Exhibits Design Head

JOB PURPOSE:The Head of Exhibits is the leader driving the creative design direction and project management to design, create, and implement Ilmi's permanent, temporary, and travelling exhibitions and installations. This role ensures that all design aspects, including but not limited to setworks, graphics, multimedia, temporary and outreach exhibit installations, align seamlessly with the ilmi’s strategic objectives and learning approach and visual identities. The Head of Exhibits manages design, controls budgets and timelines, and partners with interpretation, content, and curatorial teams to turn concepts into engaging visitor experiences. The Head of Exhibits oversees the design development, fabrication, and installation of permanent and temporary exhibitions and installations, ensuring consistency of design across other learning offerings. Reporting to the Exhibits Director, this leader collaborates with diverse teams—curatorial, programs, digital learning, MarCom, experience, and operations—to develop annual exhibition plans that bring bold, impactful science learning experiences to life, from concept through installation.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:Creative Design Leadership: Provide creative direction and design leadership for all aspects of Ilmi's learning offerings, including interior and product design, graphic design, and multimedia.Lead the creative development of permanent and temporary exhibitions, ensuring the physical, graphic, and multimedia elements align with learning objectives, enhance the visitor experience, and reflect brand values.Develop creative concepts and oversee the implementation of design across Ilmi’s learning offerings—outreach materials, programs, and digital learning—ensuring a consistent yet innovative and creative approach.Lead third-party consultants and suppliers to ensure the design intent and creative direction are met.Form, lead, and inspire a multidisciplinary in-house design team building in-house design capacity Lead, manage, and drive design workshops within the learning department, promoting design thinking and creative problem-solving.Permanent and temporary exhibitions and installations design, fabrication, and installation, including exhibit refresh:Conceptual Design Lead: Oversee the conceptual design for permanent and exhibition spaces, developing creative ideas that engage and educate visitors through both physical and digital experiences.Collaborate with internal teams, including curators and educators, to understand the scientific themes and educational goals for each exhibition, ensuring the design reflects these objectives.Present to stakeholders across multiple levels within the organizationDesign Development Oversee the detailed design process, translating initial concepts into comprehensive exhibition plans that include spatial design, visitor flow, interactive components, and multimedia elements.Ensure that all graphic design, signage, and visual elements are integrated seamlessly with physical exhibits, maintaining consistency in messaging and aesthetic across all components.Guide the design of digital experiences such as interactive screens, ensuring they align with the physical exhibition content and contribute to the overall visitor experience.Technical Design Collaborate with technical teams, contractors, and engineers to ensure that the design concepts are technically feasible and can be executed efficiently.Oversee the creation of detailed technical drawings, CAD models, and specifications for fabrication and installation of exhibits.Ensure all materials used in exhibition construction are durable, safe, and environmentally responsibleVendor Management, Fabrication, and Installation Oversee all stages of floating to award specialized vendors for delivery of exhibit elementsOversee the fabrication and installation process, working closely with contractors, fabricators, and external vendors to ensure that exhibits are installed according to the design specifications.Supervise the final setup of exhibits, ensuring that all components are seamlessly integrated.Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during installationOversee smooth handover to operations and maintenance teams, as well as de-installation processesProject Management & Budget Oversight:Lead and manage multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets for all design projects and oversee their execution, from conceptual design through to installation and final evaluation.Monitor progress and troubleshoot any issues related to design, fabrication, and installation to ensure smooth and effective delivery.Manage and coordinate multiple external vendors, national and international, to deliver design up to installation servicesInterior Design and Physical Spaces:Support other departments on ensuring that interior design enhances the overall visitor experience by creating inviting, cohesive, and educational environments throughout the Center, including galleries, entryways, public areas, and event spaces, ensuring they are functional, accessible, and reflect ilmi brand values.Programs and Digital Learning Offerings:Oversee selected physical, graphic, and multimedia design aspects of ilmi offerings across programs and digital learning, whenever these are not delivered by MarCom, ensuring consistency and development of engaging visual and graphic identities for different projects, ensuring their alignment Sustainability, Accessibility, and Innovation: Advocate, define, and implement sustainable design practices and policies for ilmi design Spearhead and oversee ILMI Center offerings as a beacon and benchmark of accessible and universal design Stay abreast of trends in exhibit and interior design, incorporating new technologies and emerging design practices into projectsVisitor Experience & Engagement:Manage the long-term periodic refresh of exhibitions and interior spaces, ensuring they remain relevant to audiences, visually engaging, and in good condition.Lead design updates and improvements to ensure the exhibits evolve with changing visitor needs and emerging scientific discoveries.Use visitor feedback and evaluation data to inform design decisions, ensuring that exhibitions continue to evolve and meet the needs of different visitor demographics.Work across teams to integrate visitor learning objectives into the design process, ensuring designs serve both educational and experiential goals while aligning with the overall brand values.Team Leadership & Development:Manage and mentor a team of designers and technical staff, fostering a collaborative, creative, and productive work environment.Provide strategic direction and professional development opportunities for team members to build their skills and expertise in design Develop and implement performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.Collaboration Across Departments:Coordinate efforts across departments to ensure efficient collaboration, clear communication, and high-quality resultsWork closely with curatorial, learning, technical, experience, facilities management, MarCom, and visitor services teams to ensure that the designs are aligned with the organization’s goals and requirementsQuality Controls & Standards:Develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards to ensure quality controls are in place Ensure that all designs meet safety, accessibility, and regulatory standards, collaborating with operations teams for the maintenance and upkeep of exhibitions and all spaces.Strategic Partnership:Develops and implements long-term plans for the exhibitions program and gallery rotations that support Ilmi's mission, vision, and institutional prioritiesEvaluates exhibitions using visitor feedback and data analytics to improve future experiences.Engages directly with audiences as appropriate to gain insights and inform program development.Represents ILMI in professional forums, peer institutions, and external partnershipsQUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:Bachelor’s degree in design, architecture, or equivalent Master degree in design, architecture, or an equivalent is a plus Experience6 to 8 years of experience in architecture, exhibition, or interior design or related field