Description

About You
You have a keen eye for all things art and design related and are passionate about science. Rather than saying why something can’t work, you say “What if?” or “Why not?”  You see the world as shapes, colors, and in multiple dimensions; and you know how to tell a compelling and experiential story.  Spending your downtime seeking experiences that bridge technology, art and performance; exploring museums and galleries; attending the World Science Festival and  Maker Faire; or checking out the latest foodie, hotel and retail establishments, is your idea of fun.  Others describe you as good-natured, creative, playful, pro-active, flexible, and able to work well alone and as part of a team. Ultimately, you pride yourself on being a catalyst of change and creator of experiences!

The Role 
The Senior Exhibit Designer at Liberty Science Center (LSC) creates dynamic and engaging environments that interpret STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) concepts through audience-focused, interactive experiences. The responsibilities include: project managing and collaborating effectively with teams to develop new projects and renew existing exhibitions for Liberty Science Center and occasional external clients. Additional responsibilities include designing and installing traveling or temporary exhibitions as required. This position reports to the Exhibition Development Lead.

Essential Functions

  • Develop and design accessible exhibition environments and elements that meet LSC’s design standards and fulfill our mission to provide engaging, meaningful and compelling experiences for guests.
  • Work collaboratively with LSC staff as part of cross-divisional exhibition teams.
  • Work closely with external contractors, vendors, advisors, sponsors, and others.
  • Analyze and synthesize project team discussions to provide creative exhibit design solutions.
  • Incorporate universal design, human-factors and cognitive evaluation findings into design solutions.
  • Visualize design through drawings, renderings, physical models, computer models and physical and/or mechanical prototypes.
  • Prepare detailed design drawings, specifications, and documentation for exhibit fabrication.
  • Ensure design standards and goals are maintained through the exhibition production, installation and remediation phases.
  • Meet project budgets and schedules.
  • Maintain office systems and procedures for accessible knowledge sharing of project documentation materials across the organization and as required by the design process.
  • Remain informed of current trends in experience and environmental design in museums, science centers, and other fields.
  • Provide support for other non-exhibition design projects as assigned.
  • Maintain design and materials library and project archives.
  • Serve as project manager, as assigned, for all phases of exhibition development.

Competencies

  1. Organization and project management across multiple simultaneous projects.
  2. Leadership that supports a collaborative work environment
  3. Innovative problem solving
  4. Strong design skills, particularly for implementing effective mechanical, electrical and other interactive exhibit components.
  5. Excellent technical capabilities, including drawing, presentation and drafting skills and competency with CAD software such as VectorWorks or AutoCAD.
  6. Excellent oral and written communication

Work Environment 
Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful state park in Jersey City with easy access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. All employees have access to an on-site café, a terrace with stunning NYC views, and on-site yoga. The Sr. Exhibit Designer will be assigned a work cubicle in an office that has an open floor plan, moderate noise level, and a wonderful abundance of natural light.

Requirements

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The Sr. Exhibit Designer will sit for long periods at a desktop computer; however, time on the museum floors is necessary, especially during installation and evaluation phases of project to observe how visitors experience the science center. The Senior Exhibit Designer routinely uses standard office equipment, such as a computer, phone, copier, fax and scanner.  Lifting, bending and standing, using and operating tools, climbing ladders and stairs, walking along catwalks, ascending and descending in scissor-lifts, and ability to lift 30 pounds may also be necessary.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Some early morning, evening, and weekend hours will be required during peak work periods

Supervisory Responsibility
As assigned, this position manages design staff, interns and freelance designers and external vendors.

Travel

This position may require up to 15% travel.

Desired Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, architecture, interior design or theater design.  A master’s degree is a huge plus.
  • 5+ years of strong exhibit design experience in a science museum, science center, children’s museum, or similar setting, creating interactive exhibition experiences for family audiences.
  • 2+ years of project management experience that includes creating and managing complex budgets and schedules.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Responsibilities can be modified at any time.

About Liberty Science Center 
LSC’s mission is to excite learners of all ages about the power, promise, and pure fun of science and technology.

How to Apply: Submit a thoughtful cover letter expressing your interest in and fit for the role and resume as one PDF file and an electronic design portfolio.

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Liberty Science Center (LSC) is committed to a diverse workforce. It is LSC’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Job Information
  • Jersey City, New Jersey, 07305, United States
  • 26289203
  • December 18, 2015
  • Sr. Exhibit Designer
  • Liberty Science Center
  • Exhibitions
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • 5-7 Years
  • 10-25%