Graphic and Exhibit Designer

About the Organization

History Colorado is dedicated to celebrating and preserving Colorado's rich heritage through dynamic educational experiences across museums and historic sites statewide. As both a State of Colorado agency and non-profit, it provides extensive public access to historical resources including a vast collection of 15 million artifacts, photographs, and archives. The organization places a strong emphasis on community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity, striving to amplify diverse voices and foster belonging for all Coloradans.

Role Overview

The Graphic and Exhibit Designer contributes as a key member of the exhibitions team to develop visually compelling and innovative exhibits that relate Colorado’s stories to museum visitors and community members. The position involves translating complex historical narratives into engaging printed and digital designs supporting multiple annual exhibitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive graphic design packages for exhibit components such as large murals, interpretive panels, donor plaques, object labels, and interactive elements in collaboration with the exhibits team.
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Exhibitions and publications staff for proofing, copyediting, and ensuring cohesive design outcomes aligned with exhibit stories.
• Partner with multiple stakeholders including marketing, fabricators, contractors, vendors, and project managers to deliver projects on schedule and within budget while maintaining design specifications and high detail accuracy.
• Manage simultaneous projects across all phases including design development, production, and installation, adhering to deadlines and quality standards.
• Create visual identities for new exhibits and multi-page layouts for quarterly publications like The Colorado Magazine.
• Assist the exhibitions team during installation and de-installation processes and maintain design studio equipment and supplies.
• Analyze and interpret exhibit concepts to develop exhibit designs consistent with the narrative and tone established by exhibit teams and historians.
• Produce exhibit illustrations, renderings, case drawings, floorplans, and material specifications for fabricators, project teams, community stakeholders, and philanthropic departments.
• Work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to meet project requirements.

Qualifications and Skills

• At least four years of professional experience in graphic design, exhibit design, spatial/3D design, or related visual arts fields; or equivalent educational credentials such as a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Exhibit Design, Architecture, or Interior Design.
• Proficient to advanced skills using Adobe Creative Suite tools including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Strong visual storytelling abilities that translate complex educational or historical information into engaging, accessible visual materials.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with experience coordinating multiple vendors, contractors, and project managers.
• Effective multitasking and project management capabilities to oversee multiple concurrent projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Creative problem-solving aptitude, attention to detail, ability to work under pressure, and openness to constructive feedback.
• Alignment with History Colorado's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community-centered work.

Additional Information

The position requires residency and work physically located within Colorado. The hiring process is skills-based, promoting reduced bias by focusing on relevant job-specific competencies. The State of Colorado provides comprehensive benefits including retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, disability, paid holidays, vacation leave, and employee wellness programs. History Colorado encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and differently-abled communities.

Application Requirements: Applicants must submit a cover letter, detailed resume, design portfolio or website link, and transcripts when claiming educational substitutions.