Exhibit Designer

Maine Maritime Museum (MMM) is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to connecting people to the past, present, and future of Maine’s waterways and their global reach. The stories we share include different backgrounds, perspectives, and voices—and because our museum welcomes visitors from around the world—our institution is committed to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. If you believe in museums’ role to reveal the past, inform the present, and shape the future, we invite you to join our team.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Exhibit Designer enacts the mission and goals of Maine Maritime Museum by supporting the planning, fabrication, and maintenance of high-quality exhibits that engage audiences of all ages and abilities with thought-provoking content and hands-on learning interactives.

Reporting to the Director of Exhibits & Learning and working in close collaboration with educators, curators, and other museum staff and volunteers, this position supports the execution of new exhibitions and the repair and maintenance of existing and permanent exhibits. As a key member of the Exhibits & Learning Department, the Exhibit Designer is involved in all aspects of the exhibit development process, requiring a commitment to iterative design, creative problem solving, and collaboration. Using principles of experiential design, the Exhibit Designer supports the creation of immersive and inclusive exhibits that connect diverse audiences to the museum’s mission and collection.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Exhibit Planning & Design

● Work with the Director of Exhibits & Learning to develop exhibit concepts from ideation to installation, translating key learning objectives into immersive, interactive spaces that prioritize visitor experience and meet accessibility standards.

● Devise exhibit elements that convey complex concepts to diverse audiences through multimodal and multisensory interactives and media.

● Create 3D renderings, concept illustrations, and drawn plans to graphically communicate concepts, identify building materials, and inform exhibit fabrication.

● Design exhibit elements within allotted budgetary and time constraints.

● Support in the coordination of artists, scholars, curators, volunteers, and fabricators.

Exhibit Fabrication, Installation, & Maintenance

● Develop imaginative, immersive environments, including via structural fabrication, media installations, projections, painting, and lighting arrays.

● Work with various materials including wood, metal, foam, and plastics.

● Create lighting plans and assist in the installation of lighting fixtures and elements.

● Assist in the formatting, wiring, and installation of various media players and screens, including digital signage, projectors, and touch screens.

● Support in the creation of installation timelines and schedules.

● Conduct regular maintenance checks, identify technical issues, and make repairs, including structural, electrical, mechanical, and software.

● Assist in the management of volunteers and contractors throughout the installation process.

● Work with Facilities staff on spatial and electrical adjustments to exhibit spaces.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

● Degree or equivalent experience in exhibition design, architectural design, graphic design, sculpture, fabrication, media design, or related field*

● 3–5 years of experience in design, construction, fabrication, or similar*

● Dedication to universal design, including an understanding of ADA standards and sensory accommodations as well as a commitment to creating inclusive environments

● Experience with tools and equipment for carpentry and basic electrical work

● Experience with 3D modeling software such as SketchUp, Fusion 360, or similar

● Experience with graphic design software, preferably within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite

● Familiarity with various building materials, lighting systems, projectors, digital signage, and other electronics, or the ability and interest to learn

● Experience with video editing, animation, and projection mapping preferred but not required

● Demonstrated ability to adapt to ever-changing challenges and to learn new skills on the job

● Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

● Strong attention to detail

● Commitment to seeking and incorporating sustainable materials and practices

● Willingness to work occasional weekends, evenings, and outdoors

● Ability to lift, carry, and move exhibit components and to work in various positions, including on ladders, preferred but not required

*Will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience

Terms and How to Apply

The Exhibit Designer position is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with full benefits in Bath, Maine.  Salary is $50,000 per year.  Please submit a cover letter and resume to: hr@maritimeme.org

This position is subject to sex offender and criminal background checks.

Maine Maritime Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, protected genetic information, status as a parent, marital status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.