Job Description

Overview Visual Information Specialist, Exhibits (Supervisory 3D Designer) IS-1084-12 Application Deadline: 8 June 2026 Department: National Museum of Asian Art Employment Type: Full Time Location: Washington, DC Reporting To: Head of Exhibitions Compensation: $102,415 - $119,485 / year Open date: May 7, 2026 Closing date: June 8, 2026 Position type: Trust Fund Appointment type: Indefinite Schedule: Full Time Duty location: Washington, DC Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive / Low risk Open to all qualified applicants Duties and Responsibilities Supervise a team of exhibition designers, as well as interns, contractors, and temporary staff, ensuring uniform standards of documentation, accuracy, and compliance with rules and standards. Provide leadership to foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Serve as 3D designer on exhibition project teams. Collaborate with curators and other team members to develop visual identity in support of exhibition themes. Conceive and oversee development of original exhibit designs, including spatial layouts, exhibition furniture, media environments, graphics, and object placements. Develop visual ideas for exhibition presentations in consultation with curators and program officials, translating ideas into viable exhibition layouts and designs. Balance creative excellence with conservation, accessibility, budget constraints, and technical feasibility. Prepare construction drawings, fabrication documents, and other technical materials for exterior and interior spaces. Manage all phases of the design process (conceptual, schematic, design development) and collaborate with the Production team during fabrication. Contribute to project planning and implementation, including budget estimates, procurement, review and approval of contractor work, and material delivery as appropriate. Review design proposals with exhibition registrars, collections managers, conservators, and exhibition preparators to ensure safe, aesthetically and technically correct displays. Assist in the solicitation, selection, and award of basic contracts; serve as the contracting officer’s technical representative (COTR) and help develop scopes of work, procurement documents, monitor contract progress, and certify deliverables and payments. Qualification Requirements Undergraduate or graduate education with a major in commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, interior design, photography, visual communication, or related field. One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service or comparable experience outside the Federal government for GS-12 level. Specialized experience includes: leading as sole or lead designer on museum exhibitions; knowledge of museum standards and terminology; proficiency in CAD programs (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar); managing full design processes; experience planning and mounting exhibitions; knowledge of fabrication methods; ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision; strong visual design and communication skills; knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., ADA); ability to achieve design outcomes within budget and timelines; experience directing the work of others. Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to U.S. higher education programs; include documentation in your application package. Any false statement in your application may result in rejection or termination after employment begins. Relocation expenses are not paid. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For EEO program information, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures. #J-18808-Ljbffr Smithsonian Institution

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