Exhibition Designer

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge is looking for an Exhibition Designer to create unique gallery installations. This position involves skillfully producing designs while adhering to organizational standards. A bachelor's degree in design and a minimum of three years of relevant experience are required. Candidates will manage multiple projects, create detailed drawings, and utilize 3D modelling software. The role promises an engaging work environment with numerous benefits including medical and retirement plans, and flexibility in work location.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in exhibition design or comparable fields.
• Experience in a museum setting is beneficial.
• Must have a relevant portfolio demonstrating skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce installation designs for temporary exhibitions.
• Prepare and disseminate design materials.
• Organize and lead meetings with stakeholders.
• Support gallery installations.

Skills

3-dimensional and spatial design capability

Computer-aided drafting and 3D modelling software

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

Good hand sketching and model-making skills

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field of design

Tools

Vectorworks

Rhino

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

MS Office (Excel)

Job description

Job Description

The Exhibition Designer produces unique concepts and plans for gallery installations. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Exhibitions, this position upholds 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.

• Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, produce installation designs for temporary exhibitions and collection galleries, in consultation with curators and other stakeholders. Generate and propose creative solutions for presenting artworks, narratives, and ideas. Communicate ideas to stakeholders to gather feedback and gain consensus.
• Prepare and disseminate design materials, including floorplan and elevation drawings, 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, or other design factors.
• Review design plans with Exhibition Production team to gather feedback on feasibility for execution and installation.
• Serve as a reference for design‑related project information, such as budget, scheduling, and artwork display specifications, in support of broader museums workflow. Meticulously check data and alert colleagues to any errors or concerns.
• Help maintain and build upon design office resources, such as base architectural files, furniture drawings and inventories; design tools such as software and supplies; and project‑related documentation on Basecamp and in archives.
• Support gallery installations, being available in person for guidance or to troubleshoot.
• Work collaboratively with museum colleagues in the execution of his/her duties.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to move around a multi‑story museum building. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Ability to walk, stand, stoop, push, and pull — must be able to reach and work above the shoulders, climb ladders, lift, kneel, twist, and squat.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of design, or equivalent professional experience. Minimum of three total years of professional experience (including internships) in exhibition design or comparable fields such as architecture, interior design, industrial/furniture design, or set/scenic design, including experience in a museum setting.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• A body of work that demonstrates relevant skills, such as 3‑dimensional and spatial design capability and a creative, problem‑solving approach.
• Proficient with computer‑aided drafting and 3D modelling software. (The Harvard Art Museums uses Vectorworks and Rhino, but candidates proficient in other applications are welcome.)
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and InDesign) and MS Office software (especially Excel). Organized approach to file management.
• Good hand sketching, model‑making, and light‑duty prototyping skills.
• Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously, receive and process large quantities of complex data. An eye for precision and detail is essential. Project leadership or coordination experience helpful.
• Demonstrated success thriving in a large complex organization and with managing multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities. willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with museum best practices (conservation, art handling, security, lighting), accessibility, and life‑safety regulations.
• Knowledge of architectural and industrial design practices, documentation standards, and nomenclature. Understanding of fabrication techniques, materials, and finishes.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre‑employment reference and background screenings: Identity, Criminal
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 3‑month orientation and review period.

Application Requirements

• Up‑to‑date resume and cover letter.
• Portfolio of relevant work, demonstrating the candidate’s approach to creative thinking and spatial visualization. The portfolio should highlight the design process as well as the finished product. Provide thoughtful explanations about the project: the challenge/brief, limiting factors, and the design approach or solution. Portfolio should be a formatted document. May be transmitted via a shareable link to a cloud‑based storage site (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) or hosted on a website.
• 2–3 professional or academic references

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard‑registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

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 about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

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. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non‑discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.