Exhibition Designer

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

About the Role

The Harvard Art Museums—comprising the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum—are dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. The museums' diverse collection is among the largest in the United States, displayed in galleries that mix media and schools of art. The Exhibition Designer produces unique concepts and plans for gallery installations, upholding the museum’s standards for display and aesthetics while seeking creative solutions to enhance visitors’ engagement with artwork.

The Exhibition Designer will serve as lead or supporting designer for numerous exhibition and collection gallery projects, guiding them from concept to production and installation.

Responsibilities

• Produce installation designs for temporary exhibitions and collection galleries.
• Work closely with curators to translate theoretical concepts into tangible designs, adhering to museum standards of sustainability and fiscal responsibility.
• Generate and propose creative solutions for presenting artworks, narratives, and ideas that align with guidelines from Conservation, Registration, Facilities, and Security.
• Communicate ideas, gather feedback, and obtain consensus from stakeholders for each installation.
• Collaborate with Editorial and Design Services to integrate gallery text, wall graphics, audio/video content, and related print materials into exhibition designs.
• Provide specifications (dimensions, wall/furniture colors, label formats) for gallery text and graphics; assist in reviewing and reconciling proofs with gallery elevations.
• Prepare and disseminate design materials, including floorplans, elevation drawings, exhibition furniture construction drawings, gallery models (physical or virtual), and related documentation.
• Organize and lead meetings with museum stakeholders to present design plans, review artwork, mockups, conservation/loan requirements, and other design factors.
• Review design plans with the Exhibition Production team to assess feasibility for execution and installation.
• Work closely with the Assistant Director for Exhibitions and Gallery Planning, providing updates on schedule, budget, design status, and deliverables.
• Adjust designs and schedules based on updated information.
• Maintain and build design office resources, such as base architectural files, furniture drawings/inventories, design tools (software/supplies), and project documentation on Basecamp and in archives.
• Support gallery installations in person for guidance or troubleshooting.
• Keep the Assistant Director for Exhibitions and Collections Management staff informed of project status, anticipate complications, and seek advice on challenges.
• Collaborate with museum colleagues across departments.

Working Conditions

• This is an on-site position based in Massachusetts.
• Must be able to move around a multi-story museum building.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Physical tasks include walking, standing, stooping, pushing, pulling, reaching above shoulders, climbing ladders, kneeling, twisting, and squatting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant design field (e.g., exhibition design, architecture, interior design, industrial/furniture design) or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience (including internships) in exhibition design or comparable fields; museum experience recommended.

Qualifications and Skills

• A portfolio demonstrating 3-dimensional and spatial design capability, creative problem-solving, and the design process (challenge, constraints, solutions).
• Proficiency with computer-aided drafting and 3D modeling software (Vectorworks and Rhino preferred; other CAD applications acceptable).
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) and MS Office (Excel).
• Strong file management and organizational skills.
• Good hand sketching, model-making, and light-duty prototyping skills.
• Ability to balance multiple projects, process complex data, and maintain precision/detail.
• Project leadership or coordination experience is helpful.
• Familiarity with museum best practices (conservation, art handling, security, lighting), accessibility, and life-safety regulations.
• Knowledge of architectural/industrial design practices, documentation standards, and nomenclature.
• Understanding of fabrication techniques, materials, and finishes.

Application Materials

• Up-to-date resume and cover letter.
• Portfolio of relevant work (formatted document or shareable link to cloud storage/website). Include explanations of project challenges, constraints, and design solutions.
• 2–3 professional or academic references.

Schedule

35 hours per week.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

Learn more on Harvard's Benefits & Wellbeing Page.