Exhibition Designer at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Job Title: Exhibition Designer

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Salary: $66,000

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

How You Will Contribute

The Exhibition Designer will design special exhibitions, gallery projects, and gallery furnishings for the display of works of art. They must demonstrate creativity while working within the museum’s aesthetic sensibility.

Specifically, you will:

  • Design special exhibitions, major permanent collection re-installations, and gallery projects while working closely and collaboratively with museum staff including Curatorial, Conservation, Registrar, and Editorial & Graphic Design
  • Design and coordinate the gallery lighting for the installation of exhibitions and gallery projects
  • Manage the design and documentation process for exhibitions and re-installations from conceptual design through construction drawings and pricing
  • Create technical drawings, plans, and three-dimensional models of objects and spaces
  • Produce detailed design and technical drawings for gallery furnishings for the display of works of art that meet all conservation standards
  • Develop schedules for construction and object installation; actively participate in the installation of an exhibition, re-installation, or gallery project
  • Manage budget expenses and time constraints related to the design and production of exhibition and project installations
  • Manage multiple deadlines for various exhibitions, re-installations, and gallery projects
  • Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop a design that meets expectations and standards
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Your background and experience include:

  • A high level of competence with AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, and the Microsoft Office Suite
  • Design training and experience
  • Model making skills
  • Project management experience with exhibition design and construction
  • Strong preference for experience in gallery and/or theater lighting
  • Must have an understanding of conservation issues for works of art
  • Four plus years’ experience in a museum or similar setting desired
  • A degree in art, architecture, or art history is a plus

Position And Compensation Details

  • The salary for this position is $66,000
  • This position is full-time, exempt, and 35 hours per week
  • This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit
  • This position reports to the Associate Director of Exhibition Design
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Abe to remain stationary for extended periods of time, to utilize computers and other office equipment required of this job, to perform physically administrative duties in a typical interior office environment, gallery, or exhibit space, and to access most public and staff areas of the museum campus
  • COVID-19 vaccination required
  • Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job

Institutional Requirements

  • Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums
  • Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest
  • Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences
  • Maintains confidentiality
  • Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies

Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

  • Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
  • Discounted guest tickets for admission
  • Discounts on gift memberships
  • Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
  • Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees* including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Health savings or flexible spending account program
  • Retirement savings program with museum match
  • Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays
  • Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure

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