Exhibit Designer - HS60083409 - HYBRID

Natural and Cultural Resources; United States; Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) invites applications for the Exhibit Designer position in Raleigh, NC. The role leads in-house exhibit design, oversees fabrication and installation across state historic sites, and directs digital engagement initiatives in coordination with site staff and subject matter experts.

Qualifications include a 3–5 year track record in exhibit design, a relevant degree (BFA/BS/BA), and strong ADA compliance knowledge.

Qualifications

• Professional exhibit design experience required (3–5 years).
• BFA/BS/BA in Exhibit Design, Graphic Design, Museum Studies or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of ADA compliance and accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead in-house exhibit design and production, including concepts, floor plans, layouts and fabrication oversight.
• Produce promotional graphics and two-dimensional materials for site promotion and events.
• Guide planning and evaluation, chairing teams, ensuring ADA compliance and visitor assessments.
• Supervise design staff and coordinate with external designers, fabricators, and architects.

Skills

Exhibit design

Graphic design

Digital engagement

ADA compliance

Project coordination

Education

BFA/BS/BA in related field

Job description

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people's lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina's natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

The Exhibit Designer is responsible for administrative, supervisory, and technical work involved in the design, fabrication, production, and maintenance of gallery, wayside, and directional exhibits across 27 state historic sites. Serving as the lead designer for all in house projects, this position directs exhibit development, manages fabrication and installation, and oversees all online digital engagement initiatives for the Division. The role participates in all exhibit planning teams, consulting with Historic Sites staff and subject matter experts to ensure historical accuracy, thematic consistency, and compliance with graphic standards. The Exhibit Designer also supervises the Graphic Designer/Exhibit Technician, the Multimedia Technician, and a part-time Graphic Designer, serves on the Exhibits Coordinating Committee, and is responsible for all graphic elements used at both the division and site levels. The position is supervised by the Director of Curatorial Services and is evaluated based on design aesthetics, effectiveness of exhibit installations, digital engagement outcomes, and adherence to project deadlines.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead in-house exhibit design and production, including developing concepts, creating floor plans and panel layouts, producing design drawings, and directing fabrication and installation for gallery, wayside, and directional exhibits.
• Produce promotional graphics, and other two-dimensional graphics for site promotion and special events. Review layout and design for all Historic Sites publications and other printed material.
• Guide exhibit planning and evaluation, serving on and occasionally chairing planning teams, advising on design methods and materials, identifying future projects, ensuring ADA compliance, and conducting visitor evaluations and assessments to improve exhibit effectiveness.
• Manage project workflows and external partnerships, including overseeing digital engagement initiatives, coordinating with outside designers and fabricators, reviewing contract designs, supervising installation work, and consulting with architects on exhibit spaces.
• Supervise design staff, assigning work, evaluating performance, identifying training needs, reviewing technical work, and contributing to policy development within the Design Branch.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

Recruitment Range: $37,377.00 - $61,759.00

Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Experience and knowledge of current methods and techniques of exhibit development and design.
• Advanced proficiency in graphic design and visual branding, including layout for print publications and adherence to institutional graphic standards.
• Familiarity with digital engagement tools such as interactive media, content management systems, or web-based interpretive platforms.
• Knowledge of construction standards and building-code coordination, especially when working with architects, electrical installers, and fabrication contractors.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in exhibit design, including planning, concept development, and production coordination.
• BFA, BS, or BA in Exhibit Design, Graphic Design, Museum Studies, Architecture, Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Art History, Anthropology, Public History, Museum Studies, or any related subject.

Position/Physical Requirements

Must be available to work the schedule of Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. Must be able to lift and move exhibit components and materials, typically up to 25-40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be abile to safely use hand tools and operate within workshop, fabrication, and construction environments. This position is deemed eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR's Telework Policy. This position is located at: 430 N. Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27603

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution AND four years of museum or related work, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Section/Unit Description

The Exhibit Design Unit develops and produces all in-house exhibit elements for the Division, including gallery, wayside, and directional components. It provides comprehensive design services from concept development and planning to fabrication, installation, and maintenance to support the interpretive goals of each historic site. The unit establishes and maintains Division-wide graphic standards, produces two-dimensional promotional materials, and guides digital engagement initiatives that enhance visitor experience.

Division Description

The Division of State Historic Sites and Properties preserves, operates, and interprets significant historic sites, enabling visitors to explore North Carolina’s rich and diverse heritage in an engaging, relevant manner.

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community. CONTACT INFORMATION: N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Human Resources 109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: [phone] EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.