The Experience Designer is responsible for the design and development of new exhibit experiences for the Orlando Science Center. The Experience Designer works with the Vice President of Visitor Experience to design and develop new exhibit concepts, coordinates the exhibit experience and interactive element design, oversees the graphical design, and develops the exhibit content for each experience. This position works closely with the Exhibit Production Team members and Graphics team to coordinate the entire design and development process to provide unique, educational, and interactive new exhibits. Additionally, the Experience Designer stays up to date on new exhibit design practices. The position would be responsible for providing visual representations, presentations on the designs for upcoming projects for key internal and external stakeholders. This position would support fundraising by producing sketches, floorplans, or elevations and dynamic views for upcoming exhibits for grant and other funding proposals, as well as keep accurate documentation on completed projects for future references. The experience designer would lead any efforts in evaluating final work to ensure that exhibitions met stated objectives and desired outcomes. The Experience Designer is responsible for the Science Center's product reserve, as well as, manages budgets for specialty exhibit projects both internal and for external partnerships. Essential Functions
- Be imaginative and creative.
- Proficient in software applications including Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, MS Office, CAD; FUSION 360; etc
- Experience creating design elements in 2D or 3D visualization programs; including CAD
- Facilitates the design of new permanent exhibits, providing leadership in project management, design, fabrication, lighting, and installation.
- Research and develop exhibit content
- Works cooperatively with exhibit design and fabrication firms, contributing to design development and exercising responsibility for competitive bidding, contracting, design review, and quality control.
- Facilitates communication among all parties involved in projects, including external consultants and curators, OSC leadership and stakeholders, internal team members, fabricators, and vendors; leads regular meetings and provides updates.
- Advocates for an excellent visitor experience by designing mission-based exhibits that are immersive, interactive and consider the diverse needs of our audiences.
- Knowledge of the exhibition design process from concept design to installation.
- Knowledge and understanding of visitor experience standards and best practices.
- Knowledge of ADA, universal design and how to design accessible museum exhibits.
- Presents concepts for review and discussion with internal and external stakeholders.
- Executes OSC's strategic plan as it relates to goals and objectives of new exhibits and immersive spaces.
- Manages exhibit related budgets and product reserve.
- Negotiates and oversees contract services related to exhibit fabrication.
- Participates on organization-wide project teams designed to meet specific short-and long-range goals.
- Creates conceptual plans for exhibit upgrades, and organizes the exhibit creation team to design, build and install new exhibitions.
- Delivers extraordinary customer service to all OSC guests and internal customers.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelors in Museum Studies, Art, Architecture, or exhibition design
- Experience & Certifications: Three-five years' in exhibition or display work with experience in 2D or 3D design and prototyping.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong working knowledge of exhibit production techniques.
- Ability to balance individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views; give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit; ability to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives and supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
- Familiarity of Exhibition lighting design
- Fabrication skills in general carpentry, fine woodworking, 3D printing, paint, or advanced material skills such as metal and fiberglass desirable.
- Strong written skills and label writing techniques.
- Ability to work on concurrent projects with different teams and experts from different perspectives
- Interest in designing tactile, mechanical, and electronic interactives
- Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local safety regulations, protocols, and/or procedures.
- Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
- Ability to direct project inspection programs and ensure contractor code compliance.
- Ability to develop, plan, and implement short-and long-range goals.
- Ability to analyze budgetary expenditures for compliance with approved budget.
Supervisory Responsibility N/A Physical Demands
- Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum.
- Ascends/descends ladders or other equipment to perform various tasks.
- Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone.
- Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately.
- Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 25 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level.
- Rarely works in outdoor environments.
- Frequently works in indoor environments.
- Coping with demands and stresses associated with job and work environment.
- Kneeling and Crouching (occasionally)
- Weight Levels - Lift, Push, Pull
Expected Hours of Work & Travel
- This position is full time and primarily works Monday - Friday.
- This position may need to work weekends and after hour events as needed.
- Travel throughout the Central Florida area may be required to attend conferences/trainings/deliver programs.
Telecommuting This position is required to be onsite 60% of the time. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.