Manager, 3D Design

SUMMARY The Exploratorium develops, fabricates, and maintains educational exhibits and museum environments that encompass a range of science topics and approaches, primarily featuring hands-on interactive exhibits for our floor and global projects. 3D Designers at the Exploratorium work closely with Exhibit Developers, Exhibit Engineers, and Project Directors, Leads, and Managers to create the 3D and environmental design for Exploratorium exhibition projects.   The Manager, 3D Design is responsible for their own exhibit and exhibition design work, as well as overseeing, leading, and guiding the 3D Design group; fostering a cohesive, creative, and inclusive working environment; and maximizing the group’s inventiveness, technical proficiency, and productivity.

The Manager, 3D Design will facilitate staff assignments, set expectations for staff, and evaluate performance, assuring that the team’s exhibit and exhibition designs meet consistently high standards, which sustains and enhances the Exploratorium’s role as an innovative leader in science, arts, and education.

This position reports to the Director, 3D Design.   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Supervise a team of 3D Designers :

• Set overall expectations and standards for high-quality exhibit and exhibition design and support team to meet them; provide timely and actionable feedback Support staff in setting priorities among conflicting project demands Coach and mentor individual staff, provide the resources and opportunities to promote their ongoing professional development Make recommendations for staff assignments on projects Coordinate with peer managers, project directors, and project managers to resolve workload and performance issues Provide leadership and collaboration in the development of best practices for informal education design within Exploratorium exhibits and exhibitions Participate in Shop Leadership Group; represent and advocate for 3D Design team in this context; work closely with the Senior Director, Exhibits and peer shop managers to create and sustain a positive and productive shop culture where staff can achieve creative, high-quality, high-impact work Directly contribute to exhibit and exhibition design projects as a 3D Designer Additional duties as assigned   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS BA / BS and / or MS Degree in Design, Industrial Design, Exhibition Design, Architecture or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Eight years’ professional experience in Design, Industrial Design, Exhibition Design, Architecture, or related field Two years’ demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience, particularly in an R&D or non-profit environment Experience in a complex, creative environment with coordinating production and working collaboratively on project teams, including with researchers and outside specialists Strong hand sketching skills preferable, comfort with hand sketching a requirement Demonstrated proficiency across a wide variety of software such as : SketchUp & LayOut - Exploratorium standard design tool Vectorworks – Exploratorium standard for modeling and drafting Microsoft Suite and / or Google Workplace apps Knowledge of construction and fabrication process Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills Highly organized and detail-oriented Tactful and diplomatic; graceful under pressure Track record of creative problem solving, conceptualization, and research and development   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include ability to move from place to place, use a computer terminal and telephone; able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds short distances; can bend, twist, reach and grasp   APPLICATION DEADLINE This position is open until filled   HOW TO APPLY This is a regular , full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt non-union position that includes benefits.

To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.   The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect .  We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Exploratorium Piers 15 / 17, San Francisco, CA 94111 Website :