Crafting the Smithsonian Experience: A Guide to the Exhibitions Graphic Designer Role
Do you have an eye for design and a passion for storytelling through visual media? The Smithsonian Institution is looking for a creative, detail-oriented Exhibitions Graphic Designer to shape the visitor experience at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). This position offers a unique blend of high-level design work and hands-on project management within the heart of the nation's capital.
Job Responsibilities
As an Exhibitions Graphic Designer, you are the bridge between complex historical research and the visitor's visual experience. Your responsibilities include:
- Design Development: Creating original concepts for exhibition labels, panels, murals, and banners.
- Production Management: Overseeing both in-house and outsourced production processes to ensure designs are physically realized.
- Cross-Institutional Collaboration: Working closely with the National Portrait Gallery and other sister organizations to manage shared exhibition spaces.
- Equipment Operation: Managing local graphic production technology to keep exhibits on schedule.
Requirements
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent.
- Education: A Master's degree or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education may be substituted for experience.
- Documentation: A resume (maximum two pages) and potentially an SF-50 for current federal employees.
Candidate Eligibility Comparison
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Experience | Min 1 year at GS-07 equivalent |
| Education | Masters degree or 2 years grad school |
| Residency | US Citizenship required for many federal roles |
| Security | Must pass pre-employment background check |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $70,623 to $91,812 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the federal benefits package is extensive, including:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance and flexible spending accounts.
- Future Planning: Robust retirement programs and life insurance options.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave policies.
Application Tips
- Focus on Impact: Describe how your designs solved specific communication problems.
- Be Concise: Since there is a two-page limit, prioritize recent and relevant design experience.
- Follow Procedures: Ensure your SF-50 includes all required blocks (tenure, service type, grade) to avoid disqualification.
This role is an exceptional opportunity to influence how art and history are viewed in America. If you have the design chops and project management skills to thrive in the Smithsonian environment, we encourage you to prepare your application materials carefully and apply before the closing date.
Why This Exhibitions Graphic Designer Job Matters
Shape the visual legacy of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Join a world-class team as an Exhibitions Graphic Designer and bring history to life through innovative design.
Exhibitions Graphic Designer Job Overview
The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a talented and creative Exhibitions Graphic Designer to join the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). In this role, you will conceive, design, and manage the production of high-impact visual elements—from murals and banners to exhibition labels—that define the visitor experience at the Donald W. Reynolds Center and The Renwick Gallery. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the world's largest museum and research complex, fostering collaboration across institutional lines to present art, history, and culture to millions.
Requirements for Exhibitions Graphic Designer
- Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in Federal Service.
- Proven history of designing, producing, and installing exhibition-specific graphics.
- Experience overseeing production workflows for both in-house and outsourced projects.
- Ability to work collaboratively in shared spaces with internal and external partners.
- Submit a resume of no more than two pages detailing relevant design experience.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment background investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be able to receive pay via direct deposit.
Preferred Qualifications for Exhibitions Graphic Designer
- Advanced technical proficiency in design software used for large-scale print and digital exhibition media.
- Experience coordinating complex production timelines with external vendors.
- Graduate education (master's degree or equivalent) in design, fine arts, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in creating accessible and inclusive design hierarchies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Retirement Program
- ✓Life Insurance and Long-Term Care insurance coverage
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Potential for recruitment incentives based on availability
💡 How to Apply Exhibitions Graphic Designer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Exhibitions Graphic Designer Job
- Review your qualifications against the GS-09 criteria.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Apply online via the official Smithsonian application portal.
- Upload all required documentation, including SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire accurately.
- Monitor your email for status updates from the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources.
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy language directly from the job announcement; describe your actual work experiences.
- Include specific details about your role in each project, such as hours worked per week and project scale.
- Ensure your SF-50 reflects your time-in-grade, as pay adjustment notices alone may not suffice.
- Double-check that your resume is formatted to clearly show your design contributions.
- Save a PDF copy of your assessment answers for your personal records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, the Smithsonian often accepts applications from external candidates. Check the hiring paths in the job listing to confirm your eligibility.
Is relocation assistance available for this position?
No, the Smithsonian Institution does not pay for relocation expenses.
What is the page limit for my resume?
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages to be considered for this specific position.
Is this role eligible for telework?
*A: Yes, the position is telework eligible.*
How do I know if I qualify?
*A: The HR team evaluates your resume against the specialized experience criteria, so ensure your resume explicitly mentions your work with exhibition graphics and vendor management.*
Job from Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution stands as the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. With 21 museums and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Working here means contributing to a mission that inspires generations, preserving history, and curating the future of art and culture.