Exhibitions Designer [Indiana Historical Society]

Under the direction of the Director of Exhibitions, this position is responsible for the design, creation, implementation, guidance, and evaluation of the physical environment within the Indiana Experience areas, in general, and You Are There experiences in particular.  Incumbent leads and oversees design and production activities for all Indiana Historical Society (IHS) in-house and traveling exhibitions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Works with Director of Exhibitions to advise, review and sign off on physical production, design, AV components, prototyping and evaluation of department projects and products.
2. Oversee design integrity throughout development process.  Prepare for, attend and drive the creative portion of proposed designs.  Work with team to utilize wide range of resources creatively.
3. Coordinate development of CAD, Vectorworks, and other spec drawings in early phases of project for development purposes and for staff and vendor completion during production and installation.
4. Assist with or oversee fabrication, installation and dismantles by staff or contractors.
5. Collaborate with Indiana Experience and other project team members to promote synergy, create efficiencies and foster a positive work environment.
6. In concert with department staff, establish system to measure effectiveness of experiences and exhibitions.  Keep abreast of best practices in the field and regularly evaluate current methods of graphic production, label design, environment design, fabrication, lighting and technological innovations that can be deployed in a museum setting.
7. With Director of Exhibitions establish sound and lighting installation and environmental specs for all IHS collections and collections on loan for experiences and exhibitions.
8. Work with department staff and Director, Exhibitions to periodically evaluate and maintain appropriate storage for archival items and non-archival props and furniture.
9. In tandem with Director, Exhibitions coordinate and maintain photographic documentation of all experiences and exhibitions and department portfolio of projects.  Coordinate documentation and storage of all relevant project research materials, documents and electronic files.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

1. Good conceptual, graphic, and spatial design skills; envisions both big picture design and details. Ability to read blueprints schematics, elevations, and shop drawings.
2. Proficiency in Vectorworks and CAD systems and software.
3. Ability to assist with production needs of an active exhibitions department, to include possible graphic production and mounting, comfort in a fabrication shop, mount making, lighting, and installation tasks.
4. Self-motivated, creative problem solver, with strong detail and organizational skills.
5. Team player with the ability to manage, lead, motivate, and delegate.
6. Understanding and appreciation of ADA requirements and best accessibility practices in museum design.
7. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for diverse audiences.
8. Understanding of generally accepted museum education concepts, strategies, ethics, and standards.
9. Knowledge of ethical, legal, and copyright issues as they relate to historical research libraries.
10. Ability and desire to continuously stay abreast of technology opportunities and advancements that may facilitate education through public programs.
11. Ability to organize and manage fiscal resources within the structure, culture, and mission of a nonprofit organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Strength – Ability to lift & carry items weighing up to 50 pounds

Physical Movement –  Stooping, Bending, Kneeling, and Crouching In order to reach & pick up items

Manual Dexterity – Ability to handle fragile items with care

Wrist & Visual Stamina – Ability to type and focus on a computer screen for prolonged periods of time

(Incumbent must be able to meet physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonability of requested accommodation is to be determined by IHS on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the ADA.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Visual Communications, Museum Studies or related field. 5 years exhibition experience—project management, design, and production. At least 3 years supervisory experience including budget preparation.

PREFERRED: Experience in developing an exhibitions program in a museum or education setting. Working knowledge of Indiana history.

PAY & BENEFITS

Full-time

The salary will be commensurate with experience and skills. IHS offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life and long-term disability coverage; employer and employee funded retirement plans with American United Life – OneAmerica; employee assistance program (EAP); Pre-Paid Legal Services; flexible benefits, and generous paid time off. Free parking provided nearby, staff discounts in the Basile History Market and the Stardust Café, and reciprocal benefits at other cultural institutions in Indianapolis.

Applications

Please send a cover letter and resume to: April Kerber, Senior Director, Human Resources, Indiana Historical Society, 450 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, hr@indianahistory.org or Fax: 317/233.0857. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Indiana Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer.

www.indianahistory.org

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Strength – Ability to lift & carry items weighing up to 50 pounds

Physical Movement –  Stooping, Bending, Kneeling, and Crouching In order to reach & pick up items

Manual Dexterity – Ability to handle fragile items with care

Wrist & Visual Stamina – Ability to type and focus on a computer screen for prolonged periods of time

(Incumbent must be able to meet physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonability of requested accommodation is to be determined by IHS on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the ADA.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Visual Communications, Museum Studies or related field. 5 years exhibition experience—project management, design, and production. At least 3 years supervisory experience including budget preparation.

PREFERRED: Experience in developing an exhibitions program in a museum or education setting. Working knowledge of Indiana history.

PAY & BENEFITS

Full-time

The salary will be commensurate with experience and skills. IHS offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life and long-term disability coverage; employer and employee funded retirement plans with American United Life – OneAmerica; employee assistance program (EAP); Pre-Paid Legal Services; flexible benefits, and generous paid time off. Free parking provided nearby, staff discounts in the Basile History Market and the Stardust Café, and reciprocal benefits at other cultural institutions in Indianapolis.