University of Michigan · 13 hours ago
Exhibit Designer and Preparator
Ann Arbor, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$47K/yr - $52K/yr
3+ years expThe University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is seeking an experienced Exhibit Designer & Preparator to assist in achieving their annual changing exhibit schedule. The role involves designing exhibit layouts, fabricating display items, and collaborating with museum partners to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
EducationE-LearningHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Demonstrated experience in exhibition and experience design-ability to design a small gallery in its entirety, making full use of the space and visitor kinesthetic experience, creating unique and appealing museum exhibit spaces that are visitor-centered and clearly convey content through materiality and design
Proficiency in 3D drafting, able to draft basic construction/fabrication drawings to illustrate changes and additions or create new exhibit elements
Excellent command of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Sketchup, or other similar programs
Ability to work with outside vendors to coordinate production of exhibit elements
Consultation and collaboration with museum partners
Strategic plan aligned project management
Support AD for Exhibits in developing team action plan
Manage project timeline and budget in collaboration with AD for Exhibits
Provide expertise to team cross-functional planning and implementation
Familiarity with Asana or other project management tools, ability to create plans for work and hit milestones to deliver products on deadline
Knowledge of exhibit fabrication techniques, tools, and materials, including casework, lighting, mount-making, model-making, etc
Knowledge of museum standards and best practices
Knowledge of installation procedures and techniques; experience working to install collections following museum industry best practices for collections handling and security
Able to successfully coordinate and communicate with external contractors and internal personnel regarding exhibit deliveries, moving collections, and installation
Ability to read and understand construction and exhibit display drawings
Ability to establish solutions for the repair of damaged exhibits and measures to prevent further damage
Qualification
Required
Demonstrated experience in exhibition and experience design-ability to design a small gallery in its entirety, making full use of the space and visitor kinesthetic experience, creating unique and appealing museum exhibit spaces that are visitor-centered and clearly convey content through materiality and design
Proficiency in 3D drafting, able to draft basic construction/fabrication drawings to illustrate changes and additions or create new exhibit elements
Excellent command of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Sketchup, or other similar programs
Ability to work with outside vendors to coordinate production of exhibit elements
Consultation and collaboration with museum partners
Strategic plan aligned project management
Support AD for Exhibits in developing team action plan
Manage project timeline and budget in collaboration with AD for Exhibits
Provide expertise to team cross-functional planning and implementation
Familiarity with Asana or other project management tools, ability to create plans for work and hit milestones to deliver products on deadline
Knowledge of exhibit fabrication techniques, tools, and materials, including casework, lighting, mount-making, model-making, etc
Knowledge of museum standards and best practices
Knowledge of installation procedures and techniques; experience working to install collections following museum industry best practices for collections handling and security
Able to successfully coordinate and communicate with external contractors and internal personnel regarding exhibit deliveries, moving collections, and installation
Ability to read and understand construction and exhibit display drawings
Ability to establish solutions for the repair of damaged exhibits and measures to prevent further damage
The ideal candidate is an energetic, enthusiastic individual with the ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team member on multiple time-sensitive tasks
They should be a resourceful technician and creative problem solver, in addition to demonstrating self-reliance and excellent attention to detail
Must be flexible and able to prioritize projects with interruptions for time-sensitive tasks
This position requires three to five years' experience in a museum or gallery setting, and demonstrated success in exhibit preparation and exhibit experience design
A Bachelor's degree is expected in experience design, studio art, museum studies, or similar field, or related job experience / apprenticeship in comparable trade or craft
Ability to work collaboratively with individuals and with teams-collegial and congenial
Ability to manage multiple projects
Basic office computer skills
Significant experience in an area (or multiple areas) of fabrication -- wood, metal, plastics, molding/casting, etc
Advanced knowledge of exhibit fabrication techniques, tools, and materials
Must possess the ability to work confidently while on ladders, scaffolding, and scissor lift (certification on self-propelled scissor lift is preferred or on-the-job training will be required)
Must be able to work in both confined and public spaces in the museum
Ability to consistently transport up to 75 pounds
Preferred
Past experience working in a science museum
Background or education in science / natural history field
Previous specimen / artifact handling experience in a museum, knowledge of best practices in museum collections care
Past experience designing and maintaining museum lighting plans
Company
University of Michigan
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Michigan has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
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2025 (662)
2024 (594)
2023 (787)
2022 (473)
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2020 (324)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$359.75MKey Investors
Michigan Economic Development CorporationNational Institutes of HealthBreakthrough T1D
2025-07-17Grant· $1M
2025-06-07Grant· $1.17M
2025-04-23Grant
Leadership Team
Greg McGuire
Managing Director, Mcity
Robert Goodspeed
Chair, Urban and Regional Planning Program
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