Exhibition Designer

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. We believe creativity is a defining human characteristic to which everyone should have access. CMOA collects, preserves, and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain, and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences. Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States, collecting the "Old Masters of tomorrow" since the inception of the Carnegie International in 1896. Today, the museum is one of the most dynamic major art institutions in America. Our collection of more than 30,000 objects features a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting and sculpture; prints and drawings; photographs; architectural casts, renderings, and models; decorative arts and design; and film, video, and digital imagery. Through our programming, exhibitions, and publications, we frequently explore the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives.  With our unique history and resources, we strive to become a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century. Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

This Full-Time position is eligible for the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh’s many Benefits.  

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to see information on the starting pay rate.

This is a union position.

The Exhibition Designer reporting to the Manager of Exhibitions, will manage the design and production of Carnegie Museum of Art’s temporary exhibitions and permanent collection installations. The Exhibition Designer will closely collaborate across departments—Curatorial, Exhibitions, Registration, Art Preparation & Installation, Conservation, and Education—to produce specifications, methods, materials, technical drawings, and display techniques for museum casework, platforms, walls, partitions, fixtures and lighting, in accordance with best museum practices. The position provides support for the administration and execution of all aspects of construction-related activities associated with the exhibition design. The Exhibition Designer works closely with internal and external stakeholders including the Manager of Exhibitions, Curators, contractors, vendors, and contributing Carnegie Museums (CM) and Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA) departments to efficiently and effectively achieve exhibition goals and installation designs on schedule and on budget.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Requires an ability to organize, represent, and communicate concepts effectively through design; working knowledge of color utilization and design theory; familiarity with construction as well as art museum-appropriate materials and fabrication techniques; understanding and awareness of security, conservation, and accessibility requirements and standards.

Must be highly organized, and able to set and carry out short-term goals while keeping long-term goals in mind. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work professionally and collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds in a team-oriented environment. Must possess the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Must have the initiative to undertake and complete tasks and projects as they arise. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, design, fine arts, or a related field, and at least two years’ experience in architectural gallery drawing and detailing, interior space planning, materials specification, and/or fixture design (or an equivalent mix of education and experience). Must be able to administer the drafting and production process from specification through completion. Proficiency in computer aided design programs such as InDesign, CAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, etc., as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is mandatory. A working knowledge of basic office equipment is required.

Position requires sufficient mobility to travel throughout the museum’s galleries and storage areas. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Working with defined curatorial concepts, manage the overall exhibition design process for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection installations to enhance the curatorial, educational, and interpretive vision for an exhibition through the layout of artwork, creation of additional walls/spaces, color, lighting, and the thoughtful and innovative integration of interpretive elements, including technology.

• Collaborate with the Curators, Associate Director of Collections and Exhibitions, Manager of Exhibitions, Registrars, and Senior Manager of Art Preparation and Installation on all phases of designing exhibitions and permanent collection installations: scheduling, budget monitoring, design research of objects displayed, space planning, construction and shop drawing documents, revisions, and quality control; coordinate request for proposal, contracting and implementation with outside exhibition design contractors for same.

• Use computer aided design (CAD) to produce scaled floorplans and elevations including layout of walls, platforms, and furniture as well as specific detailed object placement (case layouts, groupings) and color schemes for review/approval; create three-dimensional scale models, quick concept sketches, and renderings as needed throughout exhibition design process; produce final construction and/or shop drawings for fabrication.

• Prepare/communicate design specifications for gallery installation to museum support staff as appropriate; collaborate with Design and Publishing and/or contracted graphic designers to ensure cohesive exhibition and graphic design approach in exhibition and permanent collection presentations.

• Consult with relevant museum and CM staff on other aspects of interior design as necessary; create design plans for other special projects in the galleries or museum as directed.

• Ensure all designs adhere to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations and requirements.
• Coordinate all construction-related activities associated with the museum’s temporary exhibitions, permanent collection installations, and special projects, including:

• Oversee requests for proposals, bidding, contractor selection; participate in contractual terms negotiation, preparation of construction agreements, professional service agreements, and/or purchase orders
• Manage all pre-construction contractor planning and project preparation with contractors and staff as it relates to specific projects as well as the CMOA exhibitions schedule
• Coordinate load in, worksite staging/maintenance, and load out of contractors and materials on site
• Estimate, order, and negotiate costs with vendors for construction-related materials
• Coordinate with relevant CM departments, especially Facilities Planning & Operations (FP&O), to facilitate contractor work on site/in galleries
• Provide oversight to maintain the high standards of construction established in construction policies and procedures in accordance with CMOA and CM construction policies and procedures.

• Manage exhibition documentation and project budget expenses related to the design and production of exhibitions and installations, including:

• Budget forecasting, managing, and reconciling of expenses for each project.
• Documenting each installation and special exhibition.

• Maintain inventory of exhibition furniture and fixtures (casework, visitor seating, tables, floor coverings, etc.) and monitor condition.

• Undertake additional administrative and/or design responsibilities under the supervision of the Associate Director of Collections and Exhibitions Management and the Manager of Exhibitions as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.