Exhibit Developer

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.

Reporting to the Director of Experience Design and Fabrication, the Exhibit Developer functions as a core member of the experience design team, working to develop fun, educational, and memorable interactive science and technology exhibits and experiences that support the Carnegie Science Center’s mission to delight, educate and inspire. The exhibit developer has a passion for making complex science concepts accessible to a wide audience. They conduct research to establish learning objectives and experiential goals for exhibits and experiences, leading the content development process. Major responsibilities include developing research-based exhibit outlines and objectives; writing, editing and proofreading text for exhibitions and experiences; conducting research to inform exhibit development process and outcomes; staying up-to-date with and implementing best practices for exhibition signage and for making exhibitions accessible and meaningful; working with external advisors to ensure content is accurate and relevant; and acquiring, organizing and managing the documentation for exhibit imagery and multimedia as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED required.  Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred. Academic background in science a plus. Three to five years of experience in content development required; museum content development experience strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Requires proven, demonstrable skill in content development, research, writing and copyediting; science and/or exhibit writing skills strongly preferred. Compelling storyteller, adept at identifying narratives that will be relatable to a wide audience, with a special focus on connecting with traditionally underserved communities. Skilled in creative problem-solving, and in translating complex ideas into accessible experiences for museum visitors. Strong organization, coordination, and verbal and written communication skills. Desire and demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently in a collaborative team environment, connecting well with the design team as well as actively searching for opportunities to involve other departments in the exhibit development process. Deftly manages demands of multiple projects simultaneously while working within tight deadlines. Familiarity with database development and/or media production preferred.

Some evening & weekend hours may be required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is primarily sedentary in nature. No special demands are required, however there are occasions that will require assisting with the production and installation of exhibits, which may require lifting of objects by hand or machine-assisted, using a variety of power and hand-tools, and the occasional delivery/transport of materials to/from the CSC warehouse, Oakland facility and the Science Center. Fabrication team is based at the Oakland site, so regular visits to that location will be necessary. Additionally, occasional travel to museum clients, vendors and/or advisory partners for meetings and installations may be required.

MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT:

Mac and PC computers and peripherals; various software including word processing, graphics, databases and spreadsheets; miscellaneous audiovisual equipment. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Exhibit Development
   Conducts research on science topics to develop educational messages, learning objectives and experiential goals, as well as develops scripts and narratives and conducts media/image research to shape the visitor experience for exhibits, both for CSC projects as well as for external clients as needed. Advises on exhibition and graphic design to ensure exhibit goals and objectives are met. Develops well-documented exhibit research outlines and writes and edits punchy, relatable exhibit copy. Conducts formative and summative evaluations to ensure and measure exhibit effectiveness. During and following exhibition installs, monitors exhibition punch list as required. Develops contacts and serves as liaison with outside advisors as required. Advises on budgetary issues related to research, and video and photo acquisition. Helps develop and maintain research and content development schedules. Serves as a resource for CSC staff on questions of CSC tone and style for written text, connecting with Marketing to suggest updates to style guide if needed.
2. Client Services
   Assists clients in developing or refining learning objectives and experiential goals as needed to ensure exhibits we develop meet clients’ needs. Serves as a resource for best practices in exhibit and content development for external clients needing guidance. Writes and/or edits client content outlines, guest experience outlines, and/or exhibit text as needed. Helps to project-manage deliverables with clients as needed. Serves as a competent and confident representative of CSC in all interactions with outside clients.
3. Other duties as assigned.

Please provide three writing samples along with your cover letter and resume.

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.