Description
The Exhibit Designer is responsible for administrative, supervisory, and technical work involved in the design, fabrication, production, and maintenance of gallery, wayside, and directional exhibits across 27 state historic sites.
Serving as the lead designer for all in house projects, this position directs exhibit development, manages fabrication and installation, and oversees all online digital engagement initiatives for the Division. The role participates in all exhibit planning teams, consulting with Historic Sites staff and subject matter experts to ensure historical accuracy, thematic consistency, and compliance with graphic standards.
The Exhibit Designer also supervises the Graphic Designer/Exhibit Technician, the Multimedia Technician, and a part-time Graphic Designer, serves on the Exhibits Coordinating Committee, and is responsible for all graphic elements used at both the division and site levels.
The position is supervised by the Director of Curatorial Services and is evaluated based on design aesthetics, effectiveness of exhibit installations, digital engagement outcomes, and adherence to project deadlines.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead in-house exhibit design and production, including developing concepts, creating floor plans and panel layouts, producing design drawings, and directing fabrication and installation for gallery, wayside, and directional exhibits.
Produce promotional graphics, and other two-dimensional graphics for site promotion and special events. Review layout and design for all Historic Sites publications and other printed material.
Guide exhibit planning and evaluation, serving on and occasionally chairing planning teams, advising on design methods and materials, identifying future projects, ensuring ADA compliance, and conducting visitor evaluations and assessments to improve exhibit effectiveness.
Manage project workflows and external partnerships, including overseeing digital engagement initiatives, coordinating with outside designers and fabricators, reviewing contract designs, supervising installation work, and consulting with architects on exhibit spaces.
Supervise design staff, assigning work, evaluating performance, identifying training needs, reviewing technical work, and contributing to policy development within the Design Branch.
Requirements
Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:
Experience and knowledge of current methods and techniques of exhibit development and design.
Advanced proficiency in graphic design and visual branding, including layout for print publications and adherence to institutional graphic standards.
Familiarity with digital engagement tools such as interactive media, content management systems, or web-based interpretive platforms.
Knowledge of construction standards and building-code coordination, especially when working with architects, electrical installers, and fabrication contractors.
3-5 years of professional experience in exhibit design, including planning, concept development, and production coordination.
BFA, BS, or BA in Exhibit Design, Graphic Design, Museum Studies, Architecture, Interior Architecture, Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Art History, Anthropology, Public History, Museum Studies, or any related subject.
Position/Physical Requirements
Must be available to work the schedule of Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Must be able to lift and move exhibit components and materials, typically up to 25–40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be abile to safely use hand tools and operate within workshop, fabrication, and construction environments.
This position is deemed eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR’s Telework Policy.
This position is located at:
430 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution
AND
four years of museum or related work,
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Section/Unit Description
The Exhibit Design Unit develops and produces all inhouse exhibit elements for the Division, including gallery, wayside, and directional components. It provides comprehensive design services from concept development and planning to fabrication, installation, and maintenance to support the interpretive goals of each historic site. The unit establishes and maintains Division-wide graphic standards, produces twodimensional promotional materials, and guides digital engagement initiatives that enhance visitor experience.
Division Description
The Division of State Historic Sites and Properties preserves, operates, and interprets significant historic sites, enabling visitors to explore North Carolina’s rich and diverse heritage in an engaging, relevant manner.
