Essential Functions and Accountabilities:

Advocate for a great visitor experience by designing, and overseeing the design of, exhibition graphics that are aesthetically pleasing, organized, clear, and consider the needs—both emotional and practical—of our communities.

Work with interdisciplinary teams (across CMNH and CMP) to discuss design requirements of each project. Determines and communicates the scope, challenges, and best method of production to meet the project’s learning goals, deadlines, and budget. Present concepts for review and discussion with the goal to move toward a final design.

In consultation with department head, oversees and manages the design and production of all internal exhibition graphics, wayfinding, building and gallery signage, as well as special graphic design projects. Meets regularly with museum staff, design team, independent contractors, and vendors to determine project scope, review specifications, check proofs, and coordinate flow of all graphic design projects through the production, delivery, and installation phases.

Will oversee CMNH graphic designer(s) and work closely with print shop manager to set project priorities, schedules, and budgets. Works with these individuals to research materials and vendors, obtain quotes for services, establish design processes, as well as plan for long term growth and goals both for the staff and print shop.

Assists education, marketing, and exhibition developer and designer in creating design templates, and in acquisition and transfer of appropriate images and graphics to assure a consistent graphic identity for exhibitions and programs.

Anticipates and communicates information about deadlines, potential conflicts and delays in projects to appropriate staff and outside consultants.

Maintains accurate, current, and complete archival design files for the department in accordance with museum standards.

Supervises and manages photo and video shoots, as needed, for specific graphics or exhibitions. Works in conjunction with the developer and project coordinator to secure necessary approvals and clearances.

Prioritize green design solutions and ideas that improve accessibility and efficiency.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

Five years of progressively responsible graphic design experience in a museum, agency, or interdisciplinary design firm required.

A combination of related training, education, and/or experience will be accepted.

Experience working closely with production and collaborating with designers/producers across digital, interactive, and 3D/environmental design fields.

Hands-on knowledge of managing design and production workflow within an organization or firm, including specifying materials and finishes, developing estimates, budgets, and contracts, as well as developing graphic, proofing, production, and installation schedules.

Staff management experience preferred.

Expert command of Adobe Creative Suite (primarily Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), and the ability to communicate rough concepts through digital or hand sketches.

Comfort designing for print or digital formats.

Familiarity with spatial design and construction, using 3D design tools such as Sketch-up or Vectorworks, and/or reading floorplans a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

DESIGN

Exceptional typographic skills and a strong visual aesthetic.

Expert knowledge of design and production methods.

Ability to quickly visualize design concepts; articulate in presenting design ideas and providing input to others; eager and open to questions and input from a range of stakeholders.

An understanding of multiple design disciplines.

Commitment to user-centered design and demonstrated knowledge of accessibility guidelines.

PLANNING

Highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to prioritize tasks, anticipate and manage conflicting deadlines (for themselves and others), coordinate complex and overlapping project schedules.

COLLABORATION

Genuine excitement for collaboration with colleagues across numerous departments (and museums)—and for playing a key role in fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture.

An interest in learning from the experiences of others is critical.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The staff sits is in a non-confined office-type setting in which they move about at will. The environment for this position is clean and comfortable but includes minor annoyances such as noise, odors, drafts, etc.

In the course of performing this work, the incumbent will:

Spend substantial time utilizing the computer.

Spend time in exhibition galleries and storage closets as needed.

Must travel via personal vehicle or public transport to off-site meetings and facilities.

Should have valid drivers license.

May periodically need to lift up to 25lbs.

Operate a computer using Adobe Creative Suite (primarily Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign), Microsoft Office, and accounting software.