Reference: # 27739
Closes on: 14 Jul 2019 23:55
Department: Exhibitions
Expertise: 2-5 years
Career level: BA
Hours/Status: Full-Time, 35 hours/week
Pay rate: $25.91/hour (starting rate) $31.01/hour (position rate)
The Exhibition Designer is responsible for the exhibition design for temporary exhibitions and permanent collections from conception through installation, and for supervision of all trades when working in the galleries, as needed, to ensure that the exhibition design elements are completed on time and within budget. Under the direction of the Chief Exhibition Designer this position works closely with Exhibitions, Installation, Registration, Curatorial, Graphic Design, other exhibition project team members, and external stakeholders including artists and designers on planning and implementing design concepts for all museum exhibitions. The Exhibition Designer will have a solid understanding and experience in assessing, developing, and translating the exhibition design into feasible builds in the galleries.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- For selected exhibitions, Exhibition Designer will be assigned as “point” for the exhibition design component of the project. In this role, the Exhibition Designer will be responsible for working with the curators graphic design, artists, architects and designers on design concepts for the museum’s exhibitions; assist in taking concepts and creating design drawings that can be used for review and planning.
- Work closely with the Installations Manager and the Exhibitions Technical Manager, Registration, and Conservation in the production and implementation of the exhibition design as it relates to the needs and safety of the artworks.
- Work closely with the fabrication and gallery installation teams to assess feasibility of design concepts, develop build plans and production timelines.
- Prepare sketches and scale drawings showing plans, elevation and section views of design concepts through proficiency in AutCAD, Sketchup, and Photoshop for distribution to curators, project team members, and external parties including artists, architects, contractors, and designers.
- Create shop plans to be used by in house or outside fabricators for all exhibition furniture and fixtures, and generate construction drawings, plans, elevation and section views as well as specification for construction of all elements required to prepare galleries and spaces for the installation of art works.
- Construct maquettes of art objects; work closely with curators in getting information to construct maquettes; prepare and maintain models of the galleries, organize model room, set up models for project meetings as needed.
- Stays up to date with current or latest design technology and consults with Chief Exhibition Designer and Co-Directors of Exhibitions on possible recommendations.
- Work with Chief Exhibition Designer to solicit estimates from vendors and outside parties for assigned exhibition, and after review with the Chief Exhibition Designer, submit relevant Exhibition Design related budget figures for exhibitions to the Co-Directors of Exhibitions during budgeting periods.
- Prepare Vendor agreements for review by Co-Directors of Exhibitions for the hired vendors related to Exhibition Design for the fiscal year or exhibition.
- Work with the project team in developing, maintaining, and updating a detailed schedule for all production related to exhibition design, including gallery construction, exhibition furniture, and in coordinating with Graphic Design, signage fabrication.
- Prepare a floor plan with artwork in place for installation reference and archive; when requested, prepare a floor plan with artwork in place for tour venues
- Order and coordinate shipping of materials from vendors and other sources for Exhibition Design related needs. Track and organize weekly invoices and expenses and check the status of invoices and purchase orders; Maintain Exhibition Design budget database to insure cost of supplies do not exceed approved budget; Follow-up with vendors to wrap up year end.
- Hire and manage interns as necessary
- Coordinate meetings as necessary
- Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Training: B.A. degree with course work in museum studies, exhibition design, or art history.
Work Experience: A minimum of 3 years full-time administrative and exhibition design experience, preferably in a museum or contemporary art setting. Understanding of exhibition fabrication and construction. Experience producing concepts and detailed drawing packages at all levels (concept, schematic, design development, and construction) for exhibition design projects.
Skills and Abilities: Ability to communicate effectively and personably in person, on the telephone, and in writing. Computer literacy a must; ability to utilize PC software applications (AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite and Google Sketchup) Must know how to scan and manipulate images, creative ability to make a 3-D models/ representations from 2-D images. Ability to utilize standard office equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Museum staff, representatives from other arts institutions, consultants, artists, and vendors. Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records. Ability to take initiative, work independently and collaboratively in teams, and be flexible with changing priorities. Must have strong organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
This is a union position subject to the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.
