Graphic Design and Exhibitions Assistant

Job Title: Graphic Design and Exhibitions Assistant

Location: Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House

Report to: Exhibitions Manager

Classification: Non-exempt

Compensation: $20-$23/hr

Category: Part-time

Effective Date: August 2026

Approved by: Human Resources Director and Executive Director, Stark Art & History Venues

Job Summary: The Graphic Design and Exhibitions Assistant provides graphic design support for the Exhibitions department while assisting with the design, production, installation, and maintenance of exhibitions. When needed and as assigned, the Exhibitions Assistant will assist in the work of the Collections department. The Exhibitions Assistant works with the Exhibitions Manager and Director, Collections & Exhibitions, Art & History Venues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Design

• Develop graphic designs for exhibitions, projects and programs at the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House, to be reviewed, approved, and finalized by the Exhibitions Manager.
• Collaborate with SMA and WHSH staff to translate exhibition content into clear and visually engaging graphic materials, while maintaining appropriate project branding.
• Execute the layout and formatting of large-scale graphics related to exhibitions, including wall text, panels, labels, signage, and vinyl materials.
• Understanding of graphic composition, typography, and visual hierarchy appropriate to exhibition-related materials.
• Ensure graphic materials are accurate, accessible, legible, and appropriate for diverse audiences.
• Prepare design files for professional printing, fabrication, and installation, ensuring accurate dimensions and file specifications.
• Design initial layout for annual Reindeer Trail exhibition, and support Exhibitions Manager in updating graphics, panels, and vinyl as needed.

Exhibitions

• Work with Exhibitions Manager to assess exhibition furniture needs for exhibitions, design exhibition furniture for objects and/or interactives, and built and paint exhibition furniture as needed.
• Install exhibitions under supervision of Exhibitions Manager, including object movement, hanging and mounting of collections artwork and objects.
• Install vinyl wall graphics and panels under supervision of Exhibitions Manager.
• Prepare artwork and objects for exhibition, including matting, framing, and making object mounts under supervision of Exhibitions Manager.
• Maintain galleries, including patching and painting walls and exhibition furniture.
• Conduct daily walkthroughs of the Stark Museum of Art galleries to identify issues including, but not limited to, burned out lights, malfunctioning technology, damaged touch objects, crooked labels, spots on Plexiglas, or condition issues.
• Maintain exhibitions inventories including supplies, frames, mounts, risers, stanchions, lights, pedestals, and bonnets.
• Create and maintain 360-degree virtual tours of the Stark Museum of Art and The W.H. Stark House using Matterport.
• Participate in Collections & Exhibitions department initiatives, planning, and goal-setting in support of Art & History Venues and Foundation priorities and strategic operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Interacts with: Reports to Exhibitions Manager and interacts with Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Art & History Venues, Collections Assistant, Registration Assistant, and others as needed.

Expectations:

• Support Foundation's goals and values and further the Museum and House missions.
• Give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Follow policies and procedures; maintain appropriate records, complete tasks correctly and on time.
• Maintain proficiency in all computer related programs to perform job duties.
• Follow safe work procedures, report potentially unsafe conditions, notify supervisor of damages, defects, or the need for repairs that could prevent deterioration of equipment or possible injury to employees or others.
• Willingness to learn

Qualifications:

Experience/Skills:

• Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
• Experience in 3D modeling software, like SketchUp, is a plus.
• Use of manual and power tools
• Art handling preferred
• Matting and framing, mount making preferred
• Knowledge of collections management systems or other relational databases preferred, such as The Museum System (TMS)
• Data entry preferred
• Knowledge of museum collections care practices preferred

Education: Undergraduate degree from a college/university majoring in Graphic Design, Art, Art History, Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, or related field.

Interpersonal Skills: Must be good at working in a team or individually. This position requires initiative, strong attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a positive attitude.

Required Skills: Strong understanding of graphic design principles, branding, and industry-standard design practices, with consideration for accessibility and legibility. Applicants must be detail oriented, enthusiastic, and capable of doing repetitive tasks, with excellent computer skills.

Experience in Collections & Exhibitions is preferred but not required; candidates without experience will receive training.

Physical Demands: Most work is performed in a climate-controlled environment. Ability to push, pull, lift, and carry 10-50 lbs. short distances. Ability to climb step stools and carry objects upstairs. Vision requirements needed are color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to enter data into a computer, wear gloves and be able to perform delicate operations when dealing with fragile objects. Have good, clear communication skills both verbally and written and able to understand spoken communications. While performing the duties of this job, the Exhibitions Assistant is required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, and see.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will normally work in climate-controlled environment. Noise levels are generally quiet. The employee will share an office space with one (1) other part-time staff member.

Schedule: Part-time, 17-20 regular hours per week within the Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. work week, with some evening, weekend, and early morning hours as needed. Some flexibility in scheduling regular hours within the work week is possible. Must be able to commit to work full-time hours during installation periods, approximately four weeks per year. Installation weeks are scheduled well in advance to allow for adequate coordination.

This Job Description does not necessarily constitute a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising this position nor does it constitute a contract for employment.