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Exhibit Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Project Manager will oversee all phases of the project schedule, including Pre-Design ... Willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning ...

Project Manager

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$89K - $134K/yr

The Project Manager oversees the Project Architect to ultimately ensure the highest quality ... Willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning ...

The Project Manager oversees the Project Architect to ultimately ensure the highest quality ... Willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning ...

Exhibit a positive attitude and drive when working on all projects, simple or complex, working to ... Ability to manage 2-3 projects in parallel ranging from $1M to $6M, as well as manage larger ...

Senior Project Manager

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$110.93 - $166.40/hr

The Senior Project Manager oversees teams that produce high quality project deliverables in ... Willingness to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning ...

Project Manager

Rocklin, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Exhibit a positive attitude and drive when working on all projects, simple or complex, working to ... Ability to manage 2-3 projects in parallel ranging from $1M to $6M, as well as manage larger ...

Exhibit a positive attitude and drive when working on all projects, simple or complex, working to ... Ability to manage 2-3 projects in parallel ranging from $1M to $6M, as well as manage larger ...

Exhibit a positive attitude and drive when working on all projects, simple or complex, working to ... Ability to manage 2-3 projects in parallel ranging from $1M to $6M, as well as manage larger ...

Exhibit a positive attitude and drive when working on all projects, simple or complex, working to ... Ability to manage 2-3 projects in parallel ranging from $1M to $6M, as well as manage larger ...

Project Manager

Escondido, CA · On-site

$90K - $190K/yr

Exhibit a positive attitude and drive when working on all projects, simple or complex, working to ... Ability to manage 2-3 projects in parallel ranging from $1M to $6M, as well as manage larger ...

A Project Manager may work on any/all phases of development Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design ... Willing to make decisions; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning for ...

Project Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$127K - $178K/yr

Work with Purchasing in setting up/executing trade buyout including defining scope of work, authoring Exhibit B's, ensuring scope coverage, coordinating buy and project schedules * Meeting Management:

Work with Purchasing in setting up/executing trade buyout including defining scope of work, authoring Exhibit B's, ensuring scope coverage, coordinating buy and project schedules * Meeting Management:

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Exhibit Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$101.3K

$159.9K

How much do exhibit project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for exhibit project manager in California is $101,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exhibit project manager?

An Exhibit Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and installation of exhibits for museums, trade shows, galleries, or events. They coordinate with clients, designers, fabricators, and other stakeholders to ensure the project meets deadlines, budgets, and quality standards. Their duties include managing timelines, resources, and logistics, as well as troubleshooting any issues that arise during the project. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exhibit project manager?

To thrive as an Exhibit Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, knowledge of exhibit design principles, and a background in fields like architecture, design, or event management. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Trello), CAD programs, and budgeting tools is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure exhibits are delivered on time, within budget, and meet creative and technical objectives.

What are some common challenges exhibit project managers face when coordinating with multiple stakeholders during an exhibit build?

Exhibit Project Managers often face challenges in aligning the expectations and timelines of various stakeholders, such as clients, designers, fabricators, and vendors. Balancing creative vision with logistical constraints and budget requirements can be complex, especially when managing last-minute changes or unforeseen issues on-site. Strong communication and organization skills are essential to ensure everyone stays informed and that the project progresses smoothly toward its deadlines.

What is the difference between Exhibit Project Manager vs Exhibit Coordinator?

AspectExhibit Project ManagerExhibit Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in event management, marketing, or related field; certifications like PMP or CMPAssociate's or bachelor's degree; relevant certifications are a plus
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and liaises with clients and vendorsSupports exhibit setup, assists with logistics, and coordinates with vendors and staff
Employer & Industry UsageEvent planning firms, museums, trade shows, and corporate eventsExhibit design firms, museums, trade shows, and event companies

The Exhibit Project Manager typically holds more responsibility, overseeing entire projects, managing teams, and handling client relations. The Exhibit Coordinator focuses on supporting exhibit setup and logistics. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the Project Manager has a broader scope and higher level of decision-making.

