Senior Exhibition Designer

About the role

The Harvard Museums of Science and Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of public museums in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East (HMANE), the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI), and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (PMAE). To learn more about HMSC's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website here.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of 3D and graphic design for HMSC exhibit projects.
• Produce digital renderings, modeling, 3D visualizations, floorplans and elevations using Vectorworks.
• Communicate and present design plans to stakeholders to guide decision-making.
• Collaborate with HMSC colleagues, curators, and collections staff to ensure designs meet collection care, object safety, and conservation standards.
• Collaborate with other exhibits department leaders to coordinate exhibit production.
• Research prices and quality of products, materials, and vendors, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Manage external contractors when necessary.
• Collaborate with other exhibits department leaders to translate curatorial narratives into spatial experiences, integrating architecture, lighting, media, materials, and visitor flow.
• Ensure designs are safe and accessible, working with collections staff to present objects securely and in compliance with ADA guidelines.
• Partner with curators and HMSC departments (Education, Marketing & Communications, Public Programs, Operations) to align exhibition design with institutional strategy and public-facing goals, resonating with diverse audiences.

Leadership/Management

• Co-manage the exhibits schedule from concept through installation, ensuring deadlines are met, and exhibitions are produced efficiently and to the highest standards.
• Stay current on trends in exhibition design, immersive media, and visitor experience.
• Pending budget approval, attend field-specific conferences and trainings.
• Manage and supervise the work of up to two direct reports and/or temporary staff.
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of exhibit design team members, in partnership with the Director of Administration and the Director of Exhibitions.
• Mentor and supervise staff, fostering a creative, collaborative culture and maintaining high design standards. Provide regular feedback, direction, and support to meet project goals.
• Conduct all phases of the annual performance process (goals, check-ins, annual reviews).

General

• Lead design team meetings and participate in all exhibit team meetings.
• Participate in All Staff meetings and committees to support cross-departmental collaboration in support of HMSC's strategic plan.

Working Conditions

This primarily on-site position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Some scheduling flexibility is required, especially during periods of intense exhibit production and when meeting exhibit deadlines. Candidates must be available to shift their schedule on occasion to accommodate work planned on mornings and evenings outside of museum public hours.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in exhibition design, architecture, interior design, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience with both 3-D and graphic design, planning, and installation of museum exhibits.
• 2+ years of supervisory and performance management experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficient in design software (Vectorworks, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and/or Illustrator).

Skills

• Experience working in a team setting with museum staff, designers, and specialized service providers such as illustrators and artists.
• Experienced in managing production and installation of 3D and graphic elements in exhibition environments.
• Knowledgeable in universal design principles and their application to museum exhibitions.
• Knowledgeable in museum-display standards, including art handling, conservation considerations, fabrication, lighting design, and visitor circulation.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills for conveying design vision to stakeholders.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency across design and production.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in team settings.
• Able to multitask while maintaining a positive, service-oriented attitude.

Compensation and Benefits

- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday - Compensation Range/Rate: New hires can anticipate a salary somewhere near the midpoint of the salary range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate's relevant experience. - Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. This includes generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage, retirement plans with university contributions, wellbeing and mental health resources, support for families and caregivers, professional development opportunities, commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks. - Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal - Equal Opportunity Employer: Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives.