Description

Summary

National Geographic Museum has a robust exhibition program that features special ticketed exhibitions, semi permanent installations, traveling exhibitions, exhibitions for NGS international partners and other non profit partnerships. This position is responsible for helping to conceive content and to implement design plans for a variety of exhibitions that showcase work from National Geographic photographers, grantees, and partners, as well as other germane topics. The position will focus on design, budget, strategy and execution of projects to further NG Exhibtions’ programmatic goals. This position will manage the planning and efforts of a talented team of design professionals with a focus on 3-D, interactivity, and physical build/installations.

National Geographic’s headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. In addition to a unique and dynamic work environment, National Geographic offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and flexible work options.

Please visit our careers site at www.nationalgeographic.com/jobs to view this job as well as our full listing of career opportunities.

National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Requirements

Responsibilities

1.       Exhibition Development

• Establish and organize exhibit themes and content as part of exhibition development team.
• See exhibit concepts from  conception through the iterative phases of development to successful completion.
• Develop realistic and  achievable interpretative and experiential strategies that can be executed  with limited resources.
• Stay educated and informed on new trends and best practices in exhibition development and design.
• Research topics for potential NG exhibitions and evaluate possible exhibitions and experiences for NG Museum.
• Present on topics and concepts in development as needed.

2.      Exhibition Design

• Work closely with Creative Director and VP, Exhibitions to create concepts and design ideas.
• Develop and iterate ideas into workable elements using sketches, illustrations, models, etc.
• Produce design drawings and  detailed construction drawings.
• Coordinate production prototypes and presentation packages when required.
• Design layouts for exhibitions  at NG Museum and contracted venues.
• Coordinate creation of installation manuals for traveling exhibitions as needed.

3.       Process and Project Management

• Establish planning process and division  of labor for exhibit staff to execute each project and provide guidance to staff, contractors, and consultants.
• Manage the work of Specialists in Exhibition Design providing performance expectations and annual reviews.
• Work in a highly collaborative  fashion with other exhibits staff, other Museum departments, other NG departments, and third parties.
• Continually reevaluate and  refine a workflow that results in creative exhibitions delivered on  mission, on time, and on budget; champion work processes that create  successful projects.
• Write RFPs and manage outside  exhibit development vendors, insuring that the work meets the highest      professional standards; that the interests of NG are fully addressed; and  that third parties receive consistent and detailed feedback on their work.
• Work closely with Creative  Director and finance staff to create budgets for all exhibit expenses,      from short-term projects to multi-year capitalized expenditures.
• Track exhibition expenses  throughout the life cycle of each project and manage expenses to deliver  rojects on budget .

4.      Reporting and data management

• Prepare periodic reporting, as needed, on exhibition development progress
• Oversee the retention of  accurate records and archives of exhibitions

Minimum Education Required

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in the museum field a plus.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

5 years in a museum management or exhibitions development. Experienced and effective communicator, and collaborator. 3 years of management experience.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently  and as part of team
• Proactive, self-starter
• Experience in and knowledge of      exhibition development/design process and best practices (i.e. developing hemes/content, rights clearances, etc.)
• Ability to deliver results      while managing competing priorities under tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Computer skills: CAD   (Vectorworks), Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Excel, Web software, etc.)
• Working knowledge of  construction techniques and museum standards

Supervision

1 – 5 Staff Members as well as agency temps

Responsibility percentages may vary depending on business needs.