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Monterey Bay Aquarium · 4 days ago

Director of Exhibition Design

Monterey, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$150K/yr - $190K/yr

10+ years exp

Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a trusted global voice for ocean conservation. The Director of Exhibition Design will shape how millions of visitors connect with the Aquarium each year, setting strategic design direction and managing design teams to align with the Aquarium's mission and visitor experience goals.

AquacultureArchitectureAssociationGovernmentNon Profit

Responsibilities

Set strategic design direction and project vision with Exhibitions Leadership, working closely with VP, Director of Content, and Director of Projects

Manage and inspire the Exhibition Design department— a team spanning 3D design, graphic design, physical prototyping, and detailed CAD drawings

Facilitate collaborative design processes such as idea generation, idea refinement, soliciting and documenting feedback, and clear decision-making

Produce and review exhibit renderings, drawings, and design packages at each project phase, collaborating with Project Managers and Content Developers to incorporate feedback, approvals, and feasibility assessments

Present to leadership, staff, and board, communicating progress clearly to stakeholders and collaborators

Build strong cross-divisional relationships with Guest Experience, Animal Care, Education, and Marketing to ensure projects meet visitor, animal care, and institutional needs

Develop and maintain Aquarium-wide design standards (FF&E, ADA, materials, finishes, etc.) and regularly review public areas with Exhibit Production & Maintenance, Facilities, and Guest Experience

Establish and implement best practices in exhibition design, graphic design, design documentation, accessibility, and environmentally sustainable material choices

Lead staffing plans for the design department; set schedules, prioritize work, and ensure deadlines are met in accordance with project milestones

Prepare and manage RFPs, contracts, and vendor relationships; overseeing design contractors, outside firms, prototyping and accessibility consultants, and specialty fabrication as needed

Guide timely completion of permit packages and required government/Aquarium approvals in close coordination with project managers

Provide design direction to various departments throughout the Aquarium so experiences align visually and thematically with physical exhibitions

Qualification

Exhibition designDesign software proficiencyTeam managementSustainable designCommunication skillsProject managementTechnical detailingGuest experience focusDesign constraints balancingVendor managementRFP preparationEducation in designTen+ years experienceTime managementProblem-solvingCollaborationPresentation skillsFeedback incorporation

Required

Track record of delivering creative, innovative exhibition designs on time, on budget, and aligned with institutional needs

Experience managing creative design teams with strong communication and leadership skills

Knowledge of all phases of design: concept, schematic, development, and construction/fabrication/production documents and a demonstrated commitment to the guest experience

Skilled in time management, task prioritization, scheduling, and problem-solving in a multi-disciplinary, deadline and quality driven environment

Experience managing construction/fabrication materials, quality, character, and cost

Knowledge of architectural and technical detailing, fabrication, production technologies, and equipment

A commitment to transparency and ability to incorporate and respond effectively to feedback

Skilled at balancing design constraints and fostering shared understanding within complex, collaborative teams

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat) and design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other 3D tools)

Familiarity with sustainable design and green materials

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver compelling presentations to staff, leadership, donors, boards, and other stakeholders

Experience designing exhibitions for aquatic or live animals

Commitment to the Core Values of the Exhibitions department and the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Leadership Competencies

Bachelor's degree in design, exhibition design, art, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Advanced degree in Museum Studies, Architecture, Design Management, Industrial Design, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Ten+ years of experience designing and/or managing large-scale exhibition projects at an aquarium, zoo, or museum