Exhibition Designer

Introduction

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art (the Carter) is one of the country’s leading museums of American art. The collection includes significant holdings of nineteenth-century American landscape painting and Beaux Arts painting and sculpture, great depth in the work of Frederick Remington and Charles Russell, excellent examples of twentieth-century American modernism, and deep holdings of works on paper from the nineteenth century through the present day. The Carter is one of the major repositories of American photography in the world, ranging from early daguerreotypes and salted paper prints to site-specific installations by contemporary artists. The Museum’s Archives and Library offer rich resources for research and exhibition possibilities. 

Position Description

The Exhibition Designer provides creative and technical design development and implementation for the display of art objects and associated graphics for the Museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. The Exhibition Designer project manages the design portion of all exhibitions and gallery presentations and produces graphic materials for additional Museum design initiatives. The position requires strong collaboration with all members of the Museum’s Collections and Exhibition team, as well as the Museum’s education department, graphic design team, and outside contractors.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and implement the design of all temporary exhibitions and collection installations through collaboration with curators, interpretation manager, and installation staff. Develop and maintain standards of presentation for all installations. 
• Develop and maintain standards of presentation for all installations, relying on the Museum’s Visual Guidelines Manual as a reference tool for coordinating and maintaining the museum’s brand standards and visual identity.
• Prioritize accessibility and ADA standards.
• Create space assessments, prototypes, models, design development and construction documents for exhibitions and object fixtures in collaboration with the exhibition team; employ visual presentation tools that explore a wide range of design possibilities—including computer-aided design (floor plans and elevations), models, maquettes, and technical drawings as necessary.
• Create and coordinate implementation and production of in-gallery text panels, labels, exhibition way-finding signage, and other exhibition graphics. Maintain design standards and provide recommendations and specifications for production of all signage for the museum’s galleries. 
• Coordinate with the Sr. Manager of Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs and Preparators on work plans and timetables for designs to ensure the timely completion of installations. Provide cost estimates, technical specifications, and identification of special requirements.
• Manage projects and files; prioritize, organize, and schedule design work through effective planning tools. Organize and maintain design files and installation visuals that provide for ongoing reference and ease of access to archived materials.
• Assist as necessary with the in-house production of installation components including prototypes, exhibition fixtures and furniture, frames, installation graphics, and other materials requiring special assistance.
• Ensure planning and implementation of procedures and policies as they relate to exhibition design.
• Keep abreast of new and innovative installation, lighting, and display technologies in the museum field through workshops, site visits, and professional contacts.
• Manage the Design budget and assist with the preparation of budgets for special and ongoing exhibitions and shared departmental expenses.
• Coordinate with security and facilities teams on camera locations, exit sign information, and other security/facility related issues.
• Monitor maintenance and supply requirements for large format printers and other equipment 
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and contractors related to exhibition materials and technical information.
• Serve on collaborative committees as requested. Further the progress of exhibitions and collections goals through project specific meetings.
• Print signage, office wall size calendars, exterior door vinyl and outdoor signs.
• Maintain printing for donor list and donation boxes.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all sensitive museum information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Occasional interns

Skills and Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of museum exhibition techniques, graphics, and materials.
• Refined sense of typography, color, and composition requisite.  
• Knowledge of accepted museum practices for the handling, matting, framing, display, and installation of 2D and 3D works of art, including fragile and heavy objects.
• Knowledge of construction and carpentry, appropriate methods and materials used in design and fabrication of museum installations, and pertinent museum visitor ADA (visitor safety, circulation, and environmental requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to input changes to both text and formatting as marked on hard and digital copies.
• Advanced proficiency with Mac-based Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, etc.), CAD, and/or other 3D modeling software, graphic design software and image management software; familiarity with MS Office systems (Outlook, Word, and Excel); thorough understanding of file-preparation for large-scale graphics required.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Positive experience collaborating with others.
• Highly developed organizational and time management skills. Ability to meet scheduled deadlines and work under pressure. Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects.

• Experience with scheduling of and hands-on production specifically related to graphic materials for installation.
• Must be able to move and inspect objects as needed.
• Must understand and follow prescribed museum safety and OSHA requirements at all times.

Key Characteristics/Traits

• Experience with team exhibition project planning. Must be able to synthesize ideas and develop an exhibition installation from initial concept to technical drawings, construction, graphics, installation, and lighting; ability to fabricate models and maquettes to scale.
• Position requires initiative as well as collaboration and flexibility. Must be able to give and receive effective constructive critique and welcome feedback from colleagues to refine ideas.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to the proper care of works of art, training and experience in applying accepted preservation, storage, and lighting techniques in museum environments.
• Ability to work as a team member with other managers and staff.

Qualifications/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in design, Fine Arts or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience as a museum exhibition designer or part of a successful museum design team.
• Minimum five years of art museum exhibition experience required.
• Experience with project budgets and accounting purchasing guidelines.  

Other Job Requirements

• Must pass required background and drug screens.
• Must be available for travel as required.
• Smartphone required.