Exhibition Designer . Harvard University

Location: Northern

# Exhibition Designer Harvard University, Cambridge, USAEducation

Public sector## Why this work mattersHMSC fosters public understanding of science, natural history, and human cultures through world-class museum collections and educational programs, delivering clear societal and educational benefit.

View the full listing and apply →Listed 31 Aug 2026

Applications are handled by Harvard University, not by Hard Problems.## About the role

The Harvard Art Museums, comprising the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, are dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. The museums hold one of the largest and most diverse art collections in the United States, displayed in galleries that mix media and schools of art within a broader story of artistic expression and historical and contemporary issues.

Through research, teaching, professional training, and public education, the museums work to advance the understanding and appreciation of art. The museums are part of Harvard University's Central Administration, a 5,000-plus employee organisation that supports the university's overall excellence.### The role

The Exhibition Designer produces unique concepts and plans for gallery installations, working under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Exhibitions and their focus on design and installation. The position upholds the museum's standards for display and aesthetics while seeking creative solutions to enhance visitors' engagement with artwork. You would serve as lead or supporting designer for numerous exhibition and collection gallery projects, guiding them from concept through to production and installation.

The role sits within a collaborative museum environment and works closely with curators, the Exhibition Production team, Editorial and Design Services, Conservation, Registration, Facilities, and Security.### What you would doYou would produce installation designs for temporary exhibitions and collection galleries, working closely with curators to translate their theoretical concepts into tangible designs that meet museum standards of sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

You would generate and propose creative solutions for presenting artworks, narratives, and ideas in alignment with guidelines set by Conservation, Registration, Facilities, and Security. Communicating ideas, gathering feedback, and obtaining consensus from stakeholders for each installation would be a regular part of your work.

You would collaborate closely with Editorial and Design Services to integrate gallery text and other interpretive elements, including wall graphics, audio and video content, and related print materials, into the exhibition design. This includes providing all necessary specifications such as dimensions, wall and furniture colours, and label formats for the creation of gallery text and graphics, and assisting in reviewing and reconciling proofs with gallery elevations.

You would prepare and disseminate design materials including floorplan and elevation drawings, exhibition furniture construction drawings where needed, gallery models (physical or virtual), and related documentation. You would organise and lead meetings with museum stakeholders to present design plans, review artwork, and address mockups, conservation or loan requirements, and other elements that factor into the design. You would also review design plans with the Exhibition Production team to assess feasibility for execution and installation.

Working closely with the Assistant Director for Exhibitions and Gallery Planning, you would provide regular updates on schedule, budget, design status, and other deliverables specific to each installation, and adjust designs or schedules as new information is received. You would help maintain and build upon design office resources, including base architectural files, furniture drawings and inventories, design tools such as software and supplies, and project-related documentation on Basecamp and in archives.

You would support gallery installations in person, providing guidance and troubleshooting as needed. Cross-departmental working sessions may take place at the Art Museum Research Facility in Somerville.### What they are looking forA bachelor's degree in a relevant field of design, or equivalent professional experience, is required. You must have a minimum of three years of total professional experience, including…