Museum Exhibit Designer and Communicator
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
Full-time
Design
Posted on October 21, 2022
Search #: 496837
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Art, Museum and Theater
JOB SUMMARY
Founded in 1985, the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH) at the University of Connecticut highlights Connecticut's rich natural and cultural heritage to inspire wonder in and expand appreciation of the natural world. We use our natural history and cultural collections and programming to tell meaningful stories that resonate with our program participants and to create opportunities for compelling community engagement. As one of four units in the new Institute of the Environment (IoE), the CSMNH contributes to the Institute's overarching mission to advance research, education, and engagement concerning the environment and sustainability at UConn and beyond. We enhance collaborations among diverse faculty members, students, teachers, and environmental professionals to engage in synergistic scholarship and educational pursuits. The CSMNH is deeply committed to decolonizing principles and practices. We have recently launched an exciting new initiative to construct an innovative new “Living Building,” which includes a planned expansion of our exhibit spaces and staff. By creating this Living Building, the people of Connecticut will gain a special landmark that will function as a transformative space to experience, discover, and support the natural world. Our Living Building will also act as a highly visible gateway for environmental programming regarding research, education, and outreach that reflects the University's commitment to sustainability and the environment.
This Museum Exhibit Designer and Communicator position at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH, https://csmnh.uconn.edu/) at the University of Connecticut blends robust skillsets related to exhibit design and effective science communication for all museum audiences. Idea development and implementation are at the core of what we are seeking. Our ideal candidate will excel at creating exciting pictorial, text, and interactive exhibit components (including plans, mockups, digital files, and final pieces that engage the public) by translating innovative scholarship involving natural history and cultural collections. In addition to the development, production, management, installation, and maintenance of object-focused exhibits, our preferred candidate will have significant experience and proficiency in museum communication within a dynamic team of experts, including online exhibit promotion, museum fundraising, and the creation of varied printed materials. Primarily, our preferred candidate will be able to effectively disseminate complex information in a simplified, accessible, educational, and enjoyable manner. You will collaborate with and provide direction for exhibit project development teams within and outside the CSMNH (including faculty, staff, students, administrators, fundraisers, and partners outside of the University).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibit Design
This is a full-time, permanent position. The hiring range for this position is $60,000 to $71,000. The University offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Further information is available here: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496837 to upload a resume, cover letter that addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and contact information for three (3) professional references (including email, phone number, and mailing address). Address inquiries to Dr. Erin Kuprewicz (erin.kuprewicz@uconn.edu). Application review will begin on December 16, 2022.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 15, 2022.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Standard Time
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Art, Museum and Theater
JOB SUMMARY
Founded in 1985, the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH) at the University of Connecticut highlights Connecticut's rich natural and cultural heritage to inspire wonder in and expand appreciation of the natural world. We use our natural history and cultural collections and programming to tell meaningful stories that resonate with our program participants and to create opportunities for compelling community engagement. As one of four units in the new Institute of the Environment (IoE), the CSMNH contributes to the Institute's overarching mission to advance research, education, and engagement concerning the environment and sustainability at UConn and beyond. We enhance collaborations among diverse faculty members, students, teachers, and environmental professionals to engage in synergistic scholarship and educational pursuits. The CSMNH is deeply committed to decolonizing principles and practices. We have recently launched an exciting new initiative to construct an innovative new “Living Building,” which includes a planned expansion of our exhibit spaces and staff. By creating this Living Building, the people of Connecticut will gain a special landmark that will function as a transformative space to experience, discover, and support the natural world. Our Living Building will also act as a highly visible gateway for environmental programming regarding research, education, and outreach that reflects the University's commitment to sustainability and the environment.
This Museum Exhibit Designer and Communicator position at the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History (CSMNH, https://csmnh.uconn.edu/) at the University of Connecticut blends robust skillsets related to exhibit design and effective science communication for all museum audiences. Idea development and implementation are at the core of what we are seeking. Our ideal candidate will excel at creating exciting pictorial, text, and interactive exhibit components (including plans, mockups, digital files, and final pieces that engage the public) by translating innovative scholarship involving natural history and cultural collections. In addition to the development, production, management, installation, and maintenance of object-focused exhibits, our preferred candidate will have significant experience and proficiency in museum communication within a dynamic team of experts, including online exhibit promotion, museum fundraising, and the creation of varied printed materials. Primarily, our preferred candidate will be able to effectively disseminate complex information in a simplified, accessible, educational, and enjoyable manner. You will collaborate with and provide direction for exhibit project development teams within and outside the CSMNH (including faculty, staff, students, administrators, fundraisers, and partners outside of the University).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibit Design
- Designs exhibit floor plans, mockups, and graphic layouts, producing technical drawings and final digital production files.
- Creates visual exhibit components, producing large-format graphics and photographs.
- Translates innovative scholarship (oftentimes very dense scientific concepts), distilling themes down to accessible take-home messages for the public.
- Develops exhibit ideas (includes researching and writing exhibit scripts and creating comprehensive storyboards that detail the visitor experience).
- Liaises with external exhibit construction partners and helps to manage project timelines.
- Recommends and assists in the selection of display objects, helping to assess and meet their required conservation and security needs.
- Manages contractors involved in the exhibit construction process.
- Stays abreast of current developments and advances in visitor experience design and relevant technology/software.
- Maintains existing exhibits (including interactive devices, lighting, and multimedia equipment).
- Coordinates, moves, and installs exhibits as needed.
- Conceptualizes and develops exhibits as part of a diverse team.
- Writes exhibit proposals and descriptions.
- Disseminates complex information in a simplified, accessible, educational, and enjoyable manner for University and community ingestion.
- Collaborates with diverse exhibit project development teams (including faculty, students, administrators, fundraisers, communications specialists, and outside partners) from across the University community and state.
- Provides leadership, direction, and training for all exhibits staff.
- Works with other museum staff to integrate exhibit programming with other educational programming, marketing, and membership development efforts.
- Manages the design and production of promotional media for grant writing, CSMNH web presence, exhibit fundraising, and printed material such as newsletters, program calendars, and annual reports.
- Assists in developing content ideas, including researching and writing material for exhibits, web, and print.
- Monitors and maintains alignment with accessibility, web, and print standards.
- Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in design or a related field.
- 2 years of experience with natural history and/or cultural exhibit design/development or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven organizational skills and experience working well independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated experience taking initiative and exercising sound judgment when interpreting and applying complex rules and policies.
- Knowledge and understanding of current best practices for the design of inclusive exhibits that are accessible to all.
- 5 years of experience with natural history and/or cultural exhibit design/development or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to work with hand tools, power tools, and equipment (e.g., large-format printer, vinyl cutter, laminator).
- Experience using Mac OS, Adobe software, and other relevant software.
- Working knowledge of varied multimedia devices.
- Demonstrated success in creating natural history and/or cultural exhibit(s).
- Experience in training and supervising exhibit staff.
This is a full-time, permanent position. The hiring range for this position is $60,000 to $71,000. The University offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Further information is available here: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496837 to upload a resume, cover letter that addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and contact information for three (3) professional references (including email, phone number, and mailing address). Address inquiries to Dr. Erin Kuprewicz (erin.kuprewicz@uconn.edu). Application review will begin on December 16, 2022.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 15, 2022.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Standard Time