Description
Arizona State Museum (ASM) at the University of Arizona is in search of a Exhibit Specialist Senior. The Exhibit Specialist Senior (Exhibit Designer) is a staff position in the Community Engagement Division of the Arizona State Museum. The incumbent will work with ASM’s Head of Community Engagement, Exhibit Specialist (Preparator), Assistant Director of Community Engagement, graphic designers, multimedia producers, curators, conservators, other ASM staff, Native American consultants and collaborators, and outside contractors to conceptualize, plan, design, and oversee fabrication of engaging exhibits at ASM, ASM projects off-site (which may include the design and production of traveling exhibits), and online digital exhibits. The incumbent will work closely with the Exhibit Specialist (Preparator) to ensure exhibit components are built to specifications, and that panels and labels are printed, mounted, and will work collaboratively to install exhibits. The incumbent is responsible for designing related advertising and education materials. The Exhibit Specialist Senior (Exhibit Designer) reports to the Head of Community Engagement.
Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Exhibit Planning and Preparation:
Leads exhibit concept design meetings and conducts research on approaches to telling the exhibit’s story and appropriate production materials for potential exhibits, recommends solutions for design problems, and utilizes design techniques to produce desired visual effect and educational message.
Prepares time and cost estimates for exhibits in consultation with the Head of Community Engagement and each exhibit’s lead curator or project manager.
In consultation with head of Community Engagement and the Exhibit Preparator, prepares budget for fabrication including gallery lighting, and exhibit and public space maintenance.
Researches, recommends, orders and purchases equipment and supplies as needed for projects according to University of Arizona purchasing procedures.
Based on input from the Head of Community Engagement, may prototype select exhibit components to test with visitors.
Coordinates detailed planning and specifications for scheduled exhibits and organizes all related logistics, including working with University of Arizona PD&C staff and outside firms and vendors for production of exhibits.
Participates in master planning for public spaces and drafts space program plans in consultation with Community Engagement and other colleagues.
Prepares floor plans and wall elevations to scale and/or 3D renderings for exhibits using computer design programs, to include all components: object placement and cases, lighting requirements, panels, labels, graphics, multi-media components, visitor interactives, security considerations, ADA accessibility, etc.
Collaborates with the Exhibit Specialist (Preparator) on construction of exhibit components and ensures they are fabricated to fit museum and University standards.
Designs labels, panels and other graphic components of exhibits, as well as related education and public relations materials.
Maintains the museum’s graphic standards, ADA accessibility, and supports and contributes to a consistent museum identity.
Researches, makes recommendations, and may design or collaborate on digital media for exhibits.
Works with museum educators to plan for visitor engagement in the exhibits and to ensure compliance with accepted museum practices as well as ADA accessibility.
Maintains digital exhibit files and shares copies with the Museum’s Archives.
2. Exhibit Fabrication and Installation:
Assists with installing and de-installing temporary and permanent exhibits at ASM and at off-site locations. This may require occasional day or overnight travel as well as evening or weekend hours.
Coordinates all aspects of exhibit-related graphic design, whether production is in house or contracted out.
3. Other Duties
Assists with coordination of temporary assistants, students, and volunteers as needed; may include training and supervising students working on exhibit projects.
Designs and maintains a museum wayfinding system for visitors.
Serves on departmental committees as needed.
Attends Community Engagement Division meetings, exhibit review meetings, and ASM all-staff meetings.
Required Skills and Knowledge:
Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience in successfully designing, planning, supervising and installing museum or other exhibitions including the design, production, or coordination of related graphic design materials
Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and handle multiple projects at once
Ability to create exhibit budgets and timelines
Experience creating scaled drawings using AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite applications, or other software
Experience working with objects and artworks, and knowledge of proper museum handling techniques
Knowledge of MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ESRI Storymaps or similar website templates
Excellent project management, organizational skills, attention to detail, and creative problem solving skills
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills applicable to a deadline-oriented, creative, and academic atmosphere
Ability to work independently and on a team
Arizona driver’s license
Preferred
BA/BFA/Barch degree in fine arts, digital media, graphic design, studio arts, museum studies, architecture, industrial arts, or theater design and/or Masters in industrial design, architecture, or engineering
Experience creating animation projects.
Experience developing 3D digital files and 3D printed objects.
Working Conditions
Work will be conducted in offices, fabrication workshop, in the museum’s galleries, and at off-site locations such as festival grounds or other museum, cultural, or education centers. The incumbent may be exposed to power tools, paint vapors, saw dust, noise, and may experience exposure to mechanical, electrical and chemical factors. Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, be able to work on ladders and at heights up to 15 feet, and be able to lift 50 pounds. There is occasional travel to vendor sites or off-site exhibit locations.