Senior Exhibition Designer Job at Columbus Museum Of Art in Columbus

Job Title: Senior Exhibition Designer

Department: Collections & Exhibitions

Reports to: Director of Collections & Exhibitions

Supervises: Interns, as needed

FLSA Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Salary range: $80,000-$90,000

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025

About the Columbus Museum of Art:

The Columbus Museum of Art’s mission is to create great experiences with great art for everyone. Guided by a vision to connect people and art, CMA nurtures that relationship, and attempts to remove barriers between our community and its museum.

CMA’s collection includes outstanding examples of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century American and European works of modern art, represented primarily by the collections of Ferdinand Howald and Howard D. and Babette L. Sirak. These important collections are joined by significant holdings of the New York Photo League, as well as the Philip and Suzanne Schiller Collection of American Social Commentary Art and the Scantland Collection of contemporary art. In October 2015, the museum unveiled an extensive 50,000 square foot renovation. This major overhaul featured construction of the Margaret M. Walter Wing, the upper galleries of which showcase the museum’s postwar and contemporary collections.

Since 2019, the museum has organized an off-site program of contemporary exhibitions at The Pizzuti, an 18,000 square foot facility located in the Short North neighborhood, which was gifted by Ann and Ron Pizzuti in late 2018. CMA also operates the Aminah Robinson Legacy Project which encompasses an artist residency program for U.S.-based visual artists and writers located in the former home studio of the late artist Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson. Through its Art in Public Spaces (APS) program, the museum actively lends works from its permanent collection to local and regional governmental institutions, including the Ohio Statehouse and Franklin County Courthouse, among others.

Position Summary:

The Columbus Museum of Art seeks an experienced and innovative Senior Exhibition Designer (SED) to shape the design and presentation of the museum’s ambitious and dynamic exhibition program. The Senior Exhibition Designer is integral to developing compelling temporary exhibitions and permanent collection displays that engage diverse audiences and advance the museum’s mission. The SED will lead all aspects of the exhibition design process at both the Columbus Museum of Art and The Pizzuti, working collaboratively across departments and with external partners to deliver exceptional visitor experiences while upholding high standards of safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Presentation:
  1. Conceptualize, develop, and execute exhibition elements for both on-site and off-site installations, including permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions.
  2. Develop detailed to-scale drawings for layouts, casework, and graphic identities using VectorWorks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, InDesign, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  3. Create 3D renderings, presentation models, and material research to support design proposals and project execution.
• Graphic Design Coordination:
  1. Design and produce exhibition graphics, including vinyl text, wall labels, and interpretative elements, ensuring alignment with overall exhibition aesthetics.
  2. Work closely with graphic designers (in-house and external/contractual) to maintain consistency with the museum’s brand identity and style guide.
• Technical Expertise:
  1. Provide comprehensive construction drawings and technical specifications for exhibition furniture, architectural details, and display techniques.
  2. Develop and maintain a library of design resources, including paint and fabric samples, and material specifications.
• Project Management:
  1. Collaborate with the chief preparator and chief registrar to plan and implement production schedules for exhibitions and gallery installations.
  2. Ensure adherence to project budgets, timelines, and CMA’s quality standards.
  3. Oversee the procurement and installation of exhibition elements, coordinating with external contractors and vendors as necessary.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  1. Maintain clear communication with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions and other stakeholders throughout the design, construction, and installation processes.
  2. Consult with curators, conservators, registrars, and security personnel to ensure safe and secure presentation of artworks.
• Accessibility & Compliance:
  1. Ensure that designs meet or exceed ADA standards for accessibility and comply with all relevant laws and ordinances.
  2. Stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in museum design to continually improve accessibility and visitor engagement.
• External Collaboration:
  1. Provide layouts and details to tour venues, artists, and guest designers as needed.
  2. Manage relationships with contracted designers and vendors.
• Sustainability:
  1. Collaborate with preparators to maximize the use of existing exhibition resources, reducing environmental and financial impacts.
• Professional Development:
  1. Stay current with advancements in exhibition design, materials, and technologies.
  2. Integrate innovative solutions and industry best practices to enhance the museum’s exhibition program.

Qualifications:

• Education: MA/MFA in Design, Studio Arts, Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience: 7-10 years of museum design experience or equivalent professional experience with a strong portfolio of relevant work.
• Skills:
  1. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, VectorWorks, SketchUp, and AutoCAD.
  2. Strong visual, written, and verbal communication skills.
  3. Experience in managing design projects and teams.
  4. Knowledge of art museum aesthetics, visitor experience standards, and museum display practices.
  5. Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of professionals, contractors, and vendors.
• Additional Requirements:
  1. Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel for exhibitions and conferences.
  2. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Performance Standards:

• Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and diplomatic skills in all duties.
• Show efficiency and accuracy in work, strong critical thinking skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
• Be a highly collaborative team player with strong communication and organizational abilities.
• Commit to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry trends.