Chief Exhibition Designer

The Chief Exhibition Designer is a key team member of the Collections & Exhibitions Department responsible for the creative direction and development of innovative and engaging designs, implementing the Museum’s strategic priorities, and aligning the Museum’s physical spaces with the curatorial vision and the institutional branding. The Chief Designer works collaboratively with the Curators, Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Marketing & Communication, Learning & Engagement, graphic designers, art services, registrars, and other staff members on research, concept development, design, production, and installation phases in the execution of the Museum’s ambitious schedule of exhibitions, installations, and gallery rotations. The Chief Designer is also responsible for managing the design and production of internal signage and wayfinding systems. The position provides leadership for cross-departmental collaboration to implement the highest stewardship standards for the Museum’s collections and exhibitions and plays a key role in fostering an organizational culture that values positive leadership, innovation, and inclusion, and inspires excellence in the work environment.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Directs the operation of the Exhibition Design Department, supervises departmental staff (Exhibition Graphic Designer, interns, and contract staff), and oversees all activity as follows:  

• Serves on exhibition teams for both in-house and traveling exhibitions, working collaboratively with Curators to design exhibition layouts and environmental treatment that are respective of curatorial premise and interpretive strategies. Works with Registrars and Art Services to create layout observant of display guidelines and security-relevant to the artwork. 
• Organizing presentations, design briefs, identifying, and supporting initiatives for innovative implementation of designs for all exhibitions and permanent collection installations including, but not limited to, renderings, schematic designs, concept designs, and shop drawings, as needed, for review by internal staff and to inform RFP(s) for outside contractors. 
• Creative directs and supervises Exhibition Graphic Designer in the development of environmental graphics for exhibition spaces and galleries, museum stores, internal wayfinding, and special event signage ensuring a consistent high-quality visitor experience. 
• Works closely with Curators and Exhibition Graphic Designer to design exhibition branding, coordinating with Advancement & Communications team members to ensure consistent application of established exhibition branding and graphic identity and compliance with donor and sponsor recognition commitments.  
• Consulting and advising other staff on aspects of design between the Uptown and Randolph facilities to ensure a consistent visual brand, style, and voice for the Museum; this includes collaborating on, advising, and guiding design decisions, working with the communications and marketing team, the Museum Store, and visitor gathering spaces, interior, and exterior. 

• Works closely with key members of the Curatorial team and Learning & Engagement to ensure the appropriate delivery of curatorial concepts and interpretive methods and messages developing interactives and overseeing the design and integration of all interpretive elements.  
• Identifies exhibition furniture; design specifications, methods, materials, and display techniques for museum casework, platforms, walls, partitions, fixtures, and lighting associated with realizing the design and layout.  
• Works closely with Art Services and Registration to determine technology and equipment needs for the installation including digital and audio-visual equipment, lighting, and other electrical. Assists with maintaining inventory.  
• Coordinates with Art Services and Exhibition Graphic Designer to manage outside services as needed for the fabrication and construction associated with exhibitions and permanent collection installations. 
• Collaborates with Registrar and Art Services to manage the installation of art objects, exhibition materials and didactics, and lighting of the exhibition. 
• Works with Exhibition Coordinator on exhibition graphic schedules and deadlines.  
• Develops and tracks the budget for the Design Department. 
• Participates in the installation of all designed projects, assisting with complicated graphics, casework, and art installations, adhering to best practices for handling, installation, and movement of objects; assists with the movement of art as needed. 
• Plays role in the planning and logistical support for capital projects. 
• Plays a key role in the development of policies and procedures of the highest museum standards and best practices, coordinates with Registration and Art Services on materials and methods particular to a museum environment, to creatively work within requirements set down by contracts and copyright law. 
• Develops, implements, and supervises programs aligned with the Museum’s strategic priorities. 
• Maintains international, national, and regional networks.  
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the President & CEO and Director of Collections & Exhibitions. 
• Other duties as assigned