Exhibition Designer

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is seeking an Exhibition Designer to design and implement world-class exhibitions and spatial displays. The role emphasizes art-based interpretive outcomes and requires strength in architecturally driven design across project phases.

You will collaborate with curatorial, graphic design, interpretation and conservation teams, create detailed drawings in 2D and 3D, and coordinate with fabricators and vendors while managing budgets and schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a design-related field (architecture, industrial/interior design, or fine art) is required.
• Background in exhibition design, architecture, or related fields is expected.
• Experience with CAD-based design tools (prefer Vectorworks) and mixed physical–digital environments.

Responsibilities

• Design exhibitions and gallery installations through all project phases under tight deadlines.
• Serve as the 3D design representative on assigned projects.
• Collaborate with curatorial, graphic design, interpretation, conservation, media, and other departments as needed.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings (schematics, layouts, finished designs, construction drawings).
• Coordinate with fabricators, contractors, and vendors to ensure accurate execution within scope.
• Track budgets and provide progress updates to Project Manager and Director of Design.

Skills

Creative solutions

Visual design

User-centered design

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a design-related field

Tools

Vectorworks

CAD tools

Job description

Position Overview: Reporting to the Director of Design, the Exhibition Designer is a key member of the Design team, providing design-based solutions for world-class exhibition projects and spatial display enhancements at varying scales. These projects focus primarily on art-based interpretive and experiential outcomes. Experience across all phases of the exhibition design process is preferred, with particular strength in architecturally driven design solutions.

Essential Functions

• Design special exhibitions and gallery installations through all phases of a project, often under tight deadlines
• Serve as the 3D design representative within the project team on assigned project
• Work closely with, and integrate the contributions of, curatorial, graphic design, interpretation, conservation, media, and other departments as needed
• Create detailed drawings; including schematics, layouts, finished designs, and construction drawings, in both 2D and 3D formats
• Coordinate with fabricators, contractors, and vendors to help ensure designs are executed accurately and within scope
• Track project budgets and resource needs, and provide regular progress updates to the Project Manager and Director of Design

Secondary Functions

• Demonstrates familiarity with, and a strong interest in, art history
• Willing to travel to research spatial design solutions in other museums and related architectural spaces

Qualification Requirements And Characteristics

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a design-related field, such as architecture, industrial design, interior design, or fine art, required
• Background in exhibition design, architecture, theatrical design, or industrial design
• Experience with CAD-based design tools, preferably Vectorworks, and with mixed physical-digital environmental design
• Familiarity with ADA-related design practices and requirement

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to develop creative, innovative, and aesthetically sophisticated solutions to complex design problems
• Process-driven, with strong visual design skills, careful attention to detail, an appreciation for art in its many forms, and a solid understanding of user-centered design principles
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Skilled at collaborating within a fast-paced team environment, managing tight timeframes, and working constructively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Commitment to supporting the Museum's values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)

Salary And Schedule

Salary: $62,000 - $68,000

Full-Time, 35 hours per week

This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers Union.

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer.

The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Miscellaneous Disclaimer

The Museum reserves the right to change job descriptions. While this job description is intended to include essential duties, it is conceivable that job duties may change before the job description is officially revised.