Posted September 5, 2014

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), one of the best and largest science centers in the world, offers world-class and uniquely interactive science experiences that inspire inventive genius and foster curiosity. From groundbreaking and award-winning exhibits that can’t be found anywhere else to Live Science Experiences that make you the scientist — a visit to MSI is where fun and learning mix. Through its Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), MSI offers a variety of student, teacher and family programs that make a difference in communities and contribute to the Museum’s larger vision: to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in science, technology, engineering and medicine. If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you.

The Senior Designer is a key creative leader responsible for the design and art direction of permanent and temporary exhibitions from conception through installation. Additionally, the Senior Designer is a multi-faceted creative partner involved in a variety of other non-exhibit design projects throughout the Museum. The optimum candidate for this position will be an innovative and visionary designer with a wide variety of creative experience, design and drawings skills and content interests. This position is equal parts storyteller, designer, problem-solver and manager with an in-depth understanding of museum audiences, immersive environments, and the challenging role that design plays in supporting the Museum’s mission to inspire inventive genius in each of our visitors. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Conceptualize, plan, design, and art direct permanent, temporary and travelling exhibitions, as well as other non-exhibit projects.
Write exhibit design briefs and other types of project documents.
Facilitate, conduct and/or participate in creative discussions, design and staff meetings, reviews and project critiques; coordinating effectively with diverse in-house and out-of-house creative partners such as illustrators, exhibit developers, designers, model makers, media producers, graphic designers, etc.
Research, organize and report visual references and innovative design solutions.
Create Concept and Schematic design packages that includes sketches, illustrations, storyboards and plan views.
Work closely with in-house project management team to develop project budgets, schedules and design objectives.
Provide show quality standards evaluation for existing facilities and exhibits by participating in exhibit and facility reviews.
Participate in the selection and supervision of exhibit fabricators and other vendors.
Review, redline and critique in-house and out-of-house design, architectural and fabrication drawings.
Present exhibit concepts and design to diverse in-house and out-of-house creative partners such as illustrators, exhibit developers, designers, model makers, media producers, graphic designers, etc.
Develop biddable Design Development drawing packages that includes models, renderings, mock-up, colors, finishes, materials and notes, as well as scalable plans, elevations, section and details.
Participate in the exhibit prototyping process, user testing and evaluation and visitors studies.
Art direct and supervise out-of-house contractors and vendors for fabrication, construction and installation.
Review and understand contract documents.
Work closely with the Design Manager to elevate and solve creative issues in a timely manner and to update the overall department project schedule regularly.
Participate in the ongoing development of the Museum’s exhibit design fabrication standards.
Organize and maintain digital and hardcopy archives of all design projects.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications are as follows:

Bachelor’s degree in Design or equivalent and minimum of 10 years professional exhibit and/or entertainment design and art direction experience.
Experience in facility design and space planning for retail, food, beverage and entertainment venues highly desirable.
In-depth understanding of the creative process and the evolution of great ideas.
Passion for crafting environments and experiences that convey story, content and message.
Intuitive sense of learning, curiosity and discovery.
General knowledge of other design mediums such as environmental graphic design, lighting, media architecture, master planning, etc.
Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Current working knowledge of industry standards practices and terms for exhibit and entertainment design/fabrication and Installation.
Ability to express concepts and ideas effectively through sketches, illustrations, models and storyboards
Demonstrated ability to design for physical, cognitive and social human factors.
Experience producing concept and detailed drawing packages at all levels (concept, schematic, design development and construction) for exhibit and non-exhibit design projects.
Ability to do both digital and traditional hand-drawing, sketching, drafting and rendering in addition to review and redline architectural and mechanical drawings
Familiarity with ADA codes and local/state/federal building regulations regarding public spaces.
Capable of adapting quickly and easily to changing conditions, environment and situations.
Proven ability to lead a diverse creative team and to integrate the collective input of that team into a cohesive design solution.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience with oral presentations.
General understanding of scientific and industrial processes and history; including general knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology.
Intuitive understanding of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, including scale.
In depth understanding of exhibit fabrication, construction techniques and installation.
Strong familiarity with industry standard design software, hardware and production equipment.
General knowledge of mechanical and structural engineering, including strong Computer drafting skills.
Strong Familiarity withMicrosoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, drafting software such as AutoCAD, Adobe, Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design and Sketch UP (or other visualization software).

The Museum of Science and Industry is an AA/EOE/ADA employer.
APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Contact Person: Annette Danner
Email Address: human.resources@msichicago.org