Now Hiring: Exhibit Developer

September 6, 2024

As a Split Rock Studios (SRS) Exhibit Developer, you will utilize your creative brainpower, understanding of visitor behavior, and expert communication skills to create memorable and engaging visitor experiences that fulfill internal and client-driven goals.

The ideal candidate is…

  • Collaborative. You know that two heads are better than one, and you’re eager to team up with designers, graphic designers, and project managers to come up with innovative—yet realistic—exhibit experiences for clients.
  • Humble. You know that the best working relationships aren’t built on ego, they’re built on respect and trust. You’re on the hunt for the best idea (even when it’s not your idea) and aren’t afraid to ask questions to get there.
  • A sponge. You’re inherently curious and can quickly review, digest, and synthesize information—whether to help clients understand an exhibit idea or to deliver content through exhibit graphics.
  • Detail-oriented. You can come up with the big idea for an exhibit and also deliver on the smallest details (photo captions and credits!). You’re able to track your own work to stay on schedule and balance competing needs from multiple projects.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Exhibit development
      • With the designer, determine organization of content and traffic flow through exhibit space
      • With the designer, brainstorm experiences, interactives, and media to convey exhibit messages, being cognizant of audience, client expectations, and budget
      • Work with the designer and graphic designer to develop graphic approach for each project, based on content and interpretive goals
      • Revise exhibit ideas and brainstorm new approaches to respond to client comments
      • Review and support AV and interactive script submittals
  • Design deliverables
      • Write concept documents containing exhibit themes and goals, narrative descriptions of visitor experiences, and component descriptions
      • Complete Design Development documents that include exhibit script, images for graphics, and reference materials
  • Internal teams
      • Participate in estimating meetings, helping our in-house estimator understand conceptual visitor experiences
      • Document exhibit components in SRS-wide tracking systems, facilitating estimating and production
      • Complete and document client-requested text edits during production, handing off updated text to the graphic designer
      • Proof graphic layouts for accuracy and complete image acquisition for copyrighted images
  • Client relationships
      • With the designer and project manager, conduct a start-up meeting with clients and stakeholders to determine storylines, themes, and goals of the exhibition
      • Build trust and rapport with clients through active and respectful listening to understand their goals and expectations
      • With the designer, present design milestones to clients and stakeholders, making conceptual ideas understandable and responding to questions as needed
      • With designer and project manager, diplomatically drive conversations with clients about their feedback to ensure the exhibit meets their expectations
      • Represent SRS and the design/build process to clients, prospective clients, subcontractors, and partners with passion and professionalism

Additional Skills

  • Comfortable facilitating and leading meetings with a variety of stakeholders
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously
  • Expertise with Office, Google, and Adobe suites

Preferred Skills

  • Experience writing exhibit text
  • Proven ability to conduct background research quickly and efficiently
  • Strong base knowledge in at least one of the following fields: American history, material culture, natural sciences, environmental education

Travel Requirements

  • Exhibit Developers travel to project sites as needed for kickoff meetings and design presentations (typically 1-2 days), averaging 1 trip every 2 months. This can include travel by car or plane throughout the United States; international travel may occasionally be required.
  • Travel is confirmed and communicated as far in advance as possible. Exhibit Developer schedules are taken into consideration when planning projects and travel dates.

Strong preference for this to be a hybrid position, with at least two days a week at Split Rock (more in the candidate’s first six months). Position could be remote for the right candidate.

To apply, please submit a resume to info@splitrockstudios.com with “Exhibit Developer Position” in the subject line.

People of Color, women, LBGTQIAA+, and allies are encouraged to apply.