What are the responsibilities and job description for the Exhibition Designer position at Harvard University?
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Job Summary:
The Exhibition Designer supports functions of the Collections Management Department with a primary focus on gallery installation design. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Exhibitions, they uphold the museum’s standards for display and aesthetics, while seeking creative solutions to enhance visitors’ engagement with the artwork. The Exhibition Designer will be deeply involved with the conception, development, and production of numerous exhibition and collection gallery projects. This position provides the successful candidate with a solid foundation in exhibition design and museum operations, consistent with the Harvard Art Museums’ professional teaching mission.
- Support the Assistant Director in the conception and development of installation designs for exhibition and collection galleries, in consultation with curators and other colleagues. Generate and propose creative solutions for presenting artworks, narratives, and ideas. Communicate ideas to stakeholders to gather feedback and consensus.
- Prepare and disseminate design materials, including floorplan and elevation drawings, furniture construction drawings, gallery models (physical or virtual), and related documentation.
- Participate in meetings to present gallery plans, casework designs, mockups of artwork, gallery décor, or other design factors.
- Review design plans with the Exhibition Production team to gather feedback on feasibility for execution and installation.
- Serve as a reference for design-related project information, such as budget figures, 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 are available in person for guidance or to troubleshoot.
- Work collaboratively with museum colleagues in the execution of their duties.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
Minimum of five years of related experience or a college degree and 1 year of related experience using computer-aided drafting and 3D modeling software, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign), and MS Office Software (Excel).
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Experience in exhibition design or comparable fields such as architecture, interior design, industrial/furniture design, or set/scenic design preferred. Candidates with other, non-traditional types of experience in the arts are also encouraged to apply.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of design preferred.
- A body of work that demonstrates relevant skills, such as 3-dimensional and spatial design capability and a creative, problem-solving approach.
- Proficiency with Vectorworks and SketchUp preferred
- An 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.
- Thrives in a large organization and demonstrates a 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
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates are requested to submit a cover letter with their application. Candidates who move forward will also be required to provide a body of work that demonstrates relevant 3-dimensional design skills.
PLEASE NOTE: This position is located on campus in Cambridge, MA
We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and the lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.
Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/
Job Function
Location
Job Code
Sub-Unit
Department
Time Status
Salary Grade
Union
Pre-Employment Screening
Schedule
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
EEO Statement