Exhibition Designer

(Full-Time / Permanent)

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is seeking an Exhibition Designer to oversee all phases of exhibition and building designs from concept through production and dismantling. Working closely with curators, registrars, artists, facilities, the Graphic Designer, and the AV Coordinator, the Exhibition Designer will create innovative displays that comply with the highest museum standards for object safety and visitor accessibility. This is a supervisory role, overseeing a team of part-time and seasonal art handlers/preparators, mount makers, etc.

This role will report to the Director of Exhibitions and Collections. The Museum of Arts and Design has a mission to explore how craftsmanship, art, and design intersect in the visual arts today. Through its exhibitions, programming, and collection, MAD promotes a view of the world unobstructed by traditional definitions of fine art. MAD provides an opportunity for employees to enrich and develop their love of art, craft and design while contributing their specific skills, expertise, and talents.

Compensation and Schedule

This is a full-time, onsite, exempt position with compensation between $72,000–$75,000 per annum. Your anticipated schedule will be Monday through Friday 9:30 am–5:30 pm, flexibility may be required from time to time.

Primary Responsibilities

Work closely with curators and artists to design sophisticated, transformative, and accessible exhibitions and small-scale building installations.
Design and produce approx. 5 temporary exhibitions across 4 gallery floors (each around 3,000 sq ft) annually and other small-scale building installations, covering gallery/space architecture, object layouts, exhibition furniture, casework and mounts, didactics, digital media displays, lighting, etc.
As needed, design renovations and additions for the building including the exterior, store, lobby, and theater.
Create digital renderings and detailed design drawings of each display including artwork, wall treatments, fabrications, infrastructure, etc. using SketchUp or other industry-standard software.
Collaborate closely with registrars to plan, strategize, and ensure the safety and proper handling of all artworks, ensuring that all museum standards and protocols are being met.
Oversee mount making production and safety.
Adhere to best practices for museum conservation, preservation, receipt, and release process of artwork.
Research prices and quality of products, materials, and vendors – checking in regularly with each exhibition’s budget.
Place and track orders for design elements and restocking supplies.
Coordinate with vendors to schedule, fabricate, deliver, and install design and display elements.
Plan for and oversee day-to-day tasks for each installation and schedule crew and vendors accordingly.
Coordinate crew and maintain schedules in day-to-day tasks for deinstallation, space preparation, and installation.
Perform routine maintenance of all exhibitions in galleries and installation spaces, including cleaning, light replacement, paint touch-up, etc.
Receive, pack, handle, and crate work from the museum’s collection when requested.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the workshop, prep room, and supply areas.
Manage the inventory of exhibition furniture.
Uphold an up-to-date and accurate inventory of all tools and equipment and supplies.
Other duties as necessary.

Required Skills And Experience

BA or higher in exhibition design, architecture, industrial design, or relevant field.
3+ years in relevant exhibition design or architectural experience.
3+ experience in exhibition design at a major museum or gallery with museum loans.
Professional experience with millwork detailing, material specifications, and the production of drawing sets, from pricing through construction documents.
Advanced 2D drafting skills and familiarity with drawing standards, 3D modeling and rendering skills (MAD currently uses SketchUp/LayOut), and advanced knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office 365.
Extensive knowledge of care and handling for fine art objects.
Extensive knowledge of fabrication and construction methods.
Basic knowledge of electrical practice, electronics, and mechanical installations.
Experience supervising exhibition staff and external contractors.
Ability to safely operate and or work from personnel lifts, scaffolding, and ladders.
Ability to work effectively and systematically on several projects simultaneously, meeting exhibition schedules on time and within budget.
Ability to think abstractly and design creatively within difficult spaces.
Ability to coordinate and graphically communicate design ideas and assemble presentations.
Ability to construct physical models when needed.
Familiarity with DoB variances, TPA submissions, and public safety requirements.
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
Exceptional file organization skills.

Portfolio Required

Physical Requirements

Required to lift 50 lbs, work on high lifts, and safely operate saws and other power tools.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job posting describes you, then please apply for this role.

MAD provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

Museum of Arts and Design jobs

EXHIBITION DESIGNER