Exhibits Manager

State of Nevada • Las Vegas, NV

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Museums and History Division, is recruiting for an Exhibits Manager in the Las Vegas area. This role requires a deep understanding of exhibition best practices, including accessibility, lighting design, and interpretive strategies. Candidates should have five to seven years of professional experience in exhibit design with a proven record of managing complex projects from inception to completion. The ideal candidate is passionate about storytelling through physical space and committed to creating memorable, educational, and inspiring environments for the public. Proficiency in 3D modeling software (such as SketchUp, Rhino, or 3ds Max) and graphic design software (including Adobe Creative Suite) is essential, along with a robust portfolio showcasing innovative exhibition designs for museums, galleries, or similar cultural venues. General knowledge of supervisory techniques is also required.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in museum studies, exhibition design, industrial arts, commercial arts, graphic design, graphic arts, or related field and two years of professional experience in the design, development and operation of exhibits or exhibit programs in a museum, gallery or comparable setting; OR a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in museum studies, exhibition design, industrial arts, commercial arts, graphic design, graphic arts or related field and three years of professional experience as described above; OR two years of experience as an Exhibit Preparator II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
• Five to seven years of professional experience in exhibit design
• Proven record of managing complex projects from inception to completion
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software (such as SketchUp, Rhino, or 3ds Max)
• Proficiency in graphic design software (including Adobe Creative Suite)
• Robust portfolio showcasing innovative exhibition designs for museums, galleries, or similar cultural venues
• General knowledge of supervisory techniques
• Strong spatial reasoning
• Conceptual thinking
• Visual communication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Passionate about storytelling through physical space
• Committed to creating memorable, educational, and inspiring environments for the public

Responsibilities

• Developing design concepts
• Creating detailed drawings and specifications
• Managing budgets and timelines
• Overseeing fabrication and installation
• Ensuring compliance with accessibility standards
• Overseeing requests for proposals, contractor bidding and selection
• Participating in contract negotiations and the preparation of construction agreements, professional service agreements, and purchase orders
• Translating exhibition narratives into compelling three-dimensional spaces that engage and inform diverse audiences
• Participating in all stages of the design process, including reviewing shop drawings and monitoring fabrication progress to ensure quality and design intent
• Assisting with exhibition deinstallation
• Design exhibits by reviewing objectives, researching historical and/or scientific information, and consulting with curators
• Plan layout within allotted space, with consideration for artifacts and materials available
• Coordinate activities with staff including education program coordinators, contractors, outside services, and the public in order to determine and plan criteria for displays
• Construct exhibits, displays and display scenes after reviewing plans and determining needed materials
• Utilize pictures or sketches to recreate specific scenes
• Build or reconstruct scenes or displays, apply surface treatment and/or paint, and make necessary considerations or modifications to achieve proper color, perspectives, or layout
• Furnish scenes with artifacts and specimens in order to create a realistic and accurate display area
• Maintain exhibit area, artifacts, and specimens by implementing procedures for the preservation and security of artifacts
• Check periodically for wear or damage
• Ascertain and check for proper case light intensities, temperature, and humidity
• Implement pest control methods
• Retouch or reconstruct items
• Replace artifacts or specimens in order to ensure exhibits and specimens are protected and retain an appropriate appearance
• Perform related duties as assigned
• Managing all aspects of complex exhibit programs including project funding and budget, staffing levels, work assignments and direction, and long and short-range planning of exhibit programs
• Manage a staff of Exhibit Preparators and other staff and volunteers involved in the design, construction, installation and maintenance of exhibits

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• Dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments

What This Job Offers

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