Exhibition Designer

Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. Why join Harvard University Central Administration? Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals. 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. Responsibilities: • 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 modeling 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