Director of Exhibition Design and Production
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Deputy Director and Chief Experience Officer, the Director of Exhibition Design and Production leads the experiential design, production, and installation of the museum’s diverse and innovative exhibitions, permanent collection displays, and other visitor experiences with Asian art and cultures. Leading the design process from concept to installation and creating designs as well as directing other designers and producers, the Director works closely with curators and other collaborators to create inspirational experiences with Asian art and cultures that align with the museum’s mission, vision, values, and goals, and that are technically feasible, sustainable, and affordable.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Design and Production
- Working closely with curators, artists, and other creative and organizational collaborators, conceives and develops and/or oversees conception and development of original experience designs, including the visitor journey, gallery architecture, layout of objects, exhibition furniture, display cases, and media environments, for temporary exhibitions and other projects.
- Devises creative solutions for the responsible display of art and creates exhibitions that consider and engage the visitor. Balances creative excellence with conservation requirements, visitor accessibility, budget constraints, and technical feasibility.
- Supervises the generation of drawings, computer renderings, models, maquettes, prototypes, and mockups using a variety of techniques as needed to communicate design concepts.
- Reviews design proposals with Conservation and Registration to ensure the safety of the art, and with Engineering, Security, Facilities, Guest Experience, Public Programs, Special Events, and other departments as needed to ensure clear communication and efficiency between exhibitions and visitor, building, and event needs.
- Integrates labels, signage, and interactive media with overall experience design and the visitor journey, working with internal or external editors, graphic designers, and digital content creators as needed.
- Participates in the assessment, design, and implementation of design projects for the museum that are not related to exhibitions and projects, working with Engineering, Facilities, and other departments as required.
- Leads the design process through construction, overseeing the production of detailed construction drawings and other fabrication documents based on final approved designs and developing production, installation, and related staffing plans for each exhibition and project.
- Directs the Production and Preparation team, as well as contractors, in fabricating and installing exhibitions to the highest professional standards.
- Troubleshoots any issues that arise between design and fabrication or with building and installation on the floor.
- Ensures that all safety standards and training requirements are met for all Exhibition Design and Production staff and contractors, and in compliance with OSHA.
- Troubleshoots design, fabrication, and installation issues as needed during an exhibition and on an ongoing basis for permanent collection displays and other permanent or semi-permanent visitor experiences.
- Produces presentation materials for senior staff, as needed.
- Archives final “as-built” drawings, installation views, and any other relevant materials.
Team Leadership and Operations Management
- Provides leadership, management, and mentoring support to team members to maintain a highly skilled and motivated team.
- Stays current with design innovations, emerging technologies, and best practices in museum exhibition design.
- Collaborates with stakeholders to create culturally responsive exhibitions that honor the art and cultures represented.
- Ensures exhibitions are ADA compliant.
- Champions sustainable and environmentally responsible design practices in material selection and fabrication methods.
- Develops and oversees the department’s budget and external contracts and facilitates the exhibition schedule. Ensures that department deliverables are on time and within budget.
- Provides mentorship, professional development opportunities, and performance feedback to the team. Fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Represents the museum professionally in industry forums and maintains awareness of field developments.
