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Museum Exhibits and Graphic Specialist

Bozeman, United States

The Museum Exhibits and Graphic Design Specialist (MEGS) receives graphics and signage requests, assessing the scope of work and deadlines. MEGS determines the aesthetic in direct collaboration with the Director of Exhibitions and the exhibits team. They will also collaborate with the marketing team in the definition of visual communication goals for specific content themes. Consults and collaborates with experts, including Curators and the Director of Exhibits, in the creation of graphics, taking in consideration scientific accuracy, accessibility, multiple languages, and cultural sensibilities. Works with design assistants and/or interns who may need some mentoring and coaching. Creates graphics within general museum standards but with inclusivity and ADA standards in mind. MEGS will also assist in the demolition and installation of primary (permanent) exhibitions. They will be directly involved with unloading/loading semi-trucks and installation of traveling exhibitions. As needed, this position may also assist with exhibit interpretation, running shows in the Taylor Planetarium and Hager Auditorium. MEGS will, from time to time, help supervise volunteers and students for exhibit installation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Receives requests and coordinates workflow with Director of Exhibitions. Prepares plan to complete the requested design assignments. Creates and delivers files for review and approval, delivered on time at all milestones. Incorporates feedback and completes revisions in final production graphic files, based on the project schedule and budget. Coordinates with printers in-house and out of house for the final production and delivery of physical or digital pieces.
Develops graphic design pieces for print and digital multimedia. Develops graphic visual communication systems based on analysis and integration of an exhibitions theme and communication goals, determined by content development and marketing, as expressed in display summaries and briefs. Considers budgets and deadlines. Integrates modifications and revisions based on a thorough analysis of the feedback received from key stakeholders and collaborators at major milestone presentations.
Understands clearly the themes, subject matter, and content of each assignment, to co-create the audience/visitor experiences, in close collaboration with the team and stakeholders, to define the goals and conditions for the accessible, clear, safe, and culturally appropriate display of items and interpretive elements, in order to reach the intended visitor experience and communication goals.
Prepares rough drafts, concept boards, and graphic layouts in digital and hard copies, including style guides, and mock-ups. Creates in elevations and renderings, creates lists and diagrams of elements to be produced. Communicates approaches, receives feedback and responds to concerns.
At every design iteration and milestone confers with directors, and representatives of exhibition development, marketing, communication, web, production, staff and vendors, in order to gather all necessary information about message, audience, constraints, guidelines, budget, and schedule.
Plans for efficient resolution of communication and aesthetic issues, in compliance with accessibility guidelines, additional languages, signage guidelines, and brand guidelines. Solves issues in consultation with the exhibits team, internal clients, branding team, and any other key stakeholders throughout the institution, and in coordination with the exhibition team, in particular with exhibition project manager and the branding team.
Ensure compliance with Montana State University trademark and branding policies, coordinating with University Communications as appropriate.
Will work with the Exhibitions Team to load and unload traveling exhibits and assist with the installation and deinstallation of traveling exhibits. The position will also assist with mounting and displaying graphic panels in exhibit space. Will also work with the team to install or deinstall permanent exhibits as needed. Will help train and supervise volunteers and students during exhibit installations and deinstallations.
Will, as needed, assist in the demolition and installation of primary exhibitions.
Will, as needed, run shows in the Taylor Planetarium and Hager Auditorium
Will assist in yearly cleanings of exhibit space and as needed assist with general upkeep and basic maintenance.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

BA or BFA in arts, graphic design, visual communication, or graphic arts, or an equivalent amount of education and/or experience.

Demonstrated experience using standard graphic design programs- EX- GIMP, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Corel Draw, or similar programs.

Experience working in team settings and independently.

Demonstrated experience working in a coordinated way on multiple projects at the same time.

Experience working with various graphic design-print media- foamboard, Sintra, acrylics, and/or canvas.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Previous museum experience as a graphic designer.

Understanding of accessibility and disability requirements for graphic design.

Experience with exhibit installations.

Experience creating indoor and outdoor signage.

Experience using Professional Imaging Printers.

Experience with exhibit fabrication, historic preservation, or construction.

Experience in loading/unloading semi-trucks.

Experience handling historic objects/artifacts.

Basic knowledge/experience using standard tools- hammers, wrenches, power tools.

The Successful Candidate Will

Demonstrated enthusiasm for visual communication with culture and science.
Have strong knowledge and experience in graphic design.
Have excellent organizational and communication experience and skill.
Be able to multi-task and work on several projects at one time.
Be able to work in groups but also independently.
Be able to meet deadlines agreed upon with the Director of Exhibits.
Demonstrated experience in workflow organization, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed in this description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

Upon completion of a successful search.

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on October 1, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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