Senior Exhibition Designer Job at State of South Carolina in Columbia

Overview

• Salary: 65,000.00 - 70,300.00 Annually
• Location: Statewide, SC
• Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
• Job Number: 179891
• Agency: State Museum Commission
• Division: Exhibits
• Opening Date: 09/02/2025
• Closing Date: 10/03/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
• Residency Requirement: No
• Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Pay Grade: GEN09
• Hiring Range - Min: 65,000.00
• Hiring Range - Max: 70,300.00
• Note: Benefits for state employees overview provided in the announcement. Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran Preference statements apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities

The Exhibit Designer is responsible for exhibition and graphic design projects as assigned at the South Carolina State Museum (SCSM). The role collaborates with curators, collections managers, and leadership responsible for fabrication, installation, lighting, maintenance, de-installation, and recycling of exhibitions. The Designer advises on use of outside installation and fabrication contractors and serves as a key member of the SCSM exhibition project teams. The Designer leads all efforts for designing 3D and 2D exhibition elements and interactive experiences, ensuring high-quality design and consistent branding across exhibitions and graphic design.

JOB DUTIES & FUNCTIONS

Exhibit Design: Collaborate with curators and exhibit project teams to translate content into exhibit form. Develop concept and schematic design drawings, oversee graphic design and the exhibit’s look (color choices, logos, text design). Manage budgets with the exhibit Project Director/Project Manager and contribute to concept through construction drawings and fabrication. May serve as exhibit project director as assigned. Lead multiple exhibits and contribute to future exhibit concepts for fundraising materials.

Internal Coordination and Management: Coordinate with the Exhibition Production team and project teams; execute exhibit layouts and specifications; use appropriate software; understand artifact handling and installation practices. Communicate with the Department on unloading/loading traveling exhibits, gallery prep, fabrication, installation, maintenance, and de-installation.

External Coordination: Coordinate work with detailers, graphic production sources, installers, A/V producers, fabricators, designers, and other contractors such as carpenters, painters, and electricians. May participate in special projects and support the SCSM Foundation, Education, and other initiatives as needed.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Minimum: High School Diploma; knowledge of object handling and artifact installation; understanding of construction and materials; design skills; ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Preferred: Experience with development and oversight of project budgets; construction skills; nonprofit experience.

Additional Information

JOB SCOPE / IMPACT: The Exhibit Designer influences the quality, effectiveness, and cost-efficient production of exhibits. Responsibilities include completing design drawings, ensuring orders are placed, ensuring accurate information is communicated, meeting schedules, and delivering high-quality exhibitions.

The Designer designs exhibitions, coordinates with the Exhibition Production Department, and helps ensure projects stay on time and on budget while maintaining quality standards.

Benefits: The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees health and dental insurance, retirement options, paid vacation and sick leave, and work-life balance programs (where available). Insurance options, retirement plans, and other benefits are described in detail in the full offer. Eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, and participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program.

Note: Benefits described apply to most state employees; temporary positions may have different eligibility. Contact the hiring agency to determine available benefits for this position.

Application Questions

• Do you have exhibition design and fabrication skills? Yes / No
• Do you have knowledge of object handling and artifact installation? Yes / No
• Do you have experience with project development and oversight? Yes / No
• Do you have nonprofit experience? Yes / No
• Are you able to lift up to 25 lbs? Yes / No
• Do you have an understanding of construction and materials? Yes / No