Mgr. of Design for Exhibition Creative Services- Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA

The Manager of Design for Exhibition Creative Services oversees the design department, is responsible for internal and external staff resourcing, work planning, process development, scheduling and budgeting. This position ensures projects meet the quality standards set for 3D design, graphics design and CAD. The Manager of Design for Exhibition Creative Services works closely with the Senior Project Manager and other divisions to ensure project success from initiation to completion. This position also serves as project manager as required including leading project development and design, managing budgets and schedules. This person will oversee our Senior Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, Production Designer/CAD Drafter and Outside Resources.
Core Responsibilities

• Oversees the entire design process, from initial research through final design, construction documentation and fabrication oversight for any exhibition related design projects
• Develops and implements departmental processes, policies and quality standards consistent with the Aquarium's mission, goals and strategic plan
• Works closely with Exhibition Division department managers, project managers, project teams and Design department staff to assure that all Design Department work is completed on schedule and within budget
• Supervises design department staff, freelancers and seasonal interns
• Collaborates with other divisions on design development with a goal of positively impacting the visitor experience
• Serves as Project Manager and Project Designer when required by leading development, managing budgets, scheduling and working closely with other resource managers.
• Provides regular and clear performance feedback to department staff, sets expectations at the beginning of an assignment, and gives assessments of work performed
• Develops and regularly reviews and updates department's annual work plan, task management, scheduling and projection allocations
• Prepares all necessary Design Department reports, budgets, schedules and presentations
• Supervises all departmental purchasing
• Creates unique, rich exhibit designs that meet the exhibitions' goals and objectives
• Creates exhibit design sketches, renderings and scale models
• Creates fabrication documentation for complex permanent exhibits projects, including architecture, casework, interactives, electrical, plumbing and lighting
• Produces contract documents for design, fabrication and installation of diverse exhibit elements
• Researches and specifies materials; coordinates and incorporates engineering, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire safety, ADA, and code requirements in construction packages
• Collaborates with team members to research and develop prototypes and other materials required for feasibility testing or evaluation
• Keeps current on trends and best practices
• Serves on Aquarium-wide committees as an informed and articulate spokesperson, advocate and liaison for the division and for the visitor experience
• Regularly conducts reviews of the visitor experience and evaluates against standards; develops plan to bring experience up to standards
• Engages and supports the Social Science Research and Evaluation Department; consultants in planning, and conducting audience engagement studies
• Commands presence when delivering presentations to groups. Prepares and gives presentations about a project's scope, content and experiences to internal and external audiences
• Collaborates with other Aquarium departments in engagement strategies, including public and educational programming, marketing and communication, and seasonal programming.
• Contributes to the creation, maintenance and archiving of exhibition design documentation
• Engages with stakeholders, ensuring they are involved and understand their roles and responsibilities
• Provides status reports and updates to the project's sponsor

Absolutely Required Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education:

• Bachelor's degree in art, design, theater or in a related field, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years supervisory experience, with an emphasis on managing creative teams and quality control
• 5-10 years museum exhibition design
• Ability to lead large scale creative projects
• Excellence in communication skills both verbal and visual
• 3D design skills ( AutoCAD, Vectorworks, FormZ, C4D, or similar applications)
• Master of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in exhibit design, graphic design, components, interactives, fabrication, construction and integration of life support, tank design, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and fire safety
• Ability to use technology identified as essential for work in the team environment, including Outlook Calendar, online file-sharing and project management applications
• Ability to work within, and maintain MBA's Core Values
• Demonstrated commitment to MBA's Leadership Competencies

Desired Skills / knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Experience with informal science education
• Experience at an aquarium or zoo

Ancillary Responsibilities

• Participation in organization wide planning processes