Exhibitions Graphic Designer

Smithsonian Institution • Washington, DC

16d

About The Position

The Exhibitions Graphic Designer works in the Exhibitions Office of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), which provides exhibit graphic design and production services for exhibitions and special projects at SAAM’s Donald W. Reynolds Center and The Renwick Gallery. The designer creates original concepts and designs that clarify messages and story hierarchy through layout, typeface, color, and, where applicable, materiality. Designs communicate information and ideas or evoke desired responses to SAAM exhibitions, programs, and collections.

The role includes designing, producing, and installing exhibition graphics, overseeing in-house and outsourced production and installation, operating equipment for labels and text panels, and coordinating with vendors to complete projects on time and cost-effectively. The designer also collaborates with the National Portrait Gallery and the American Archives on Shared Spaces projects.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service, including experience designing, producing, and installing exhibition graphics; overseeing in-house and outsourced production and installation; and collaborating with outside or sister organizations on shared spaces and projects.
• Alternatively, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree related to the position may substitute for the experience requirement, or education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications.
• Candidates must meet qualification requirements, including one year of time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Pass a pre-employment background investigation.
• Maintain a bank account for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Submit a resume of no more than two pages that clearly demonstrates relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Create original exhibition graphic design concepts and projects.
• Design, produce, and install exhibition graphics, including labels, panels, murals, building banners, and promotional posters for SAAM and The Renwick Gallery.
• Oversee in-house and outsourced production and installation of exhibition graphics.
• Operate equipment used to produce labels and text panels.
• Coordinate with vendors to support timely and cost-effective project completion.
• Foster a collaborative and collegial environment with the National Portrait Gallery and the American Archives on Shared Spaces projects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal government benefits package, with details available through the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources.
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Insurance
• Leave
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Retirement Program
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized, subject to availability and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level