State Museum of Pennsylvania Seeks Director for $58M Transformation

The State Museum of Pennsylvania (SMOP) is on the lookout for a new Director to manage a major $58 million renovation, the largest since 1964. This museum, which is part of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), is home to over 12 million items that showcase natural and cultural history. The new director will play a key role in improving visitor experiences, encouraging community engagement, and overseeing collections during this transition. The position comes with a starting salary of $115,000, plus benefits, and has an annual budget of $4 million, with an expected $80 million for capital projects over the next ten years. Syrah Gunning from the DeVos Institute is conducting the search, with the role set to begin in late summer 2026.