Exhibit Designer

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY•St. Louis, MO

2d•$55,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) is seeking an Exhibit Designer to play a key role in creating engaging visitor experiences across its three locations. This position is responsible for designing and co-leading projects through all phases of exhibition development, from conceptualization to execution. The Exhibit Designer will create compelling narratives using artifacts, graphics, interactives, and media, ensuring accessibility and innovation. Collaboration with internal teams, including historians, curators, and collections staff, as well as external partners, is essential. The role involves developing sketches, 3D models, and documentation drawings, and managing project timelines and budgets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Exhibition Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or an experience design-related field
Three or more years of experience in exhibition design, preferably in a history museum setting
Must be able to prepare sketches, drawings, specifications, and models for planning purposes, fabrication, and presentations in Vectorworks
Experience project managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, preferably museum exhibitions
Experience in creating accessible, thought-provoking, and engaging history exhibitions for visitors of all ages and interests
Experience working in Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Cloud (CC), and Microsoft Office, particularly on a Mac system
Ability to prepare sketches, drawings, specifications, and models for planning purposes, fabrication, and presentations through Vectorworks
Knowledge of and experience with exhibition graphic design, fabrication, construction, and all other steps related to exhibition production
Familiarity with best practices for display of artifacts of historical significance including conservation requirements, lighting, mount-making, security, etc.
Experience and interest in advancing accessibility of exhibit designs and knowledge of accessibility best practices in exhibitions
Experience and interest in advancing sustainability of exhibit designs
Experience project managing complex exhibition projects with multiple stakeholders, leading or co-leading project teams, and communicating project needs and deliverables with other museum departments
Experience developing and managing exhibition budgets and project calendars
Experience identifying and building relationships with local exhibit vendors, as well as drafting, executing, and managing RFPs and contracts with vendors
Excellent organizational, administrative, communication and leadership skills
Excellent time management skills and an ability to juggle many simultaneous tasks across multiple projects in different phases
Ability to adapt or learn new skills through creative problem solving to accomplish complex projects

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Perform all design related tasks including design research, conceptualization, rendering, drafting and construction specifications
Create all project design documents, bid materials, and contracts
Ensure quality of design that engages diverse audiences and ensures a fresh, unique approach by taking advantage of participatory and interactive interpretive strategies as well as new technologies as appropriate
Co-lead exhibit teams alongside project content lead
Ensure the integration of design with all project goals including interpretation and education, conservation, accessibility, and sustainability
Work with collections staff to determine display requirements for artifacts
Work with fabricators, preparators, and mount makers to determine methods for building and installing exhibits
Perform all project management duties associated with assigned projects as necessary, including: Develop and manage project budget, Develop and manage project calendar, Coordinate project-related small and large team meetings, Coordinate project file sharing and communication with internal and external collaborators
Contract and manage the work of graphic design, fabrication, construction, and other contractors associated with exhibits
Help to lead the installation of exhibits alongside preparator team leadership
Lead the design of banner exhibits and small-scale offsite exhibits with MHS community partners
Support ongoing artifact rotations in permanent galleries across MHM and Soldiers Memorial through exhibit design and coordination with collections team members, content leads, and contract graphic designers
Support the overall work of the Exhibits Department by participating in project and process reviews to advance institutional methods and procedures
All other duties as assigned