Visual Information Specialist, Exhibits (Supervisory 3D Designer) IS-1084-12

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art opened in 1923 as America’s first national art museum and the first Asian art museum in the United States. It now stewards on of the world’s most important collections of Asian art, with works dating from antiquity to the present. The museum also hosts an unparalleled collection of 19th- and early 20th-century American art. Through an ambitious program of collecting, conservation, exhibitions, programming and research, both onsite and online, the museum serves as a global and national resource for understanding the arts and cultures of Asia and their interaction with America, past and present. By presenting the arts and cultures of Asia in their extraordinary richness, the museum furthers cross-cultural understanding and aims to exemplify foundational ideals of curiosity, creativity and respect. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum is free and open 364 days a year (closed Dec. 25). The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex and welcomes millions of visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, visit asia.si.edu. This position serves as the senior (3D) exhibition designer in NMAA’s Exhibitions department. The department is responsible for planning, coordinating, designing, producing, and maintaining long-term and changing exhibitions and interior and exterior art installations. The museum is in the early stages of an exciting four-year project to comprehensively transform its galleries and public spaces, and the person selected for this position will play a key role in helping to achieve our goal of deeply engaging, impactful exhibitions and a dedicated focus on visitor experience.

Requirements

Undergraduate or graduate education with a major study in commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position.
One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service or comparable experience outside the Federal government.
Demonstrated background of having served as sole or lead designer on exhibitions for museums or closely related cultural institutions. Experience with projects involving art objects and knowledge of museum exhibition standards, procedures and terminology is required.
Proficiency is required in one or more computer-aided design (CAD) programs, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.
Managing the full design process (concept, schematic, design development) while balancing conservation requirements, accessibility, budget, schedule, and technical feasibility.
Experience managing the preparation of exhibition spaces (planning, constructing, installing, and operating exhibits). Knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, and production techniques.
Ability to work on various projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of and skill to apply visual design principles and visual communications into exhibition plans.
Experience directing the work of others, whether as a formal supervisor or in a coordinative role (e.g. contractor oversight, assigning/monitoring other team members’ tasks and or/deadlines, etc.).
Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to present design concepts to diverse audiences, including curators, leadership, and other staff.
Knowledge and applied use of accessibility standards (e.g. Americans with Disabilities Act).
Ability to achieve best possible design outcomes compatible with available budget thresholds, staff resources, and timelines.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Responsibilities

Supervise a team of exhibition designers, as well as interns, contractors, and temporary staff, as relevant. Ensure uniformity in standards of documentation, accuracy, and compliance with rules, regulations, and standards. Provide leadership and mentoring support to foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Serve as 3D designer on exhibition project teams. Work closely with curators and other team members to develop visual identity in support of exhibition themes. Conceive and oversee development of original exhibit designs, including spacial layouts, exhibition furniture, media environments, graphics and object placements.
Develop appropriate and attractive visual ideas for exhibition presentations in consultation with curators and program officials, translating ideas into viable exhibition layouts and designs. Balance creative excellence with conservation requirements, visitor accessibility, budget constraints, and technical feasibility.
Prepare construction drawings, fabrication documents, and other technical materials for the construction of exterior and interior exhibition spaces.
Manage all phases of the design process, including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and work in collaboration with the Production team during the fabrication stage.
Contribute to project planning and implementation, including budget estimates, procurement, review and approval of contractor work, and material delivery as appropriate.
Review design proposals with exhibition registrars, collections managers, conservators and exhibition preparators, ensuring safe and aesthetically and technically correct displays of objects.
Participate in assembling recommendations for the solicitation, selection, and award of basic contracts in support of specific programs and serve as the contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR), assisting in the development of appropriate and comprehensive scopes of work, assembling procurement documents, monitoring the progress of contracts, certifying deliverables and approving payment.