What cities in California are hiring for Exhibit Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Exhibit Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Exhibit Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,337 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer

Santa Ana, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago


Job description

Position:

The UX, Exhibit Content & Interactive Experience Designer is responsible for designing engaging exhibit experiences from concept through installation. This role combines user experience design, exhibit content development, interactive technology planning, graphic communication, and project management into one multidisciplinary position. Working alongside Exhibit Development, Education, Software Development, Fabrication, and Creative teams, this individual translates educational goals into intuitive, memorable guest experiences while coordinating the many moving parts required to bring those experiences to life.

The ideal candidate combines strong visual communication and content design skills with a user-centered design mindset. They are equally comfortable crafting compelling exhibit content and validating design decisions through research, technology integration, prototyping, and testing with real guests.

Responsibilities:

Experience & Exhibit Design

  • Design engaging exhibit experiences from concept through installation.
  • Translate educational objectives into intuitive, hands-on guest experiences.
  • Develop exhibit flow, interaction models, and visitor journeys.
  • Create exhibit concepts, mockups, wireframes, and experience documentation.

UX Research & Testing

  • Lead UX research throughout exhibit development.
  • Prototype physical and digital interactions.
  • Conduct guest testing with children and families.
  • Analyze guest behavior and improve experiences based on research.
  • Develop intuitive onboarding moments that minimize guest confusion.

Exhibit Content & Graphic Design

  • Create exhibit graphics, instructional panels, wayfinding, and educational messaging.
  • Design user interfaces for interactive exhibits and digital experiences.
  • Maintain consistent visual standards across exhibits.
  • Prepare production-ready artwork for fabrication.

 Interactive Technology Integration

  • Collaborate with software developers and technology vendors to define interactive functionality.
  • Develop functional specifications for digital interactives.
  • Understand sensors, RFID, projection systems, touchscreens, audiovisual systems, lighting, and exhibit control systems.
  • Bridge communication between designers, developers, and fabricators.
  • Participate in technology testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

 Project Management

  • Manage multiple exhibit projects simultaneously.
  • Develop project schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Coordinate work across Education, Creative, Fabrication, Technology, Marketing, Operations, and outside vendors.
  • Identify project dependencies and critical paths.
  • Track budgets and procurement.
  • Maintain project documentation.
  • Coordinate exhibit installation and turnover.

 Vendor & Fabrication Coordination

  • Coordinate graphic production.
  • Review shop drawings and proofs.
  • Manage fabrication schedules.
  • Operate or oversee rapid prototyping using 3D printing.
  • Coordinate exhibit commissioning and punch lists.

Qualifications:

  • Overall understanding of exhibition development from concept development through installation, as well as standards and best practices for exhibitions.
  • 5+ years of experience in a museum or interpretive position, including; designing interactive exhibits, museums, themed entertainment, science centers, or experiential environments.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating UX, exhibit design, interactive design, graphic design, and visitor experience.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Excellent research, writing, editing and oral communications skills, including public speaking.
  • Ability to manage many projects at one time, prioritizing, meeting deadlines and planning for high efficiency.
  • Ability to analyze and track results.
  • Experience managing consultants, vendors and partnerships.
  • Accountability: we are accountable for delivering on our commitments.
  • Effectiveness: we believe being effective allows us to best realize the mission of the institution.
  • Must be available, and/or have reliable transportation to travel to Orange County and Los Angeles campuses as requested, or needed.

Technology Knowledge

  • Interactive exhibit technologies
  • RFID systems
  • AV systems
  • Touchscreen interfaces
  • Projection systems
  • Show control
  • Lighting integration
  • Basic software development processes
  • Hardware integration
  • Rapid prototyping / 3D printing

Preferred Software

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Figma
  • Microsoft Office
  • AutoCAD or SketchUp (preferred)
  • Project management software (Monday.com, Asana, Smartsheet, or Microsoft Project)

 What's In It For You:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Optional supplemental insurance coverage
  • 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees
  • 14 Free general admission tickets per year
  • 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission
  • 10% of on-site dining and shopping discount
  • Employee discounts through ADP
  • Accrued paid time off for full-time employees
  • 10 paid company holidays