Associate Director of Experience Design at California Academy of Sciences

The role The California Academy of Sciences, in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, is hiring an Associate Director of Experience Design to conceive immersive, human-centred science experiences. The post leads the Experience Studio's design team and external vendors, sets design standards and works closely with the Senior Director of Experience. It also acts as creative lead on projects, contributing directly to concepts and deliverables. It is full-time at 40 hours a week, with three days a week on site.
Supervisory and leadership Lead and manage a team of full-time, part-time and contract designers, setting goals, giving feedback and supporting their development
Define and maintain a coherent design vision with the Senior Director of Experience
Set design standards, workflows, documentation and review processes
Oversee external consultants and vendors, including scopes of work, proposals and the quality of deliverables
Encourage a culture of creativity, experimentation and collaboration
Make sure experiences support the Academy's mission and strategic priorities
Experience design Act as creative and design lead on projects from concept to installation
Develop immersive strategies that combine spatial design, interactive systems, media, storytelling and collections
Work with cross-functional teams including scientists, educators and technologists
Translate science into physical and digital design, including layouts, interactions and media plans
Guide the development and review of deliverables such as concept packages, renderings and prototypes
Lead prototyping and iterative testing for engagement, performance and accessibility
Bring emerging technologies into responsive environments
Follow Academy safety regulations and policies, and carry out other duties as assigned
Experience and education At least 10 years of progressive experience in immersive, experiential, exhibition, environmental or interaction design, including 3 to 5 years in senior leadership
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on complex, large-scale public experiences
Bachelor's degree in design, architecture, industrial design, interaction design, media arts or a related field; advanced degree preferred
A strong portfolio of immersive environments combining physical space, digital media and interactive systems
Skills and abilities Able to set out and champion a clear creative vision that fits the strategy
An understanding of spatial storytelling, human-centred design and visitor experience
Experience mentoring designers and building a collaborative team culture
Able to bring scientific, educational and experiential goals together in design solutions
Able to manage complex projects with many stakeholders on schedule and within budget
Strong visual, verbal and written communication, including presenting to senior leaders and partners
Knowledge of prototyping and evaluation in informal learning or public settings
Fluent in design and visualisation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino and Figma
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Apps and collaboration tools such as Asana, Slack, Box and Miro
Physical environment Able to carry up to 30 lbs, stand and walk exhibit floors, review installations and take part in on-site fabrication and installation
Comfortable with frequent computer use and with meetings in person and online
What's on offer Base salary plus a comprehensive benefits package, with details discussed at interview
The process You must confirm you have reviewed the salary range
Reasonable adjustments can be requested for the interview process
Applicants with criminal histories are considered in line with San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance
The details Salary: $150,000 – $165,000
Contract: full-time, 40 hours a week
Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco; hybrid, three days a week on site
Level: associate director (10+ years)

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