Senior Exhibition Designer

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

The Senior Exhibition Designer is an experienced design leader who is responsible for conceptualizing and leading the creation and integration of physical, experiential, and space planning aspects of PMA’s projects with minimal direction. They will drive the planning and execution for assigned projects, work closely with their project team, inclusive of graphics, interpretive planning, Audio Visual, interactive and project management specialists, to ensure full and effective integration of all physical design elements. Proficiency in design software is mandatory, as is experience working with fabricators during exhibit production and installation. The candidate will also prove effective and confident in representing the PMA in collaborating with both national and international colleagues.

Specifically, you will:

• Collaborate with both internal and external associates, including Project Managers, Exhibit Designers, Interpretive Specialists, Curators, Conservators, and other Client Representatives
• Must prove proficient in conservation and preservation techniques for displaying works of art
• Produce 3D digital models, design sketches (digital and hand-drawn), presentation documents and renderings, and CAD fabrication documentation.
• Knowledge of museum and gallery space planning issues, including lighting design, AV media design, and AV hardware/infrastructure needs HR-Revised 4.2024 2
• Ability to work on exhibition and environmental design projects at multiple scales, including traveling exhibits, permanent exhibits, and museum interiors
• Working knowledge and understanding of architectural and building systems for integrating exhibits within existing spaces
• Ability to coordinate with architectural consultants and engineers as necessary to ensure safety and integration of exhibit components within the facility infrastructure
• Accountability for completeness and accuracy of design and production documents including production specifications; Perform QA checks, working with the Project Manager and Senior staff
• Develop technical solutions that meet necessary design and code compliance, including ADA

Your background and experience include:
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Architecture or Exhibition Design
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in an architectural firm, museum in-house design department, or exhibition design consulting firm • Able to work collaboratively in a team-based design studio
• Self-motivated and able to balance multiple project responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced design environment
• Works with a cross-functional creative team throughout the project to develop concept and drive vision through project execution by managing project objectives, expectations, and deliverables within project timelines.
• Recognized as a leader for high-level creative and strategic direction
• Establishes and manages 3D project goals, objectives, and scheduling on projects
• Works closely with Associate Director of Exhibition Design on planning related to assigned projects and execution of design deliverables.
• Develops assets and documentation to be used for project budget estimating
• Ensures on-time execution of all final project deliverables
• Works closely with the production team on implementation, as design advocate and bridge between design and production
• Communicates with other members of the project team throughout the project to resolve reported problems, obtain additional information, and ensure timely reviews
• Attends cross-functional meetings as authority representing 3D environmental design HR-• Works with creative leads to provide milestone deliverables
• Experience with designing interactive exhibits
• Experience with exhibit detailing including electro-mechanical exhibits, lighting design and integration of media components
• Excellent command of the English language, both orally for presentation and in writing for project documentation needs
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SketchUp required. Knowledge of other design and drafting programs will be considered
• Proficiency with 3D modeling programs
• Excellent knowledge of Adobe CS, including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign is preferred
• Responsible for managing the 3D portions of assigned projects. This includes:
o Setting daily/weekly goals
o Managing/assisting teammates on projects o Develop workplans
o Proactively manage projects to the budget and project schedule
• Anticipate problems, raise concerns, and propose solutions
• Communicate with cross-functional team throughout the project to flag problems, obtain additional information, and propose or follow up on solutions

Position and Compensation Details

• The salary for this position is $74,051.90.
• This position is Full-Time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
• This position reports to Director of Installation Design
• This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Museum of Art locations.
• Physical requirements:
  • Able to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.