Senior Exhibition Designer

Company DescriptionBy working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.Job DescriptionJob Summary: The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of public museums in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences that includes the Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH), the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East (HMANE), the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI), and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (PMAE). To learn more about HMSC's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website The Senior Exhibition Designer oversees all 3D and graphic exhibit design work for the HMSC exhibits department, including supervision of a design team with two direct reports. Responsibilities include setting and managing priorities for exhibit design and conceptual development, and leading exhibit design projects from inception through completion. The role collaborates closely with HMSC’s Director of Exhibitions and Executive Director on long-range planning and strategic direction for the exhibits department.This position requires advanced knowledge of museum exhibit design, visual content interpretation and communication, museum directional signage, and graphic production expertise. The position reports to the Director of Exhibitions and serves on the Exhibits Department leadership team, helping to coordinate planning and production across the design, content development, and fabrication/production teams.Job-Specific Responsibilities: DesignManage all aspects of 3D and graphic design for HMSC exhibit projectsProduce digital renderings, modeling, 3D visualizations, floorplans and elevations using Vectorworks.Communicate and present design plans to stakeholders to guide decision-makingCollaborate with HMSC colleagues, curators, and collections staff to ensure designs meet collection care, object safety, and conservation standardsCollaborate with other exhibits department leaders to coordinate exhibit productionResearch prices and quality of products, materials, and vendors, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standardsManage external contractors when necessaryCollaborate with other exhibits department leaders to translate curatorial narratives into spatial experiences, integrating architecture, lighting, media, materials, and visitor flowEnsure designs are safe and accessible, working with collections staff to present objects securely and in compliance with ADA guidelinesPartner with curators and HMSC departments (Education, Marketing & Communications, Public Programs, Operations) to align exhibition design with institutional strategy and public-facing goals, resonating with diverse audiencesLeadership/ManagementAs part of the exhibits department leadership team, contribute to departmental planning, refining processes, and aligning work to meet departmental and institutional goals Co-manage the exhibits schedule from concept through installation, ensuring deadlines are met, and exhibitions are produced efficiently and to the highest standardsStay current on trends in exhibition design, immersive media, and visitor experiencePending budget approval, attend field-specific conferences and trainingsManage and supervise the work of up to two direct reports and/or temporary staffLead the recruitment and onboarding of exhibit design team members, in partnership with the Director of Administration and the Director of ExhibitionsMentor and supervise staff, fostering a creative, collaborative culture and maintaining high design standards. Provide regular feedback, direction, and support to meet project goalsConduct all phases of the annual performance process (goals, check-ins, annual reviews)GeneralLead design team meetings and participate in all exhibit team meetingsParticipate in All Staff meetings and committees to support cross-departmental collaboration in support of HMSC’s strategic planWorking Conditions:This primarily on-site position will be based in Cambridge, MASome scheduling flexibility is required, especially during periods of intense exhibit production and when meeting exhibit deadlines. Candidates must be available to shift their schedule on occasion to accommodate work planned on mornings and evenings outside of museum public hours.Physical Requirements: Intensive computer work with repetitive motion (typing, mouse, and graphic pen)Must be able to view the full spectrum of color, with or without corrective lensesQualificationsBasic Qualifications:Undergraduate degree in exhibition design, architecture, interior design, or related discipline5+ years of experience with both 3-D and graphic design, planning, and installation of museum exhibits2+ years of supervisory and performance management experienceProficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Proficient in design software (Vectorworks, InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and/or Illustrator)A cover letter is required for consideration for this position.Additional Qualifications and Skills: Experience working in a team setting with museum staff, designers, and specialized service providers such as illustrators and artistsExperienced in managing production and installation of 3D and graphic elements in exhibition environmentsKnowledgeable in universal design principles and their application to museum exhibitionsKnowledgeable in museum-display standards, including art handling, conservation considerations, fabrication, lighting design, and visitor circulationStrong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills for conveying design vision to stakeholdersHighly organized, with strong time-management skills for tight deadlines and competing prioritiesMeticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency across design and productionProven ability to work collaboratively in team settingsAble to multitask while maintaining a positive, service-oriented attitudeAdditional InformationStandard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-FridayCompensation Range/Rate: New hires can anticipate a salary somewhere near the midpoint of the salary range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this positionPre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, CriminalOther Information: The expectation is to be fully on-site during the 90-day orientation and review period.NOTE: Candidates will be expected to share their design portfolio, demonstrating creative range and skills. Finalists will be expected to complete a design-related project.Work Format DetailsThis position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.Salary Grade and RangesThis position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. BenefitsHarvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: Generous paid time off including parental leave Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one Retirement plans with university contributions Wellbeing and mental health resources Support for families and caregivers Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment StatementHarvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.SummaryType: Full-timeFunction: EducationExperience level: Not ApplicableIndustry: Higher Education