Hybrid Exhibit Designer for Child-Centered Museum Experiences

Boston Children's Museum; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Children’s Museum seeks an Exhibit Designer to translate educational goals into engaging exhibits for hands-on experiences for ages 0-10. You will lead design across development phases, from concept to construction-ready documents, collaborating with staff and contractors to stay within budget and timelines.

The role emphasizes child-centered play, accessible design, and testing prototypes with visitors to refine concepts. Strong CAD, 3D modeling, and presentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Exhibition Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field, or commensurate experience.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience with exhibit design or family audience-oriented design.
• Experience with exhibit development for young audiences and child-centered approaches.
• Knowledge of digital and traditional exhibit production techniques and materials; hands-on fabrication experience.
• Advanced knowledge of exhibit design elements (lighting, finishes, durability) and sustainability considerations.
• Strong collaboration and iterative design process experience with prototyping and feedback incorporation.
• Experience with evaluation and formative assessment.
• Strong communication skills and project presentations.
• Proficiency with computer-based tools: Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, and Google.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Exhibits team and contractors to redesign and develop new exhibits aligned with priorities.
• Translate child-centered educational goals into engaging exhibit designs.
• Lead brainstorming, concept development, and exploration of design solutions.
• Develop exhibit designs through all phases from concept renderings to construction-ready docs.
• Document concepts with sketches, renderings, 3D models, samples, and presentations.
• Develop prototypes and test with staff and visitors; incorporate feedback.
• Present concepts at milestones to stakeholders.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusive design across diverse visitor groups.
• Manage multiple projects, balance priorities, and coordinate timelines.
• Develop buildable designs within budget and resources, and refine with fabrication input.

Skills

Exhibit design

3D modeling

Prototyping

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Presentation

Fabrication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Exhibition Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

CAD

Google

Job description

Boston Children’s Museum seeks an Exhibit Designer to translate educational goals into engaging exhibits for hands-on experiences for ages 0-10. You will lead design across development phases, from concept to construction-ready documents, collaborating with staff and contractors to stay within budget and timelines.

The role emphasizes child-centered play, accessible design, and testing prototypes with visitors to refine concepts. Strong CAD, 3D modeling, and presentation skills are essential.