team environment as well as independently.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills and ability to write clearly, concisely, and imaginatively. 
• Finely-tuned writing skills with ability to communicate difficult content in an accessible and compelling way.
• Excellent conceptual and critical thinking skills; ability to synthesize and organize information;
• Detail-oriented and accurate.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Ability to read and understand scientific literature.
• Knowledge and skill in museum exhibit methodology.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and other digital media tools and equipment to create and manipulate text documents, spreadsheets, images, and other digital assets. Some familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Ability to ensure that exhibit content is intellectually and emotionally engaging. Exhibits should have a "fun" or "wow!" factor that will drive attendance to the Academy.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Bilingual fluency preferred, including reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin (technical level translation skills not required).
• Ability to read and interpret floor plans and elevations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in English.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals.
• Ability to write persuasive reports and correspondence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time. Must be able to lift 20 lbs.