The $50 million Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is a world-class facility highlighting Mississippi artists and celebrating the contributions of arts and entertainment entrepreneurs in every artistic discipline. The MAX is a statewide asset with a mission to recognize and honor legendary artists through hands-on exhibits that visually, auditorily, and kinesthetically educate, inform, and entertain every visitor.
The MAX is an experience unlike any other. Want to play a role in inspiring tomorrow's artists? View the job listings below to begin your story with us.
Technical Director The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is a world-class facility that highlights Mississippi artists and celebrates the contributions of arts and entertainment visionaries across all art forms. The MAX includes cutting-edge digital interactives and videos throughout the 50,000+ square foot facility, a recording studio, and a professional staff who work on PCs and MACs. Various hardware devices, screen types, and output formats are used throughout the museum.
The Technical Director oversees technology in the facility, ensuring optimal user experience for museum patrons, managing ongoing vendor contracts and exhibit upgrades, and ensuring all IT/AV is functioning properly to support staff and guest experience. In addition to overseeing the management and operations of all technical components in the museum, the Technical Director is responsible for all administrative IT and communications equipment, including telephone and conference systems. The Technical Director is responsible for needed maintenance and planning for future equipment and exhibit upgrades to enhance the museum experience and support the staff.
Essential Functions Maintain all IT systems supporting administration and communications, perform general IT maintenance and training, ensuring all upgrades for both MAC and PC/Windows users and MAC workstation in recording studio; maintain all servers with necessary updates and security Familiarize with exhibits and quickly troubleshoot problems as they occur Lead research on potential technology solutions and implementations in support of new museum initiatives, opportunities, and procurement efforts; develop and implement all IT policies/procedures to include architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision; oversee negotiation and administration of vendor, outsourcer/consultant contracts and service agreements Coordinate and oversee bids for IT hardware, software purchases and future upgrades; authorize and oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, and support of all hardware/software as needed; develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives; manage outside resources and contracts for optimal cost-effectiveness Oversee the operation of all exhibit technology and public digital displays; determine implications and manage plans for exhibit or equipment upgrades; inventory and track replacement hardware for exhibits Tag and manage all inventory items, ensure proper documentation of existing and new equipment or software with necessary troubleshooting instructions, training staff as needed Maintain the operation and functionality of the internal Cisco Meraki network (wireless, switches, firewall) Provide for AV equipment setup and operation at special events held at the facility (this may include cost-effective use of outside contract resources) Must be willing and able to work nights and weekends with on-call availability twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in Information Systems, Computer Science or Business Administration with technology or related field as a core. At least five to ten (5-10) years of experience managing and directing complex information technology operations; museum experience is a plus but not required Experience managing vendor relations, strong organizational skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills Skills and Abilities Ability to be flexible and adapt, transitioning from one project to another as changing priorities require Ability to logically break down complex problems and troubleshoot in a methodical manner, including network level troubleshooting, equipment troubleshooting, basic application-level troubleshooting (restarting application, checking logs, etc.) Familiarity and experience working with (or ability to get up to speed quickly): Different operating systems including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android Microsoft Office Suite Virtualization (VMWare) for servers and Mac OS workstations Adobe Acrobat Cisco Meraki Network switches and Access Points SQL Server Avigilon Video Security Badgepass Access Control Networked Audio and Video Protocols (AVOIP) CSpire Internet and Phone Services Nonprofit POS Systems and data security Crestron and Extron audio and video systems PCI DSS compliance Electrical/mechanical diagnosis experience Familiarity with electrical diagrams, as-built plans, construction plan Familiarity with hand tools and equipment Familiarity with basic construction and fabrication Ability to look up and install replacement parts, power supplies, etc. and communicate this to the board, purchasing dept., etc. (includes finding the specific part numbers, SKU'S, and ensuring that if the exact part is not available, a suitable replacement is found) Basic understanding of systems that use ethernet cabling for sending HDMI signals and content to their prospective source Some basic programing skills are a plus Direct museum industry experience a plus, with the ability to communicate effectively with design and fabrication vendors and software / hardware support (e.g., Gallagher & Associates, Explus, and Zeytech) Interested candidates should stop by The MAX at 2155 Front Street in Meridian, Mississippi to obtain and complete an application or send a cover letter and résumé via email to or deliver to:
Penny Kemp
The MAX
2155 Front Street
Meridian, MS 39301
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, non-job-related disability, or marital status.
