The Missouri History Museum is seeking a creative and detail-oriented exhibition designer who wants to regularly create major exhibits that share local history in new and exciting ways. We are looking for a designer who is skilled in all areas of exhibit design including creating floorplans that incorporate artifacts, large-scale graphics, interactives, films, and more. Applicants should have experience working with artifacts and should be excited to use other tools to bring history to life. Because part of the role will be creating casework plans, designers with no experience working with artifacts will not be considered.
A creative and accessible visitor experience is central to the mission of the Exhibitions and Research division. The Exhibition Designer plays a key role in this mission, and is part of a team responsible for all phases associated with exhibition development, design, and production of exhibitions at the Missouri History Museum, both in-house and externally organized traveling exhibitions. The designer will work with the curatorial, conservation, programming, event, and floor teams to create an engaging experience for all visitors by sharing stories told through artifacts, graphics, interactives, and media.
The Missouri History Museum is in the middle of an exciting transformation witnessing record attendance and receiving accolades for its increased community engagement and exhibit design has been an important aspect of that transformation. The next few years promise to continue that transformation with a full slate of in-house exhibits including new core gallery spaces. The Exhibition Designer will be a key member of the team that will ensure that our current momentum continues and must be able to jump into a leadership role for a number of projects that have already begun.
Essential Functions:

  • Perform all design related tasks on assigned projects including research, conceptualization, rendering, drafting, and construction specifications.
  • Serve on project teams and ensure the integration of design with all project goals including: interpretation, education, curatorial, conservation, and ADA requirements.
  • Coordinate lighting design concepts and supervise installation of lighting equipment.
  • Prepare gallery layout of traveling exhibitions, if such work is not provided by the organizing/lending institution.
  • Help guide development and design of all MHM exhibit related projects toward achieving high standards in exhibit design and visitor experience. Suggest changes, share techniques, and initiate and support creative solutions
  • Manage development and implementation of assigned projects.
  • Develop and manage design work flow plans and project budgets
  • Provide specifications for all project documents, bid materials, and contracts
  • Work on production, installation and long-term maintenance of all exhibition components
  • Participate in plans for de-installation of exhibitions



RequirementsQualifications:

  • BA in design-related field, MA preferred
  • Five or more years of experience in exhibition design, preferably in a history museum setting
  • Mac-literate skilled in InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite 5 (CS5), Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Vectorworks

Skills:

  • Must be able to prepare sketches, drawings, specifications, and models for planning purposes, fabrication, and presentations
  • Familiarity with museum-quality care and display of artifacts, American with Disabilities Act requirements, Universal Design standards, "green" building techniques, knowledge of and experience with exhibition fabrication, lighting, graphic design, and all other steps related to exhibition production
  • Must have the skills to operate basic hand and power tools
  • Excellent accounting, team management, and communication skills required

Applicants must upload resume, letter of interest and work samples to be considered.
The Missouri History Museum offers a competitive salary and complete benefits package.
Deadline to Apply: August 17, 2018