The Aquatic Exploration Manager will develop and launch new experiences and programs in alignment with the Shedd’s mission, vision and experiential brand, and will assist in leading the creation of new, innovative oceanarium experiences.  Work will include managing the oceanarium system programming, and will include loading and testing media, lighting, and sound design elements.  Managing a working understanding of how media, lights and sound are integrated from a systematic perspective, in addition to ideating and executing a new creative vision in partnership and collaboration with department, division, leaders and various Shedd stakeholders.

The leadership role will involve guiding a small team, developing team schedules, and delivering training and professional development opportunities for the team.  The Manager will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, creative skills, and excel in coordinating and completing multiple projects simultaneously. 

Leading change and helping team members evolve to growing aquarium needs including implementing new guest engagement strategies grounded in conversation- based and participatory strategies.  Tailoring and integrating improvisational techniques into work and guest engagement strategies are required skills.  The Manager will work across Shedd to collaborate and implement Shedd-wide programs, projects and experiences in the oceanarium.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.
• Champions and integrates the Shedd mission and vision in all aspects of role
• Manages and leads a small team in partnership with others on leadership team
• Proactively identifies issues and solutions surrounding team and offers solutions
• Partners with other departments to develop and launch projects and experiences
• Manages new program development, processes, and implementation
• Drafts change management strategy communications
• Effectively leads and manages the team through programmatic and organizational changes
• Delivers key messages to team in alignment with strategic plan and team plans
• Develops pilot program outlines and training plans
• Develops, drafts and delivers pilot programs
• Research, edits, revises program outlines
• Gains & maintains working knowledge of Abbot Oceanarium system, with ability to lead design and programming efforts
• Leads oceanarium programming efforts in collaboration with department director
• Collaborates with Design & Exhibits team members and contracted designers to program new experiences in Oceanarium
• Delivers existing programs according to mission and vision
• Partners with marine mammal team, and other departments as defined by leaders to execute programs, projects, and events
• Executes VIP tours, partners with development to deliver VIP requests
• Communicates effectively status of projects, sets clear goals, and timelines
• Assesses personal and team professional development goals and identifies opportunities
• Develops and delivers team trainings, for existing, pilot and new programs
• Develops and delivers reward and recognition strategies
• Designs and conducts certification process for team members
• Manages scheduling, rotations, and daily staffing plans with leaders
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in a creative or science field. 

Experience:

• 5 years of experience managing projects, programs, events or teams
• 3-5 years theatre experience highly preferred
• Research, writing, editing skills required
• Program development experience
• Experience writing in business or theatre setting
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Excellent relationship skills

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).