Exhibit Developer at the Connecticut Historical Society

Job Title: Exhibit Developer

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Hartford, CT

Salary: $42,000 – $47,000

Description

Who we are looking for:

The Exhibit Developer is a key member of the team responsible for the development, design, production, installation, and maintenance of on-site, off-site, and traveling exhibitions. We are looking for an experienced and organized professional to lead projects from concept to completion, working with a friendly and dedicated staff across several departments (primarily exhibitions, collections, education, and marketing). We are seeking candidates with strong design sensibility, an understanding what looks good and how graphic design “works” with content and audience and a familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Your duties will include, but not be limited to:

  • Leading or assisting with exhibition projects to transform social, historical, and educational concepts into tangible ideas that can be executed in an exhibition (physical and/or virtual) or other interpretive format which appeals to the CHS’s target audiences.
  • Participating in the planning and implementation of audience testing and evaluation related to exhibits and other interpretive projects.
  • Performing primary and secondary research, including searching for and tracking graphics, artifacts, and library materials.
  • Writing, editing, and proofreading exhibit label copy, scripts for audio/visual presentations, and other interpretive content, including project-related marketing copy.
  • Designing and/or managing the design of labels and graphics, including fabrication.
  • Creating and tracking budgets and ensuring projects stay within budget.
  • Communicating with outside consultants and contractors.
  • Working with interns and volunteers, as needed.
  • Working with marketing staff and the media to promote CHS projects, as necessary.
  • Working with education staff to support exhibit-related programming for adults, families, students, and teachers, as necessary.
  • Working with collections staff to ensure the safety of historical materials in exhibitions and other displays.
  • Assisting with the development of grant and sponsorship proposals and other fund-raising activities, as necessary.
  • Installing and de-installing exhibit components, including light carpentry and painting work.
  • Keeping informed of innovations in museum exhibitions.
  • Ensuring that exhibit areas are maintained and kept clean, safe, and orderly.
  • Representing the CHS at professional meetings and conferences, as requested.
  • Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as necessary.

Requirements

Qualifications:

You like working with a team and appreciate the process of giving, receiving, and making use of constructive criticism. You know how to organize your work to manage multiple projects. Your writing style is succinct and creative. You understand how a public exhibition comes together and connects people with history and culture. Your specific qualifications include:

Knowledge

  • Bachelor’s degree in History, American Studies, Museum Studies or a related field
  • Minimum two years’ experience in exhibition development at an institution such as a children’s, history, or science museum, or in a design firm that has created interactive, audience-centered exhibitions
  • Knowledge of current theories and best practices in museum education, interpretation, and exhibit design and an understanding of the variety of ways in which visitors learn
  • Experience developing hands-on educational materials in a school or museum setting
  • Familiarity with library and museum collections, including how to properly handle historical or fragile material
  • Historical research skills

Organization

  • Strong project management and time management skills
  • Ability to successfully work within project budgets
  • Flexibility to adapt to changes in projects and exhibition schedules

Teamwork

  • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, with general supervision
  • Comfort and enjoyment working within and among people from diverse socioeconomic, racial and political backgrounds
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a dedication to providing superior customer service
  • Ability to assess problems and propose solutions
  • Reliability, trustworthiness, and a positive demeanor

Writing

  • Strong written communication skills
  • Ability to collaboratively write and edit informative, creative, and accessible exhibit labels that appeal to a variety of audiences

Design & Technology

  • Strong design sensibility, understanding what looks good and how graphic design “works” with content and audience
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite
  • Experience designing exhibition graphics and labels preferred

Exhibit Installation

  • Experience installing museum or trade show exhibitions
  • Knowledge of the various trades associated with the design, construction, and maintenance of exhibitions
  • Familiarity with basic hand tools and power tools
  • Willingness to get your hands dirty, learn new skills, and help solve problems
  • Ability to lift 30 lbs.

Schedule

Full time, Monday through Friday, occasional remote work opportunities.  

Compensation

$42,000 to $47,000 per year.

Benefits
Eligible for full employee benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, long term disability, employer contributions to 403(b) plan, and paid vacation and sick days.

How to apply
Please email cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, and example of exhibit label writing to Susan Presutti, Director of Human Resources, susan_presutti@chs.org, by February 28, 2023. Finalist group of candidates will provide three references (preferably current or former managers) with telephone numbers and email addresses.

CHS is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.