Head, Design - Chef·fe du design

Canadian Museum of Nature - Musée canadien de la nature; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Design to lead innovative 2D and 3D design solutions for exhibitions. This role involves overseeing a multidisciplinary team and managing projects from concept to installation, ensuring engaging and relevant exhibitions that promote appreciation of the natural world. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in design leadership, project management, and collaboration within cultural institutions. Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating impactful experiences and contributing to a mission of awareness and understanding of nature.

Benefits

Access to federal public service group insurance

Pension plans

Inclusive work environment

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• 5-10 years experience in design leadership and project management.
• Experience in leading creative teams and managing multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of innovative design solutions.
• Manage project teams for exhibitions from conceptual phase to installation.

Skills

Design Leadership

Project Management

Collaboration

Creative Team Leadership

Exhibition Techniques

Education

Post-secondary degree/diploma in Industrial Design

Post-secondary degree/diploma in Interior Design

Post-secondary degree/diploma in Architecture

Job description

(le français suit l'anglais)

Head, Design

Experience and Engagement

ME-07 - $91,589 to $112,329 per year

Temporary full-time position (37.5 hours per week)

1-year contract, with possibility of permanent employment

Work Location: Victoria Memorial Museum Building (VMMB) - Ottawa, ON

Selection process number: 2090-CMN-25-OC-014

Your place at the Museum

We value diversity and believe we benefit from working in a place where everyone feels included and where the unique qualities and strengths inherent in a diverse workforce are combined. We welcome applications from persons who may identify as a member of one or more other equity-seeking groups (e.g., women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, religious or cultural minority).

About the position

Reporting to the Director, Content & Digital Strategies, the Head, Design (HD) leads the development and implementation of innovative 2D and 3D design solutions for CMN exhibitions, from conceptual phase through detailing, fabrication, and installation. The role aims to advance the Museum’s mission to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the natural world. The HD works closely across departments to ensure exhibitions are relevant and engaging.

The HD plans, manages, and directs project teams in creating, developing, adapting, upgrading, producing, implementing, and reviewing sections or components of CMN and partner exhibitions, including signature, special, temporary, travelling exhibitions, and permanent gallery projects.

The Head, Design is responsible for leading and line-managing a multidisciplinary team focused on Exhibition Design.

Working at the museum means:

• Contributing to an engaging mission as well as exciting projects and challenges
• An inclusive, friendly, and safe work environment
• A competitive salary established by collective agreements
• Access to federal public service group insurance and pension plans

Eligibility criteria

This position is open to all employees of the Canadian Museum of Nature and the public who meet the qualifications below.

*Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Education and training:

Completion of post-secondary degree/diploma in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Architecture, or a related discipline relevant to Exhibition Design.

Language requirements:

English and French are essential. Bilingual imperative (CBC/CBC).

Experience:

• 5-10 years experience leading the creation of a scenographic vision for innovative galleries, exhibitions, and travelling shows.
• 5-10 years experience in design leadership, including development, plans, drawings, tender documents, fabrication, and installation supervision.
• Experience supervising and leading creative teams through design, development, and implementation phases.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams and collaborating across staff, management, and contractors.
• 2-3 years experience within a museum, science centre, or similar cultural institution.
• Experience with museum exhibition techniques, conservation requirements, digital and physical interactives, AV equipment, and other media.
• Experience in adapting existing exhibitions and upgrading permanent galleries.
• Experience in fabrication management, budgeting, scheduling, and RFP processes.

Other requirements

The candidate may need to work some weekends and/or evenings/nights.

Interested? APPLY!

Please visit our website for application instructions!

Deadline: May 16, 2026 - 3:00 pm