JOB TITLE: Exhibition Designer
DEPARTMENT: Exhibitions
REPORTS TO: Director of Exhibitions
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Director, Exhibitions, the Exhibition Designer is responsible for designing impactful and dynamic exhibitions and installations. Working collaboratively with cross-departmental teams, the Exhibition Designer leverages current design practice to develop world-class experiences that embody the DIA’s visitor-centered approach, thoughtfully integrate digital media, display a diverse array of art media (painting, sculpture, photography, etc.), ensure accessibility standards in compliance with ADA and DIA standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Design world-class exhibition and gallery experiences from concept to installation. Work collaboratively with Curatorial, Interpretive Engagement, Project Management, Collections Management, Conservation, Lighting Design, Graphic Design, Protection services, Accessibility specialist, and other stakeholders.
- Develop, maintain, and present effective renderings, models, and visualizations to project teams to facilitate feedback mechanisms and approvals.
- Responsible for all design and construction drawings, specifications, and documentation for fabrication.
- Coordinate and communicate implementation and construction processes, including bidding and contract negotiations as required, in collaboration with Collections Management and Purchasing.
- Collaborate with Collections Management on construction supervision and on-site installation advisement.
- Develop, monitor, and meet schedules and budgets, in collaboration with Exhibitions staff and other stakeholders.
- Develop, document, and maintain cohesive design standards and criteria for museum presentation.
- Engage thoughtfully with accessibility requirements to adhere to or exceed ADA standards.
- Maintain design and materials, information, inventory lists, and project archives.
- Integrate Conservation materials testing into exhibition and installation design process, assists Conservation in maintaining an approved materials database. Aid in other museum design projects as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in architecture, Design, or Exhibition Design, or other relevant design discipline required. Five (5) years of relevant design experience required. Experience in a museum environment, preferably Fine Art, required. Additional years of experience may be substituted for degree requirement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
- Demonstrated ability to develop exhibition designs that engage with the latest design conversations and are fluent with digital media, print graphics, and various types of artwork, while honoring the needs of conservation and accessibility.
- Demonstrated experience integrating digital experiences and retail into art exhibition spaces.
- Knowledge of best practices in exhibition design.
- Working knowledge of standard construction techniques, materials, and museum casework design.
- Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Rhino, and/or Sketch Up and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).
- Demonstrated success with project management and budgeting
- Demonstrated research and analysis skills to identify critical information and complete projects and goals.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to changes in priorities based on operational need.
- Experience with collections management software, The Museum System (TMS) preferred.
- Must possess a demonstrated understanding of ethical business conduct and professional practices including maintenance and protection of confidential and sensitive information.
- Must have demonstrated active listening and communication skills and an ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
- Must be proficient in latest version of Office 365.
- Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
- Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email. The employee will also need to do frequent visits to DIA gallery spaces before, during, and after art installation, and make physical models when needed.
This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor’s ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.
THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
