Exhibition Development and Design Manager

Franklin Park Conservatory•Columbus, OH

17h•$54,000 - $56,000•Onsite

About The Position

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facilitysituated two miles from downtown Columbusfeatures glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Childrens Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all. MISSION As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences. VISION Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience. JOB SUMMARY The Exhibition Development and Design Manager is a key member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team responsible for leading the creative development, design oversight, and interpretive planning of the Conservatorys exhibitions and art displays. This role focuses on moving the phases of exhibition development, including concept refinement, curation, design coordination, interpretation, and readiness for fabrication and installation. This position supervises the Exhibitions Designer and provides leadership, direction, and mentorship to ensure design work aligns with institutional priorities, exhibition schedules, operational requirements, and visitor experience goals. The Exhibition Development and Design Manager works closely with the Associate Director of Exhibitions, the Exhibition Operations Manager, and leadership within the horticulture team to ensure exhibitions move smoothly from concept through implementation. The Exhibition Development and Design Manager plays?numerous?roles and?specializes?in various aspects of planning and operations at the Conservatory while serving as a leader. This role supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service while being an ambassador for the organization.? Additional Information: This is a full-time exempt position based in Columbus, Ohio. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory. Compensation: $54,000 - $56,000 annual salary.

Requirements

Associates or Bachelors degree in Exhibition Design, Museum Studies, Industrial/Environmental Design, Theater/Production, Art History, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in exhibition development, design, or production, preferably within a public garden, museum, zoo, cultural institution, or other visitor-focused environment.
Demonstrated experience leading the creative development of exhibitions, including concepting, spatial planning, design intent documentation, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
Experience overseeing or coordinating the translation of design intent into fabrication and installation.
Supervisory experience guiding creative or production staff, interns, or volunteers, with a strong emphasis on coaching, mentorship, workload planning, and professional development.
Experience with project planning, scheduling, and cross-department coordination, including collaboration with operations, horticulture, and marketing teams to align timelines and deliverables.
Familiarity with design software and documentation workflows, such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp or other 3D modeling tools, and standard office software.
Valid Drivers License with the ability to provide transportation to and from work sites if needed.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey design concepts and technical information to staff, volunteers, contractors, artists, and peer institutions.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and coach creative staff while fostering a collaborative team environment.
Strong understanding of exhibition development processes, spatial planning, and visitor-experience principles with the judgment to align creative direction with institutional goals, schedules, and budgets.
Effective collaboration skills with the ability to work across departments.
Ability to review and direct high-quality design documentation and ensure readiness for fabrication and installation.
Proven knowledge of fabrication methods, materials, finishes, and exhibition production workflows, including experience preparing design packages and technical documentation for build partners.
Strong project-management skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, maintain accurate documentation, and support budget management.
Proficient use of basic software programs, such as Microsoft Office.
Ability to cultivate professional, service-oriented relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, vendors, and visiting artists.
At times lifts, carries, or moves materials up to 50 lbs to accomplish installations and maintenance, with or without accommodation.
Ability and willingness to perform hands-on duties in all types of weather, indoors and outdoors: heat and humidity, freezing temperatures, wind and rain.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events when required.
Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Responsibilities

Partners with the Associate Director of Exhibitions to advance the development and curation of incoming exhibitions, gallery shows, and special displays.
Leads the creative ideation of exhibitions by establishing concepts, spatial layouts, and visual direction aligned with institutional goals and visitor experience priorities.
Establishes and manages design timelines, scopes, and deliverables to ensure projects are fully prepared for fabrication and installation.
Ensures the seamless translation of design intent into fabrication and installation through comprehensive design packages, technical documentation, implementation standards, and coordinated communication.
Collaborates closely with the Exhibition Operations Manager to align design solutions with operational capabilities, installation requirements, and long-term maintenance needs.
Provides strategic oversight of fabrication planning and early preparatory work, including material and finish selection, build methodologies, cost and sourcing documentation, and identification of required vendors, fabricators, and contractors to support successful exhibition delivery while adhering to approved budgets.
Directly supervises the Exhibitions Designer, including workload planning, project prioritization, coaching, performance management, and professional development; supports departmental administrative functions including employee scheduling and ADP timecard review.
Coordinates with horticulture designers and cross-departmental partners to ensure cohesive integration of plant displays and exhibition design.
Oversee the strategic development of exhibition interpretation, including signage, gallery guides, wall text, labels, and related didactic materials.
Supports the Associate Director of Exhibitions in advancing exhibition-related design work associated with the North Star Master Plan (NSMP), particularly where projects impact gallery planning, exhibition design, and interpretation.
Collaborates with internal departments, including Marketing, to develop and refine materials that promote, publicize, and interpret exhibitions; oversees coordination of art sales and related logistics in partnership with Botanica and other stakeholders.
Supports public engagement and electronic media initiatives by developing and presenting informational content about seasonal exhibitions, including conducting media interviews.
Represents the department in interactions with the public, volunteers, employees, artists, and peer institutions, including development of fact sheets, tours, and workshops.
Performs other duties as assigned while demonstrating a strong commitment to serving visitors and guests of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.