Exhibition Designer

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary:

A creative and accessible visitor experience is central to the mission of MHS, and the Exhibition Designer plays a key role in this mission. The Exhibition Designer will design and co-lead projects as part of a team responsible for all phases associated with the design and development of exhibitions. The Designer is responsible for creating engaging experiences for all visitors by sharing stories told through artifacts, graphics, interactives, and media. The designer is expected to be skilled in all areas of exhibit design including the development of sketches, 3D models, and documentation drawings to communicate and execute all phases of design.

The Exhibition Designer is expected to closely collaborate with all members of the Exhibitions Department, as well as Public Historians, Curators, the Exhibitions Registrar, Lighting Technician, and all other MHS staff as necessary. This contracted position is expected to conclude in mid-2026, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

Essential Functions:

• Perform all design related tasks including design research, conceptualization, rendering, drafting, and construction specifications.
• Serve on project teams and ensure the integration of design with all project goals including interpretation, education, curatorial, conservation, and accessibility.
• Help to lead the installation of exhibits prior to opening.
• Ensure quality of design that engages diverse audiences and ensures a fresh, unique approach by taking advantage of new technologies as appropriate, participatory and interactive learning approaches of our visitors, creative and collaborative interpretive strategies on the floor, etc.
• Aim to exceed universal design standards for the best possible exhibition experience for all visitors as part of MHS's on-going commitment to accessibility.
• Perform all project management duties associated with their projects as necessary, including:
  • Managing the project budget and calendar
  • Helping to guide and inform the exhibit development process through MHS policies.
  • Providing specifications for and creating all project documents, bid materials, and contracts.
  • Contracting and managing the work of freelancers and contractors associated with exhibits as necessary.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BA in Exhibition Design or design-related field, MA preferred.
• Three or more years of experience in exhibition design, preferably in a history museum setting, including relevant internship or volunteer work.

Skills:

• Mac-literate. Skilled in Vectorworks, Adobe Creative Cloud (CC), and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, communication and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of current museum ethics, policies, and practices particularly relating to exhibition design, research, conservation, collections, documentation, environment, security, access, etc.
• Knowledge of and experience with using sustainable design and universal accessibility for an enhanced visitor experience.
• Experience in creating accessible, thought-provoking, engaging, and well-researched history exhibitions for visitors of all ages and interests.
• Ability to juggle many simultaneous tasks and roles as well as to delegate tasks effectively.
• Ability to prepare sketches, drawings, specifications, and models for planning purposes, fabrication, and presentations.
• Knowledge of and experience with exhibition fabrication, lighting, graphic design, and all other steps related to exhibition production.
• Familiarity with best practices for display of artifacts of historical significance including collections requirements, lighting, mount-making, etc.
• Ability to operate basic hand and power tools.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for Exhibition Designer Jobs at Missouri History Museum