- Fosters an inclusive team culture that values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Performs other duties as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in design or related field from an accredited college or university; Master's degree in a design, architecture, or related field, preferred
- Seven (7) years of professional experience in exhibition design, museum design, or related experiential design field, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role
- OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Core Competencies
- Proven expertise in design and production for in-person experiences, preferably ones involving art objects, and a commitment to stay current with best practices, innovative approaches, and new technologies
- Thorough knowledge of museum exhibition concepts, standards, applications, procedures, and terminology sufficient to work closely with professionals in the development of exhibits and special art projects, to ascertain requirements, and assist in the development of installations
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage creative team and external contractors, with experience supervising multidisciplinary teams
- Strategic and creative thinker with good judgment, initiative, and decision-making abilities
- Experience establishing timelines, balancing priorities, and managing multiple simultaneous projects in fast-paced environments
- Strong conceptual and creative abilities combined with technical knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, and production techniques
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate design concepts to diverse audiences, including curators, senior leadership, donors, and technical staff
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges creatively
- Experience managing complex exhibition budgets
- Proficient and current in the use of standard software and other technology tools for exhibition design and production, plus standard office and project management software
- Commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and culturally responsive design practices
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for installations and exhibition openings
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position requires work in multiple environments with varying physical requirements:
Work Environments
- Office Environment
- Extensive computer use for design work, project management, and documentation
- Standard office conditions with climate control
- Desk-based work, including meetings, design reviews, and administrative tasks
Museum Galleries
- Walking through museum spaces to review installations and assess visitor experience
- Standing for extended periods during installation reviews and walkthroughs (up to 3-4 hours)
- Variable lighting conditions and temperature (climate-controlled for art preservation)
- Interaction with installation crews, curators, and other staff in active work environments
Fabrication Workshops and Construction Sites
- Reviewing work in progress at internal workshops or external fabrication facilities
- Exposure to construction environments during exhibition installations
- Varying temperatures and noise levels
- Presence of tools, equipment, and construction materials
Physical Requirements
Mobility and Stamina:
- Ability to walk extensively throughout the museum and between buildings multiple times daily
- Ability to stand for extended periods during installations, reviews, and inspections (up to 4-6 hours with breaks)
- Frequent bending, twisting, kneeling, and reaching to inspect installations at various heights and angles
- Ability to climb ladders and scaffolding to review installations at elevated heights (up to 15-20 feet)
- Ability to navigate construction sites with uneven surfaces, temporary stairs, and obstacles
Strength and Dexterity:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally (design materials, samples, models, tools)
- Manual dexterity sufficient for working with models, prototypes, drawing tools, and design materials
- Fine motor skills for detailed design work and material evaluation
Sensory Requirements:
- Visual acuity sufficient for design work, color evaluation, spatial assessment, and detailed inspection of installations
- Ability to distinguish colors, textures, and materials accurately under various lighting conditions
- Hearing ability sufficient for team communication in galleries, workshops, and construction environments with varying noise levels
- Spatial awareness for evaluating three-dimensional designs and installations
Environmental Adaptations:
- Ability to work in varying temperatures (galleries maintained for art preservation, workshops, and construction sites may not be climate-controlled)
- Tolerance for construction dust, paint fumes, and other materials common in exhibition fabrication (appropriate PPE provided)
- Ability to work around tools, equipment, and construction activities safely
Safety Requirements
- Ability to wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, and dust masks as needed during construction and installation periods
- Compliance with all museum safety protocols, OSHA requirements, and construction site safety regulations
- Completion of required safety trainings
- Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and evacuate buildings if necessary
SCHEDULE AND TRAVEL
Work Schedule
- Standard business hours (Monday-Friday) with significant flexibility required for exhibition installations, openings, and critical deadlines
- Evening and weekend work is regularly required during exhibition installation periods
- Occasional evening work for exhibition openings, donor events, and stakeholder presentations
Travel
- Local travel to fabrication facilities, vendor sites, and external workshops as needed
- Occasional regional or national travel for vendor meetings, site visits to other museums, or professional conferences
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation preferred for local site visits
TECHNOLOGY USE
- Daily use of computer workstations for extended periods
- Use of tablets and smartphones for on-site documentation, communication, and project management
- Operation of design software requiring sustained visual focus and precision
- Video conferencing for remote meetings with vendors, consultants, and partners
COMPENSATION
The Asian Art Museum is committed to practicing salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $130,000 and the maximum salary is $150,000. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay including education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity. This opportunity includes a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:
- Medical, dental, and vision plans with flexible spending accounts
- Paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick leave)
- Immediate eligibility to enroll in a voluntary retirement savings program upon hire
- Group Retirement Plan available after 1 year of employment with employer match
- Hybrid schedule for eligible positions
OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION COMMITMENTS
At the Asian Art Museum, we are dedicated to ideating, building, and holding ourselves accountable for Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion in everything we do. We strive to foster a culture of respect, belonging and inclusivity for all employees.
Our mission (https://about.asianart.org/?_ga=2.101697409.1608861273.1673316760-540643684.1673316760) is to celebrate, preserve, and promote Asian and Asian American art and cultures for local and global audiences. We provide a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas, inviting collaboration, and fueling imagination to deepen understanding and empathy among people of all backgrounds.
Diversity of thought and experience is essential to our mission, and we are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Apply online at https://about.asianart.org/careers/ (https://about.asianart.org/careers/). Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable candidate experience is critical for us. Application materials will be screened in relation to the criteria described. Candidates deemed to be the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in the interview process. Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete but may fluctuate depending on the role. Appointment is subject to completion of a thorough background check process.
The Asian Art Museum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories (arrest and criminal histories) consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
