EXHIBITS MANAGER

State of Nevada (NV); Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Museums and History Division, is seeking an Exhibits Manager in the Las Vegas area to lead exhibit design from concept to installation. The role emphasizes accessibility, lighting, storytelling, and a strong portfolio of museum-scale projects.

Ideal candidates will have five to seven years of professional exhibit design experience, proficiency in 3D modeling and Adobe Creative Suite, and demonstrated supervisory capabilities.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of professional exhibit design experience with a track record of managing complex projects from inception to completion.
• Deep understanding of exhibition best practices, including accessibility, lighting design, and interpretive strategies.
• Portfolio showcasing innovative exhibition designs for museums, galleries, or similar cultural venues.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and graphic design software as specified.
• General knowledge of supervisory techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop design concepts and create detailed drawings and specifications.
• Manage budgets and timelines; oversee fabrication and installation; ensure accessibility standards.
• Oversee requests for proposals, contractor bidding and selection; participate in contract negotiations and purchase orders.
• Review shop drawings and monitor fabrication progress to ensure quality and design intent.
• Assist with exhibition deinstallation and coordinate with education staff and public-facing programs.

Skills

3D modeling

Graphic design

Spatial reasoning

Verbal & written communication

Supervisory techniques

Education

Master's degree in museum studies / exhibition design

Bachelor's degree in museum studies / exhibition design

Exhibit Preparator II experience (Nevada State service)

Tools

SketchUp

Rhino

3ds Max

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Museums and History Division, is recruiting for an Exhibits Manager in the Las Vegas area. This role requires a deep understanding of exhibition best practices, including accessibility, lighting design, and interpretive strategies. Candidates should have five to seven years of professional experience in exhibit design with a proven record of managing complex projects from inception to completion. The ideal candidate is passionate about storytelling through physical space and committed to creating memorable, educational, and inspiring environments for the public. Proficiency in 3D modeling software (such as SketchUp, Rhino, or 3ds Max) and graphic design software (including Adobe Creative Suite) is essential, along with a robust portfolio showcasing innovative exhibition designs for museums, galleries, or similar cultural venues. General knowledge of supervisory techniques is also required. Responsibilities include developing design concepts; creating detailed drawings and specifications; managing budgets and timelines; overseeing fabrication and installation; and ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. The position also involves overseeing requests for proposals, contractor bidding and selection, and participating in contract negotiations and the preparation of construction agreements, professional service agreements, and purchase orders. Strong spatial reasoning, conceptual thinking, visual communication, and excellent verbal and written communication skills are critical. The Exhibits Manager will translate exhibition narratives into compelling three-dimensional spaces that engage and inform diverse audiences and will participate in all stages of the design process, including reviewing shop drawings and monitoring fabrication progress to ensure quality and design intent. The role also assists with exhibition deinstallation.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in museum studies, exhibition design, industrial arts, commercial arts, graphic design, graphic arts, or related field and two years of professional experience in the design, development and operation of exhibits or exhibit programs in a museum, gallery or comparable setting; OR a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in museum studies, exhibition design, industrial arts, commercial arts, graphic design, graphic arts or related field and three years of professional experience as described above; OR two years of experience as an Exhibit Preparator II in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Design exhibits by reviewing objectives, researching historical and/or scientific information, and consulting with curators; plan layout within allotted space, with consideration for artifacts and materials available; coordinate activities with staff including education program coordinators, contractors, outside services, and the public in order to determine and plan criteria for displays.

Construct exhibits, displays and display scenes after reviewing plans and determining needed materials; utilize pictures or sketches to recreate specific scenes; build or reconstruct scenes or displays, apply surface treatment and/or paint, and make necessary considerations or modifications to achieve proper color, perspectives, or layout; furnish scenes with artifacts and specimens in order to create a realistic and accurate display area.

Maintain exhibit area, artifacts, and specimens by implementing procedures for the preservation and security of artifacts; check periodically for wear or damage; ascertain and check for proper case light intensities, temperature, and humidity; implement pest control methods; retouch or reconstruct items; replace artifacts or specimens in order to ensure exhibits and specimens are protected and retain an appropriate appearance.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Under general direction, incumbents are responsible for managing all aspects of complex exhibit programs including project funding and budget, staffing levels, work assignments and direction, and long and short-range planning of exhibit programs. Incumbents manage a staff of Exhibit Preparators and other staff and volunteers involved in the design, construction, installation and maintenance of exhibits. The exhibit programs cover a variety of specialized areas including Nevada, western United States and Great Basin prehistory, and history, natural history and/or art.

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.

Detailed knowledge of:

methods, materials and techniques used to design, construct and/or modify exhibits, scenes and displays; elements of graphic design and graphic arts.

Working knowledge of:

trends in exhibit design and display techniques; museum environmental controls, safety procedures and standards in the design and construction of exhibits; State and agency policy regarding work unit operations.

General knowledge of:

supervisory techniques.

Ability to:

determine the most cost effective and efficient method of exhibit design, construction, maintenance and repair; estimate time and materials required to complete projects; perform feasibility studies and estimating costs; manage a variety of projects simultaneously; develop solutions to unique problems; communicate both orally and in writing with staff and the public.