Fast Facts

Seeking a Bilingual Lead Graphic Designer to develop exhibition graphics for a major museum project targeting Korean-speaking audiences in both English and Korean.

Responsibilities: Oversee all design stages from concept through installation, creating environmental and exhibition graphics, collaborating with other designers and stakeholders, and ensuring high-quality visual content that resonates culturally.

Skills: Proficient in English and Korean (written and spoken), with advanced graphic design skills in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator; strong collaboration and team leadership abilities.

Qualifications: Minimum of 10 years in graphic design, preferably in museum exhibition design, with a strong portfolio of relevant work; BA/BS degree or equivalent experience.

Location: San Francisco, CA; position is on-site with no remote work option.

Compensation: $53 / Hourly

SUMMARY

The Bilingual Lead Graphic Designer will be responsible for the full development of exhibition graphics for a major museum project in East Asia in both English and Korean. This role covers every stage of the design process—from initial concept development and design execution to production and final installation. The scope of work is broad and diverse, including environmental graphics, storytelling graphics, exhibit labels, gallery and directional signage.

This position requires the creating visual content specifically tailored for a Korean-speaking audience. The designer must communicate effectively through designs that are both culturally relevant and visually compelling, Ensuring the graphics resonate with the audience while maintaining high standards of quality and design excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Execution:
• Work independently to consistently deliver high-quality environmental and exhibition graphics aligned with the project vision and educational goals.
• Design and produce all exhibition graphics—including labels, signage, and digital displays—in both English and Korean, applying best graphic design practices.
• Collaborate with other graphic designers through concept development, final design, production, and installation, providing support and contributing to shared outcomes.
• Coordinate with local and international vendors and printers, handling budgeting, billing, and production logistics.
• Scope work within established time and budget constraints, ensuring project milestones and final deadlines are met.
• Collaborate closely with content developers and 3D exhibit designers to integrate visual storytelling into exhibitions.
• Support communications with internal stakeholders and the East Asia client to ensure clear project coordination and cultural alignment.
• Idea generation: Consistently generate a diverse range of compelling and engaging design concepts.
• Collaboration: Work closely with project leadership and cross-departmental partners—including Exhibit Development, Editorial, 3D Design, Photography, and Fabrication—to ensure projects meet overall design and communication goals. Maintain ongoing dialogue with stakeholders and clients about exhibit concepts, target audiences, and informal science education.
• Flexibility: Adapt proactively to project constraints, working effectively across diverse museum needs and various media, including indoor and outdoor exhibitions, digital media, and environmental applications.
• Judgment: Make timely design decisions, demonstrating strong creative discernment and disciplined editing. Balance collaborators’ needs with aesthetic considerations effectively.
• Broader view: As a core member of the project leadership team, advocate for the design development process by contributing to conceptual planning, project strategy, timelines, and budgeting as appropriate. Maintain a holistic perspective to ensure a coherent design experience, considering both your own work and that of other designers, as well as the broader project needs. Integrate your ideas with the teams and collaborate closely with project directors and content leadership.
• Mentorship: Provide feedback and guidance to designers, helping team members overcome challenges. Serve as a resource to the design team and the museum, clearly communicating best design practices internally and to external clients. Lead design critiques and brainstorming sessions as needed throughout projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in graphic design.
• Minimum 10 years of prior graphic design experience, ideally in museum exhibition design.
• Fluent and fully biliterate in Korean and English (written and spoken); assessment will be administered.
• Ability to review, transcribe, and translate between English and Korean
• Strong portfolio of completed museum exhibition projects, preferably featuring content in both English and/or Korean.
• Advanced skills in: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Google Suite.
• Familiarity with databases (Smartsheet) and project collaboration tools (Basecamp, JIRA). Working knowledge of SketchUp is a plus.
• Versatile layout and design abilities, with strong knowledge of Korean and English typography.
• Proficient in ADA guidelines and key principles of accessible and sustainable design. Skilled in working with a diverse array of materials and design formats.
• Experience in translating exhibition design concepts into interactive digital graphics for immersive multimedia exhibits.
• Attention to accuracy and detail, willing to work through multiple revisions of projects.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, with demonstrated ability to work with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple aspects of a project simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines while providing accurate estimates for both time and expenses.
• Leadership experience within a graphic design team, including the ability to lead others in conceiving, defining, refining, and communicating design concepts. Skilled in representing and synthesizing multiple points of view to achieve collaborative and effective design solutions.

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.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds short distances. Able to move from place to place; bend, stretch, grasp, reach, kneel and twist.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a fixed-term (January 1, 2026 – April 30, 2029), full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, union position that includes benefits. The starting rate for this role is $53.59 per hour. This rate is step 4 on a 6 step union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. 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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to an inclusive workforce.