Senior Manager of Exhibition Design

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums•San Francisco, CA

3d•$105,000 - $115,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a key member of the Exhibition Design Department, the Senior Manager of Exhibition Design works closely with the Director of Exhibition Management and Design to develop, from concept to execution, the design of temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries at both the de Young and Legion of Honor, and workflows and processes for Exhibition Designers. The Senior Manager of Exhibition Design must work well in a collaborative environment and have excellent management, organizational, and communication skills. This work requires working closely with many internal and external teams, including curators, artists, designers, project managers, conservators, registrars, and technicians. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Friday, January 30, 2026. We plan to launch the interview process in February.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A degree in Architecture is strongly preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of cumulative exhibition design, architectural design, or interior design experience.
At least 3 of the 5 years should be direct exhibition design experience within/for art museums and include progressively increased managerial responsibilities.
Experience managing designers and leading multiple simultaneous projects.
Advanced skills in Rhino, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to oversee the work of other designers and provide technical and design direction and input.
Ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with internal and external partners.
A clear, direct communicator with the ability to present high-level executive summaries and effectively convey detailed technical information, data, and processes to construction partners.
Contribute to a positive and team-oriented work culture.
Comprehensive knowledge of architectural terms, symbols and details.
Ability to work according to strict deadlines and within established budgets.
Ability to travel, take initiative, work independently, and be flexible with changing priorities.
Ability to work onsite 4 days a week, and 5 days a week when there are project-specific needs.
Knowledge of current ADA standards and guidelines for museum environments.
Knowledge of the latest Conservation requirements and standards for the display of art objects.

Nice To Haves

M.Arch, 5-year B.Arch, or international equivalent.
Knowledge of Revit, Enscape and/or Cinema 4D is a plus.
Knowledge of new materials and digital fabrication techniques.
Knowledge of art history is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop an understanding of each assigned special exhibition to create sophisticated and engaging design proposals in close collaboration with design and curatorial colleagues.
Work closely and engage with Curators and/or Artists to ensure that the curatorial/artistic intent is interpreted spatially, visually, and organizationally in a compelling way.
Ensuring visitor experience while maintaining high standards for design, safety, and accessibility.
Prepare presentations that effectively communicate design ideas at every phase of the design process.
Produce design documents (plans, sections, elevations, renderings), case lists and schedules, and complete and detailed bid/construction drawing sets.
Prepare a set of “as-built” drawings at the end of every installation.
Participate in art installation to ensure the execution of design intent and to address design-related questions and issues.
Work with colleagues in the Exhibition Design and Technical Productions department to develop, coordinate, and source all design elements of an exhibition or display.
Work closely and communicate regularly with Collections Management/Registration, Conservation, Curatorial, Exhibition Management, and Preparation/Installation teams during the design, construction, and installation phases to incorporate any technical feedback regarding conservation, display, and construction requirements.
Manage Exhibition Designers (currently two) and, as assigned, interns or freelance designers. Provide technical input/oversight to ensure design and production standards are met.
In coordination with the Director of Exhibition Management and Design, make determinations on workload distribution for the entire department and assist with administrative duties as assigned.
Work closely with the Director of Exhibitions Management and Design to develop and improve workflows, processes, and design standards for the entire department.
As assigned, oversee and manage special (non-exhibition) projects and initiatives that require design or architectural input, such as seating improvements, casework upgrades, capital improvements to permanent galleries, etc.
Represent the Exhibition Design department at meetings and provide project updates as needed.
Actively participates in institutional working groups, as assigned, to ensure that Exhibition Design input and needs are taken into consideration.
Build strong relationships with other museum teams to ensure cross-departmental collaboration and goals are aligned with institutional strategy.
Build and keep good relationships with external vendors.
Maintain the departmental archives and resource library, including 3D models of casework inventory, 3D and 2D records of gallery spaces at both museums.
Work with the Exhibition Management team to develop and adhere to project schedules and budgets.