Graphic Design and Exhibitions Assistant

NELDA C AND H J LUTCHER STARK FOUNDATION; Orange (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The NELDA C AND H J LUTCHER STARK FOUNDATION is seeking a part-time Graphic Design and Exhibitions Assistant to support the Exhibitions department at the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House in Orange, TX.

This on-site role helps translate exhibition content into polished graphics and assists with exhibition design, production, installation, and upkeep under the direction of the Exhibitions Manager. This position is non-exempt and reports to the Exhibitions Manager.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a related field such as graphic design, art history, museum studies, or anthropology.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Experience with 3D modeling software is a plus (SketchUp).
• Ability to use manual and power tools; handling and mounting art objects.
• Knowledge of museum collections care practices is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop exhibition graphics for design, production, and installation under the Exhibitions Manager.
• Translate content into clear, engaging materials while preserving branding.
• Prepare design files for printing, fabrication, and installation with precise specs.
• Design initial layouts for the annual Reindeer Trail exhibition and update graphics as needed.
• Assist with exhibition furniture design and construction as required.
• Support installation and inventory tasks, including patching walls and moving objects.

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite

Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

SketchUp

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Art, Art History, Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, or related

Tools

SketchUp

Matterport

The Museum System (TMS)

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The NELDA C AND H J LUTCHER STARK FOUNDATION is seeking a part-time Graphic Design and Exhibitions Assistant to support the Exhibitions department at the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House in Orange, TX. In this onsite role, you will help translate exhibition content into polished graphics and also assist with exhibition design, production, installation, and ongoing upkeep under the direction of the Exhibitions Manager.

This position is classified as non-exempt and reports to the Exhibitions Manager. The hourly pay range is $20 to $23, with an effective date of August 2026.

What you’ll do

• Develop graphic designs for exhibitions, projects, and programs at the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House, then submit for review, approval, and finalization by the Exhibitions Manager.
• Collaborate with SMA and WHSH staff to translate exhibition content into clear, visually engaging materials while maintaining appropriate project branding.
• Handle layout and formatting for large-scale exhibition graphics, including wall text, panels, labels, signage, and vinyl materials.
• Ensure graphics are accurate, accessible, legible, and appropriate for diverse audiences.
• Prepare design files for professional printing, fabrication, and installation, including accurate dimensions and file specifications.
• Design the initial layout for the annual Reindeer Trail exhibition, and support updates to graphics, panels, and vinyl as needed.
• Assist with exhibition furniture needs by assessing requirements, designing furniture for objects and/or interactives, and helping build and paint furniture as needed.
• Support exhibition installation under supervision of the Exhibitions Manager, including object movement, hanging, and mounting of artwork and objects.
• Install vinyl wall graphics and panels under supervision of the Exhibitions Manager.
• Prepare artwork and objects for exhibition under supervision, including matting, framing, and making object mounts.
• Help maintain galleries by patching and painting walls and exhibition furniture.
• Conduct daily walkthroughs of the Stark Museum of Art galleries to identify issues such as burned out lights, malfunctioning technology, damaged touch objects, crooked labels, spots on Plexiglas, or condition concerns.
• Maintain exhibition inventories, including supplies, frames, mounts, risers, stanchions, lights, pedestals, and bonnets.
• Create and maintain 360-degree virtual tours of the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House using Matterport.
• Participate in Collections & Exhibitions department initiatives, planning, and goal-setting in support of Art & History Venues and Foundation priorities.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What you bring

• "Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Experience with 3D modeling software like SketchUp is a plus.
• Ability to use manual and power tools.
• Art handling preferred; matting and framing, and mount making preferred.
• Knowledge of collections management systems or other relational databases is preferred, such as The Museum System (TMS); data entry preferred.
• Knowledge of museum collections care practices is preferred.
• Undergraduate degree from a college or university majoring in a related field, including Graphic Design, Art, Art History, Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, or related.
• Ability to work well in a team and individually, with initiative, strong attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a positive attitude.
• Strong understanding of graphic design principles, branding, and industry-standard practices, including consideration for accessibility and legibility.
• Detail orientation, enthusiasm, capability to perform repetitive tasks, and excellent computer skills.
• Collections & Exhibitions experience is preferred but not required; training will be provided for those without experience.
• Physical ability to push, pull, lift, and carry 10-50 lbs. short distances; ability to climb step stools and carry objects upstairs.
• Vision requirements including color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to enter data into a computer, wear gloves, and perform delicate operations with fragile objects.
• Good, clear communication skills, including understanding spoken communications.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, stoop, and see while performing job duties.

Tools you’ll use

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• SketchUp
• Matterport
• The Museum System (TMS)

Schedule and workplace

• Part-time: 17-20 regular hours per week within a Monday to Friday work week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with some evening, weekend, and early morning hours as needed.
• Some flexibility for scheduling regular hours within the work week is possible.
• Must be able to commit to full-time hours during installation periods, approximately four weeks per year.
• Installation weeks are scheduled well in advance for coordination.
• Normally work in a climate-controlled environment; noise levels are generally quiet.
• Share office space with one other part-time staff member.