Museum Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART
Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to illustrated storytelling. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the museum's collection features works by artists including Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judith F. Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish; as well as comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb; and photographers Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange. The Museum also houses the Lucas Archives, containing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas's filmmaking career.
Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD with a landscape by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA, the Museum is in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, on an 11-acre campus that includes new green space and a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail store, and community spaces.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Exhibition Designer at Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will work collaboratively to create specialized exhibition designs that best support the museum's mission and curatorial vision, including technical concept design and presentation materials. They will also work closely with internal teams, develop and update specialized documents, record all design-related components of installed exhibitions that best supports the collection and exhibition program. This role will oversee production and execution of art exhibitions, including working with the in-house production team as well as outside contractors for construction, fabrication, digital design and integration, and other vendor services.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Work collaboratively to create specialized exhibition designs that best support the museums mission and curatorial vision, including technical concept design and presentation materials.
Work closely with internal teams, develop and update specialized documents, recording all design-related components of installed exhibitions that best supports the collection and exhibition program.
Oversee production and execution of art exhibitions, including working with the in-house production team as well as outside contractors for construction, fabrication, digital design and integration, and other vendor services.
Responsible for understanding the Museum's base-building conditions and exhibition wall typical construction as it relates to MEP, structural capacities, fire protection, lighting, ceiling and floor components upon which future exhibition rotations and gallery renovations will be developed.
Coordinate with the Buildings Facilities and Operations staff, responsible for understanding the infrastructure parameters and approvals required for outdoor installations within the Park and Garden.
Prepare design document drawings, floor plans, detail drawings, case lists, or schedules for internal museum reviews and construction bid documents to be supplied to outside vendors.
Serve as liaison with external vendors, contractors, and design consultants. Work with external professionals, ensures all physical exhibitions meet all necessary code requirements and achieve accessibility standards set by the museum.
Work with Architect of Record and exhibition fabricators to facilitate and adapt layout configurations and other necessary processes for LADBS submissions and approval.
Manage project schedules, prioritize and coordinate design deliverables.
Work in collaboration with design team to oversee production of graphics from external vendors including printing, silk-screening, and fabrication for exhibitions, and coordinates with Collections Management teams to arrange their installation.
Work with internal teams, manage the process and schedule for exhibition design and fabrication. Collaborate with internal teams, develop and lead the process for determining aesthetic standards for framing, plinths, furniture, and casework.
Oversee selection and procurement of casework and exhibition furniture and will work with the internal team to source appropriate materials to the gallery environment.
Work with collections management team to manage the selection of fabricators and specialty vendors to produce and install custom fabricated elements in the galleries as needed.
Construct architectural models and mockups for design processes and presentation purposes. Prepare all 2D and 3D artwork assets for use in Vectorworks and Rhino models.
Work with the Head of Exhibition Design to manage budgets with regards to in-gallery design, building, and construction (walls, casework, etc.).
CORE COMPETENCIES
Analytical Rigor: Simplifies complex problems by using critical thinking to evaluate problems, gathering information, incorporating multiple perspectives, understanding causes, and identifying best-possible solutions. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection to drive better decisions and more efficient implementations. Adopts an audience-centric approach, understanding the needs of the audience and incorporating them, as appropriate, into the decision.
Courageous Communication: Intentionally works well with others both on the team and cross-functionally to achieve individual, team, department, or organizational goals. Values diverse input and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible.
Collaborative Excellence: Displays courage when handling difficult conversations and genuinely and intentionally communicates. Relays key messages effectively, targeted to specific audiences. Identifies others' communication styles and perspectives, adjusting language and approach accordingly. Employs active listening to understand, rather than reply. Asks for, integrates, and values feedback from team, peers, and leaders.
Adaptive Resilience: Thrives and grows in a rapidly changing and complex environment. Displays flexibility, activates networks, and adopts a continuous growth mindset to learn from mistakes and bounce back from adversity.
Inclusive Interaction: Actively contributes to an environment in which all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
Building Trust & Relationship Management

• Accountable Ownership and clearly shares information and the "why" behind decisions.
• Asks for and values the opinions of others. Displays empathy when listening.
• Acknowledges when trust has been broken and focuses on rebuilding.
• Relates comfortably with people across levels, functions, cultures, and geographies. Identifies interpersonal and group dynamics and reacts effectively.

Accountable Ownership

• Takes ownership of outcomes, positive or negative, without blaming others within the team or cross-functionally.
• Recognizes when they are not approaching a situation with accountability but instead with a blame mindset.
• Takes accountability for assigned tasks and executes on deliverables in a timely manner.

Strategic Alignment & Execution

• Contributes to the organization by understanding and aligning actions with the organization's goals, core functions, needs, and values.
• Seeks out and incorporates multiple perspectives, experiences, and industry trends to develop a holistic perspective. Operationalizes ideas within the business model.
• Displays critical thinking when faced with a challenge by asking probing questions and looking for connections.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per shift.
• Ability to move throughout multiple Museum locations, including galleries, theaters, outdoor spaces, and other public areas.
• Ability to maintain an active and visible presence while providing exceptional guest service.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, public-facing environment with large groups of guests, including school groups, tours, special events, and peak attendance periods, while maintaining professionalism, situational awareness, and composure.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, including wheelchairs, stanchions, signage, guest service equipment, and other operational materials.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests and colleagues in person, by telephone, and over two-way radio.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to maintain awareness of guest activity and surrounding conditions while monitoring galleries, queues, and public spaces.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education Requirement:
Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Studio Art or related field.
Three (3) years of experience in the position offered or related occupation.
Must have experience with the following:

• Project Management; formulate budgets and timelines, institute clear workflow processes, managing internal and external partners, and enforcing deadlines
• Architecture and 3D design history and trends
• Creating conceptual solutions to design needs and 3D design experiences
• REVIT, RHINO and VectorWorks
• AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Cloud, and Sketch Up
• Casework platforms, custom object mounts, and framing strategies
• Lighting schemes that meet conservation standards
• Apply ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards to ensure exhibitions are inclusive, navigable, and welcoming to all visitors
• Apply preventive conservation strategies
• Develop and implement light box graphics, photomurals, title walls, and interpretive graphics

$119,500 - $142,900 a year
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND OUR COMMITMENT TO DEAIB
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the best qualified people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
MISSION AND VISION
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to the art of illustrated stories. Our mission is to inspire and connect people through the exploration of visual stories and their influences in society.
VALUES
Our internal and external practices are shaped by the following beliefs and behaviors.
People First: We meet people wherever they are (physically, intellectually, emotionally). Our inclusive practice connects who people are and what they find emotional in works of art.
Inspired: We believe that art can move you to feel, think, reflect, and act.
Collaborative: We believe that nimble thinking and working together yield exponential results.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Narrative Art:
Amplify the social impact of storytelling and illustration.
Community:
Connect to a broad and diverse public.
Operational Excellence:
Create a healthy and durable institution.
All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.
Salary and titles will be assigned commensurate to the successful candidates' education and experience. An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate(s).