Exhibitions Graphic Designer.

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution seeks an Exhibition Graphic Designer to develop original concepts and visual narratives for SAAM exhibitions, programs, and collections. You will craft layouts, typography, and color to clarify messages and storytelling.

You will design, produce, install, and oversee graphics from labels to banners, coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery. Collaboration across SI entities is essential.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience designing, producing, and installing exhibition graphics.
• Experience overseeing in-house and outsourced production and installation of graphics.
• Ability to collaborate with external organizations on shared spaces/projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, produce, and install exhibition graphics (labels, panels, murals, banners).
• Oversee production and installation, coordinate with vendors for timely delivery.
• Foster collaboration with sister museums on Shared Spaces projects.

Skills

Exhibition design

Graphic production

Vendor coordination

Collaboration

Adobe Creative Suite

Education

Graduate degree substitution

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Duties

The Exhibition Graphic Designer is responsible for creating original design concepts and projects. They conceive graphic designs that clarify the message and story hierarchy through layout, typeface, color, and, where applicable, materiality. These designs present information and ideas or evoke desired responses to SAAM exhibitions, programs, and collections.

In This Position, You Will

• Design, produce, and install exhibition graphics such as labels, panels, murals, building banners, and promotional posters for SAAM and the Renwick Gallery.
• Oversee both in-house and outsourced production and installation of exhibition graphics, operates equipment for labels and text panels, and coordinates with vendors to ensure timely, cost-effective project completion.
• Foster a collaborative and collegial environment with the National Portrait Gallery and the American Archives when working on ‘Shared Spaces’ projects.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as designing, producing, and installing exhibition graphics; overseeing both in-house and outsourced production and installation of exhibition graphics; and fostering a collaborative and collegial environment with outside/sister organizations when working on shared spaces and projects.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Or Education:

Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree related to the position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements.

Or a Combination:

Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the

Additional information

This position is included in the bargaining unit.

Recruitment Incentive:

Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.

Note:

This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.

Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.

Please see Benefits at

Flexible Spending Accounts -

Health Insurance -

Leave -

Life Insurance -

Long Term Care Insurance -

Retirement Program -