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Director of Exhibition Design
Seafood Watch
Design
Monterey, CA, USA
USD 150k-190k / year
Posted on Sep 19, 2025
***This role is being recruited by a third party agency, Koya. To be considered for this role, you must apply via the Koya website. Applications submitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium website will not be considered.***
About Monterey Bay Aquarium
With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a trusted global voice for ocean conservation. The Aquarium combines world-class exhibits with groundbreaking science, policy, and public engagement—helping to redefine what an aquarium can be.
The Aquarium was founded through the vision of marine scientists and the support of David Packard, whose engineering mindset and commitment to innovation shaped the institution from the start. Built on the site of a former cannery, it became a powerful symbol of renewal, transforming into a global center for ocean conservation and education. It introduced the world’s first living kelp forest exhibit and set new standards for immersive habitats, animal care, and conservation storytelling. Its partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) continues this spirit of innovation, linking advances in marine science and technology with public engagement and conservation.
The Aquarium’s conservation programs are rebuilding sea otter populations and tackling plastic pollution, while its groundbreaking Seafood Watch program is transforming global seafood practices by helping consumers and businesses make more sustainable choices. As an educational institution, the Aquarium offers free programming for students and educators, delivering innovative experiences on-site and online that inspire and equip the next generation of ocean leaders.
Today, the Aquarium welcomes nearly two million visitors each year and engages millions more through digital platforms and partnerships. Its location on the edge of Monterey Bay provides daily inspiration from one of the world’s richest marine regions, while its proximity to global centers of technology and creativity in Silicon Valley reinforces a culture of curiosity and innovation.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities have been underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields. By actively working to change that, the Aquarium strengthens its ability to serve visitors, advance ocean conservation, and shape the future of the field. Candidates who share this commitment are strongly encouraged to apply.
Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/.
The Opportunity
At the intersection of storytelling, design, and animal experience, the Director of Exhibition Design will shape how millions of visitors connect with the Aquarium each year. The Director of Exhibition Design will set strategic design direction and project vision in collaboration with Vice President and core Exhibitions Division Leadership. This role is both creative and managerial: responsible for inspiring and guiding both 2-D and 3-D design teams while also ensuring that all work aligns with the Aquarium’s mission, narrative, and visitor experience goals.
The Director will bring both innovation and clarity of vision, with the ability to move forward great ideas while fostering a productive, curious, capable, and highly collaborative culture. We are seeking a candidate who is not only an excellent designer but also an excellent communicator—able to visualize ideas, inspire a team, and translate feedback from colleagues into clear, compelling design options.
The role requires guiding design on large capital and operational projects from concept through permitting, fabrication, and installation, in close collaboration with various Aquarium divisions. This leader will also be hands-on, able to produce renderings, drawings, sketches, and proofs of concept, while training and mentoring staff in both technical design skills and the art of balancing creativity with feasibility.
Core Responsibilities
- Set strategic design direction and project vision with Exhibitions Leadership, working closely with VP, Director of Content, and Director of Projects.
- Manage and inspire the Exhibition Design department— a team spanning 3D design, graphic design, physical prototyping, and detailed CAD drawings.
- Facilitate collaborative design processes such as idea generation, idea refinement, soliciting and documenting feedback, and clear decision-making.
- Produce and review exhibit renderings, drawings, and design packages at each project phase, collaborating with Project Managers and Content Developers to incorporate feedback, approvals, and feasibility assessments.
- Present to leadership, staff, and board, communicating progress clearly to stakeholders and collaborators.
- Build strong cross-divisional relationships with Guest Experience, Animal Care, Education, and Marketing to ensure projects meet visitor, animal care, and institutional needs.
- Develop and maintain Aquarium-wide design standards (FF&E, ADA, materials, finishes, etc.) and regularly review public areas with Exhibit Production & Maintenance, Facilities, and Guest Experience.
- Establish and implement best practices in exhibition design, graphic design, design documentation, accessibility, and environmentally sustainable material choices.
- Lead staffing plans for the design department; set schedules, prioritize work, and ensure deadlines are met in accordance with project milestones.
- Prepare and manage RFPs, contracts, and vendor relationships; overseeing design contractors, outside firms, prototyping and accessibility consultants, and specialty fabrication as needed.
- Guide timely completion of permit packages and required government/Aquarium approvals in close coordination with project managers.
- Provide design direction to various departments throughout the Aquarium so experiences align visually and thematically with physical exhibitions.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
- Track record of delivering creative, innovative exhibition designs on time, on budget, and aligned with institutional needs.
- Experience managing creative design teams with strong communication and leadership skills.
- Knowledge of all phases of design: concept, schematic, development, and construction/fabrication/production documents and a demonstrated commitment to the guest experience.
- Skilled in time management, task prioritization, scheduling, and problem-solving in a multi-disciplinary, deadline and quality driven environment.
- Experience managing construction/fabrication materials, quality, character, and cost.
- Knowledge of architectural and technical detailing, fabrication, production technologies, and equipment.
- A commitment to transparency and ability to incorporate and respond effectively to feedback.
- Skilled at balancing design constraints and fostering shared understanding within complex, collaborative teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat) and design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other 3D tools).
- Familiarity with sustainable design and green materials.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver compelling presentations to staff, leadership, donors, boards, and other stakeholders.
- Experience designing exhibitions for aquatic or live animals.
- Commitment to the Core Values of the Exhibitions department and the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies.
- Bachelor’s degree in design, exhibition design, art, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Advanced degree in Museum Studies, Architecture, Design Management, Industrial Design, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Ten+ years of experience designing and/or managing large-scale exhibition projects at an aquarium, zoo, or museum.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $190,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Director of Exhibition Design will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills and experience and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Christy Farell. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.