Senior Exhibition Designer

Job Description

Job 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 https://hmsc.harvard.edu/

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:

Design

• Manage all aspects of 3D and graphic design for HMSC exhibit projects
  • Produce digital renderings, modeling, 3D visualizations, floorplans and elevations using Vectorworks.
  • Communicate and present design plans to stakeholders to guide decision-making
  • Collaborate with HMSC colleagues, curators, and collections staff to ensure designs meet collection care, object safety, and conservation standards
  • Collaborate with other exhibits department leaders to coordinate exhibit production
  • Research prices and quality of products, materials, and vendors, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards
  • Manage external contractors when necessary
• Collaborate with other exhibits department leaders to translate curatorial narratives into spatial experiences, integrating architecture, lighting, media, materials, and visitor flow
  • Ensure designs are safe and accessible, working with collections staff to present objects securely and in compliance with ADA guidelines
  • Partner 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 audiences

Leadership/Management

• As 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 standards
• Stay current on trends in exhibition design, immersive media, and visitor experience
  • Pending budget approval, attend field-specific conferences and trainings
• Manage and supervise the work of up to two direct reports and/or temporary staff
  • Lead the recruitment and onboarding of exhibit design team members, in partnership with the Director of Administration and the Director of Exhibitions
  • Mentor and supervise staff, fostering a creative, collaborative culture and maintaining high design standards. Provide regular feedback, direction, and support to meet project goals
  • Conduct all phases of the annual performance process (goals, check-ins, annual reviews)

General

• Lead design team meetings and participate in all exhibit team meetings
• Participate in All Staff meetings and committees to support cross-departmental collaboration in support of HMSC’s strategic plan

Working Conditions:

• This primarily on-site position will be based in Cambridge, MA
• Some 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 lenses

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in exhibition design, architecture, interior design, or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience with both 3-D and graphic design, planning, and installation of museum exhibits
• 2+ years of supervisory and performance management experience
• Proficient 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 artists
• Experienced in managing production and installation of 3D and graphic elements in exhibition environments
• Knowledgeable in universal design principles and their application to museum exhibitions
• Knowledgeable in museum-display standards, including art handling, conservation considerations, fabrication, lighting design, and visitor circulation
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills for conveying design vision to stakeholders
• Highly organized, with strong time-management skills for tight deadlines and competing priorities
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency across design and production
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in team settings
• Able to multitask while maintaining a positive, service-oriented attitude

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday
• Compensation 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 position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other 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 Details

This 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 Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard 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 Statement

Harvard 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.