(Contract) Exhibition Designer at Dia Art Foundation

Job Title: Exhibition Designer

Job Status: Contract, March 2024 – June 2024

Location: New York, NY

Background
Based in New York, Dia Art Foundation is committed to advancing, realizing, and preserving the vision of artists. A nonprofit founded in 1974, Dia collects the work of some of the most renowned artists of the last half-century; presents long-term, site-specific projects; executes new commissions; and produces scholarly publications related to its exhibitions and collection.

Position summary
Dia Art Foundation is actively seeking a dynamic and motivated Exhibition Designer who possesses a profound understanding of the contemporary art landscape and the intricacies of exhibition spaces within art institutions for work related to Dia’s upcoming exhibitions. The engagement is anticipated to be from March 2024 to June 2024, with the possibility of contract renewal.

Key qualifications include a deep proficiency in spatial software such as AutoCAD and SketchUp, with an additional advantage for experience in producing high-quality renderings using software like Rhino or V-Ray.

Essential duties and responsibilities

  • Design and create floor plans and exhibition layouts in SketchUp, Photoshop, and other modeling/rendering software like Rhino or V-Ray, or physical maquettes for exhibitions
  • Prepare final floor plans and installation records for the exhibition-archive files
  • Procure exhibition furniture, lighting, and determine spatial needs
  • Order supplies as necessary for installation; source vendors, solicit quotes, and obtain material samples in coordination with the Manager of Exhibitions
  • Liaise and collaborate with Exhibition Directors, Exhibition Managers, and other stakeholders to adhere to schedules and provide design deliverables on time and in correct formats

Education, certification, and experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in architecture, industrial design, interior architecture, and other relevant areas of study
  • At least 3 to 5 years of experience in a position of creative spatial work for museums or galleries, preferably of contemporary nature

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

  • Ability to conceptualize, organize, and direct a variety of projects is essential
  • Must have strong organizational skills and attention to detail in order to schedule and coordinate multiple project calendars, budgets, and timelines
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills are required
  • Advanced skills using software like SketchUp, V-Ray, Rhino, and AutoCAD for floor plans, distributions, and objects, as well as Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
  • Proficiency in Spanish, Korean, or Italian a plus

Working conditions and physical demands
This is a project-based independent contractor position and will be primarily remote with some on-site meetings in Beacon and New York City. Prolonged periods of sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment is required to accomplish work objectives.

Please note that to provide a safe workplace free of recognized hazards and to take every possible step to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 among our employees, Dia requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, except for those who obtain an exemption due to a medical condition, a religious belief, or pregnancy. 
 
TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here and attaching a resume, letter of interest, and portfolio examples. 

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports an equitable, inclusive, and neurodiverse workplace.