Director of Exhibition Design and Production

About the role

The Director of Exhibition Design and Production leads the creation and execution of innovative exhibitions, permanent collection displays, and other visitor experiences with Asian art and cultures. They oversee the entire design process from concept to installation, ensuring that the designs are both artistically compelling and technically feasible.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and develop original experience designs, including the visitor journey, gallery architecture, layout of objects, exhibition furniture, display cases, and media environments.
• Create exhibitions that balance creative excellence with conservation requirements, visitor accessibility, budget constraints, and technical feasibility.
• Generate drawings, computer renderings, models, maquettes, prototypes, and mockups to communicate design concepts.
• Review design proposals with Conservation and Registration to ensure the safety of the art, and with Engineering, Security, Facilities, Guest Experience, Public Programs, Special Events, and other departments as needed.
• Integrate labels, signage, and interactive media with overall experience design and the visitor journey, working with internal or external editors, graphic designers, and digital content creators as needed.
• Assess, design, and implement design projects for the museum that are not related to exhibitions and projects, collaborating with Engineering, Facilities, and other departments as required.
• Lead the design process through construction, overseeing the production of detailed construction drawings and other fabrication documents based on final approved designs, and developing production, installation, and related staffing plans for each exhibition and project.
• Direct the Production and Preparation team, as well as contractors, in fabricating and installing exhibitions to the highest professional standards.
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise between design and fabrication or with building and installation on the floor, ensuring all safety standards and training requirements are met.
• Develop and oversee the department’s budget and external contracts, facilitating the exhibition schedule, and ensuring that department deliverables are on time and within budget.

Requirements

• Proven expertise in design and production for in-person experiences, preferably ones involving art objects.
• Thorough knowledge of museum exhibition concepts, standards, applications, procedures, and terminology.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage creative team and external contractors.
• Strategic and creative thinker with good judgment, initiative, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience establishing timelines, balancing priorities, and managing multiple simultaneous projects in fast-paced environments.
• Strong conceptual and creative abilities combined with technical knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, and production techniques.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate design concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges creatively.
• Proficient and current in the use of standard software and other technology tools for exhibition design and production, plus standard office and project management software.
• Commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and culturally responsive design practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in design or related field from an accredited college or university; Master's degree in a design, architecture, or related field, preferred.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience in exhibition design, museum design, or related experiential design field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role.

Skills

• Proven expertise in design and production for in-person experiences, preferably ones involving art objects.
• Strategic and creative thinker with good judgment, initiative, and decision-making abilities.
• Experience establishing timelines, balancing priorities, and managing multiple simultaneous projects in fast-paced environments.
• Strong conceptual and creative abilities combined with technical knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, and production techniques.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate design concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges creatively.
• Proficient and current in the use of standard software and other technology tools for exhibition design and production, plus standard office and project management software.
• Commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and culturally responsive design practices.

Benefits

The Asian Art Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans with flexible spending accounts, paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick leave), immediate eligibility to enroll in a voluntary retirement savings program upon hire, and a group retirement plan with employer match. A hybrid schedule is also available for eligible positions.

Pay

The minimum salary for this position is $130,000 and the maximum salary is $150,000. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

Schedule and Travel

• Standard business hours (Monday-Friday) with significant flexibility required for exhibition installations, openings, and critical deadlines.
• Evening and weekend work is regularly required during exhibition installation periods.
• Occasional evening work for exhibition openings, donor events, and stakeholder presentations.
• Occasional regional or national travel for vendor meetings, site visits to other museums, or professional conferences.

Technology Use

• Daily use of computer workstations for extended periods.
• Use of tablets and smartphones for on-site documentation, communication, and project management.
• Operation of design software requiring sustained visual focus and precision.
• Video conferencing for remote meetings with vendors, consultants, and partners.