Exhibit Graphic Designer / Junior Designer [Senator John Heinz History Center]

Posted September 18, 2014.

The Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, seeks a junior to mid-level exhibit graphic designer to join our team in developing engaging museum experiences. We are looking for a designer who enjoys working on the intricacies of a small graphic design projects as well as handling the complexity of developing environmental graphics and large murals. Candidates considered will be Exhibit/Industrial Designers with exceptionally strong graphic design skills or Graphic Designers with a background in interior architecture.  We are storytellers and you must enjoy contributing to the overall creative vision while being able to communicate your ideas through to production.

The History Center maintains an aggressive exhibit schedule (multiple museums, multiple exhibits per year ranging from 1000 to 10000 square feet) and offers the opportunity to work with an award winning exhibit team of curators, designers, and production specialists. Projects range from cultural and natural history to art and sports exhibits. A willingness to explore a variety of mediums (print, video, web/interactive, etc.) and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets desirable.

This is a Full-time position reporting to the Director of Exhibits & Design.

Junior candidates must be able to create graphic designs from concept to production and bid those projects and manage or install as necessary. Knowledge of exhibit design in 3D (FormZ or SketchUp) a plus. Mid-level candidates should be able to translate design concepts to production drawings, specify materials and have a basic understanding of audio/video production and artifact handling.

Minimum B.A. or B.S. preferred M.A. in Graphic Design, Communications, industrial design, or related field. Minimum two years’ experience in graphic design, exhibit graphic design a plus, experience with the development and oversight of project budgets desirable. Must have – Form Z, SketchUp or similar design applications experience, as well as Adobe Creative Suite.

Position requires advanced knowledge of Macintosh computers and industry standard software (Adobe Creative Suite), knowledge of current web and print production processes, and the ability to learn new software as projects dictate. An understanding of exhibit construction and materials a plus, ability to communicate with team necessary, object handling and artifact installation and audiovisual experience desirable.