Senior Exhibition Designer

Philadelphia Museum of Art•Philadelphia, PA

11h•$74,052•Onsite

About The Position

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. The Senior Exhibition Designer is an experienced design leader who is responsible for conceptualizing and leading the creation and integration of physical, experiential, and space planning aspects of PMA’s projects with minimal direction. They will drive the planning and execution for assigned projects, work closely with their project team, inclusive of graphics, interpretive planning, Audio Visual, interactive and project management specialists, to ensure full and effective integration of all physical design elements. Proficiency in design software is mandatory, as is experience working with fabricators during exhibit production and installation. The candidate will also prove effective and confident in representing the PMA in collaborating with both national and international colleagues. Specifically, you will: Collaborate with both internal and external associates, including Project Managers, Exhibit Designers, Interpretive Specialists, Curators, Conservators, and other Client Representatives Must prove proficient in conservation and preservation techniques for displaying works of art Produce 3D digital models, design sketches (digital and hand-drawn), presentation documents and renderings, and CAD fabrication documentation. Knowledge of museum and gallery space planning issues, including lighting design, AV media design, and AV hardware/infrastructure needs HR-Revised 4.2024 2 Ability to work on exhibition and environmental design projects at multiple scales, including traveling exhibits, permanent exhibits, and museum interiors Working knowledge and understanding of architectural and building systems for integrating exhibits within existing spaces Ability to coordinate with architectural consultants and engineers as necessary to ensure safety and integration of exhibit components within the facility infrastructure Accountability for completeness and accuracy of design and production documents including production specifications; Perform QA checks, working with the Project Manager and Senior staff Develop technical solutions that meet necessary design and code compliance, including ADA

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Architecture or Exhibition Design
Minimum of 8 years of experience in an architectural firm, museum in-house design department, or exhibition design consulting firm
Able to work collaboratively in a team-based design studio
Self-motivated and able to balance multiple project responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced design environment
Experience with designing interactive exhibits
Experience with exhibit detailing including electro-mechanical exhibits, lighting design and integration of media components
Excellent command of the English language, both orally for presentation and in writing for project documentation needs
Proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp required. Knowledge of other design and drafting programs will be considered
Proficiency with 3D modeling programs
Excellent knowledge of Adobe CS, including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign is preferred

Responsibilities

Collaborate with both internal and external associates, including Project Managers, Exhibit Designers, Interpretive Specialists, Curators, Conservators, and other Client Representatives
Must prove proficient in conservation and preservation techniques for displaying works of art
Produce 3D digital models, design sketches (digital and hand-drawn), presentation documents and renderings, and CAD fabrication documentation.
Knowledge of museum and gallery space planning issues, including lighting design, AV media design, and AV hardware/infrastructure needs
Ability to work on exhibition and environmental design projects at multiple scales, including traveling exhibits, permanent exhibits, and museum interiors
Working knowledge and understanding of architectural and building systems for integrating exhibits within existing spaces
Ability to coordinate with architectural consultants and engineers as necessary to ensure safety and integration of exhibit components within the facility infrastructure
Accountability for completeness and accuracy of design and production documents including production specifications; Perform QA checks, working with the Project Manager and Senior staff
Develop technical solutions that meet necessary design and code compliance, including ADA
Works with a cross-functional creative team throughout the project to develop concept and drive vision through project execution by managing project objectives, expectations, and deliverables within project timelines.
Recognized as a leader for high-level creative and strategic direction
Establishes and manages 3D project goals, objectives, and scheduling on projects
Works closely with Associate Director of Exhibition Design on planning related to assigned projects and execution of design deliverables.
Develops assets and documentation to be used for project budget estimating
Ensures on-time execution of all final project deliverables
Works closely with the production team on implementation, as design advocate and bridge between design and production
Communicates with other members of the project team throughout the project to resolve reported problems, obtain additional information, and ensure timely reviews
Attends cross-functional meetings as authority representing 3D environmental design
Works with creative leads to provide milestone deliverables
Responsible for managing the 3D portions of assigned projects. This includes: o Setting daily/weekly goals o Managing/assisting teammates on projects o Develop workplans o Proactively manage projects to the budget and project schedule
Anticipate problems, raise concerns, and propose solutions
Communicate with cross-functional team throughout the project to flag problems, obtain additional information, and propose or follow up on solutions

Benefits

Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
Discounted guest tickets for admission
Discounts on gift memberships
Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
Health savings or flexible spending account program
Retirement savings program with museum match
Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays