Exhibition Design Manager

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About the Clark

The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.

Position Summary

This new position, located in the department of Exhibitions and reporting to the Marx Director of Collections and Exhibitions, will be responsible for the oversight and management of all exhibition design projects at the Clark.
The Exhibition Design Manager will work with the Marx Director of Collections and Exhibitions and the Lipp Chief Curator to assign an exhibition designer to each project as needed. The Exhibition Design Manager will design some of the exhibitions and will solicit bids and oversee contract designers for other exhibitions as determined. Exhibition graphic design at the Clark is managed by the department of Publications, using inhouse graphic design staff as well as contract graphic designers. The Exhibition Design Manager will collaborate with the Marx Director of Collections and Exhibitions, the Lipp Senior Curator, the Publications Managing Editor, and the Communications/Design department to identify the appropriate graphic design team for each project. (Note: graphic design expertise is a plus but not a requirement for this position.)
The Exhibition Design Manager will realize exhibitions and permanent collection installations from concept to production including construction administration in collaboration with curators, exhibition managers, registrars, preparators, and other core project staff for each project, including living artists if relevant. The Exhibition Design Manager will also be involved in any capital projects involving permanent collection or exhibition galleries.
The Exhibition Design Manager will ensure designers are identified for each project in a timely manner; develop or oversee development of presentation materials on schedule; develop or oversee development of renderings; draw up or oversee the creation of construction drawings as needed; ensure architectural stamped drawings are created when construction requires a building permit; file applications with the town’s OIS for building permits in a timely fashion when required; solicit bids from fabricators for exhibition construction projects, including walls, cases, platforms, etc, as well as required bonnets, mounts, gallery painting, etc.; review bids with supervisor and other staff as needed to determine best fit for each project; oversee contractors working on fabrication; and ensure that final as installed designs are developed and saved for each project.
This position will collaborate with the Clark’s core exhibition development team, bringing best museum practices, and a variety of creative strategies to the table.

The Exhibition Designer Manager must have the capacity to collaborate with a cross-departmental team in all phases of an exhibition and be able to effectively communicate with external consultants from case manufacturers to architects, designers, and other types of expertise to realize the display needs of the art within a comprehensive exhibition experience. They should have experience creating design documents, familiarity with construction bid packages, custom millwork detailing and possess the technical and rendering skills (Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc.) to develop, present and test design ideas visually. This person will bring enhanced design potential to shows indoors and outdoors at the Clark, create presentation models, make scale maquettes, and research visual / fabrication materials. This person may also work on institutional projects that require three-dimensional thinking, rendering, or visitor experience design.

Minimum Starting Salary: $67,000

Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Develop or oversee development of exhibition design concept, including sensible and accessible circulation and planning, art displays containing casework/ millwork, etc. in collaboration with curators and other colleagues at the Clark
Coordinate with registrars, curators, and preparators to ensure safe display of objects according to best practices
Collaborate with curators, Exhibitions, registrars, preparators, and other museum staff, living artists and their galleries, outside designers, and architects as required for the successful implementation of the exhibition and gallery design
Prepare or oversee design document drawings, floor plans, detail drawings, case lists or schedules for internal museum reviews and construction bid documents as needed
Incorporate accessibility reviews and discussions into exhibition design process to ensure institutional DEIA values are reflected in exhibition plans
Work with living artists involved in projects, in close coordination with Clark colleagues, to determine fabrication and installation needs related to the artists’ works
Prepare or oversee preparation of stamped drawings, assemble, and submit applications to OIS to obtain building permits as required by state law
Coordinate fabrication with in-house production team and/or outside vendors as needed
Solicit bids and make recommendations on outside fabricators; act as liaison to fabricators and ensure on time and acceptable quality work; review fabricator invoices and route internally as needed to obtain approvals for payment
Help facilitate communication with Exhibitions and other core team members throughout all major projects, installations, or exhibitions as assigned
Construct models or mock ups for design development and presentation purposes
Possess a high level of organization and file management
In discussion with supervisor and others as needed, assist in developing budget targets for exhibitions
Meet schedule and budget requirements
Ensure each realized exhibition is documented with as-installed gallery plans
Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Skills

B.A. degree in exhibition design, architecture, industrial design or equivalent field of work is required. MFA or MArch (Master of Architecture) preferred.
Modelmaking, good handcraft skills, and knowledge of construction techniques are required
Museum exhibition design experience strongly preferred.
Strong skills in conceptual design, detailing, and presentation through graphics and media, including renderings and screen-based presentation
Strong organizational and design presentation skills
Full knowledge of construction phasing, techniques, fabrication skills, material selection, and project management
Commitment to DEIA principles and willingness to work toward inclusive and more sustainable practices
Knowledge of AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or similar softward with strong rendering ability is required
Experience and knowledge of proper art handling procedures and art or object installation and display experience preferred
Good communication skills and ability to function as part of a team
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
Portfolio submission required

Work Experience

At least five to eight years of experience in exhibition design or architectural practice including work on significant exhibition projects or buildings

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: The position requires working at desk and using a computer for prolonged periods of time. The position also requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, and strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 35 pounds.
Work Environment: Work will usually be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Some work will be performed outside, potentially in inclement weather. Some travel will be required.

All employees at the Clark are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they are eligible for an exemption based on a medical, disability, or religious reason. More information on this policy can be provided by the Clark’s human resources department.

Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.

The Clark is an equal opportunity employer.