Design Preparator

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of Design, the Design Preparator supports the planning and visual presentation of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s galleries, interior environments, and broader campus. The role is central to producing and installing environmental graphics across the museum, including special exhibitions, permanent collection spaces, wayfinding, signage, and related display improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Create, fabricate, and install exhibition graphics, design details, display hardware, and signage.
• Develop mockups, production files, and samples for review, and produce labels, text panels, signage, and other interpretive materials through tasks such as file setup, printing, mounting, and painting.
• Support Facilities staff with touch-ups and final adjustments to display elements.
• Help maintain signs and graphics throughout the museum so public-facing spaces remain polished and up to date.
• Assist Design staff in building maquettes and other physical studies during the design process.
• Use strong manual fabrication skills for tasks such as matte cutting, vinyl application, and sewing or wrapping covers for bases and case interiors.
• Work comfortably with hand tools and power tools, and use a strong eye for color to coordinate graphics with wall finishes.
• Help maintain graphics equipment and keep studio work areas organized and functional.
• Use Mac and PC platforms confidently, along with Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Contribute ideas, methods, and cost-conscious solutions during design meetings and reviews, and assist designers in troubleshooting execution challenges.
• Research appropriate hardware and materials needed for graphic display production.

Qualifications

• BFA in Studio Art, or an equivalent level of professional/commercial experience.
• At least 2 years of professional experience as an art handler, fabricator, carpenter, A/V technician, or in a similar role at museums, galleries, design/build firms, academic institutions, or comparable settings.
• Willingness to work unscheduled overtime during installation periods.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively while maintaining strong attention to detail, urgency, prioritization, and deadline discipline.
• Strong written, verbal, and auditory communication abilities, plus excellent listening skills.
• Awareness of ADA-related design practices and requirements.
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative environment with tight timelines and multiple stakeholders.
• Commitment to supporting the Museum’s values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA).

Additional Information

This is a full-time salaried position with a starting pay range of $49,000 to $54,000. The role is affiliated with the UAW union. The Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring, employment, or promotion on protected characteristics including race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, veteran status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Museum also reserves the right to revise job duties before an official job description update is issued.