Associate Director, Exhibition Design

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.The Exhibition department is seeking an Associate Director of Exhibition Design. The Associate Director leads 3D design and plays a critical role in developing the overall design vision for each exhibition, assisted by their exceptional 3D design skills, their understanding of exhibition spaces and their ability to manage the exhibition fabrication process from concept to installation. They collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to create compelling and immersive exhibition experiences that adhere to the Museum’s mission and can travel to other venues.Concept Development and DesignWork closely with curators and the exhibition team to translate exhibition concepts into 3D design concepts that consider space, architectural features and constraints of galleries or halls.Create detailed plans, layouts, and schematics that optimize the use of exhibition space while ensuring visitor flow and accessibility.Develop high‑quality 3D renderings and physical scale models that visually communicate design concepts and enable collaboration with graphic designers and media teams.Design exhibitions with the understanding that many will travel to other locations, considering standardization of elements, feasibility, durability, and ease of assembly.Maintain thorough records of all design and fabrication processes, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference and potential reinstallation.Project Management and CoordinationSupervise 3D design staff to assist with all appropriate aspects of the 3D team’s work.Prepare comprehensive exhibition design packages, including design drawings, specifications, and other materials required to facilitate the bidding process for 3D fabrication.Develop installation plans and schedules, coordinating with travel installation teams to ensure a seamless and safe setup.Art‑direct the in‑house preparators in the creation of scaled models for the exhibitions.Fabrication and Construction OversightIdentify, select, and manage fabricators, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring they meet quality, budget, and timeline requirements.Inspect the fabrication process to ensure that all elements align with the approved design and projects are high‑quality and completed accurately.Manage the exhibition fabrication budget, tracking expenses and developing value‑engineering options when required and implementing cost‑effective solutions.Lighting and Special ElementsManage lighting design, lighting equipment purchases, and hire and supervise freelance lighting designers.The expected salary range for the Associate Director, Exhibition Design is $115,000/annual – $135,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Exhibition Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Scenic or Theater Design, Museum Studies or another relevant field.Experience with 3D Visualization & Design ToolsProficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino, SketchUp, Vectorworks, or similar.Rendering software knowledge.Experience creating physical scale models or using 3D printing/ CNC technologies.Museum or Exhibition Design ExperienceDesigning and executing permanent, temporary, or traveling exhibitions.Collaborating with curators, educators, and content developers to interpret ideas into spatial designs.Working with conservators to ensure artifact safety and proper environmental conditions.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in Museum Exhibition Planning & Design, Architecture, or a related discipline.Space planning and visitor flow optimization within architectural constraints.Familiarity with accessibility standards (ADA compliance) and building codes.Direct experience working with fabricators and contractors.Reviewing shop drawings, material samples, and prototypes.Supervising or coordinating on‑site installations.Project & Budget ManagementManaging project schedules, budgets, and fabrication bids.Familiarity with procurement processes and contract management.Experience leading multidisciplinary teams (graphic, media, lighting, and fabrication).Understanding of exhibition lighting principles and audiovisual integration.Experience coordinating with lighting designers and AV specialists.Traveling ExhibitionsDesigning for modularity and reusability.Knowledge of packing, crating, and reinstallation logistics.Physical DemandsMust be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.Must be able to move about the Museum campus.Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.Climbing: Ascending or descending physical structures.Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the followingPushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position‑to‑position.EEO StatementThe American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre‑employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.Documents Needed To ApplyRequired DocumentsResumeCover LetterPortfolioOptional Documents #J-18808-Ljbffr