What are the responsibilities and job description for the Exhibits Design & Project Coordinator position at Air Zoo?
Are you passionate about creating immersive, educational experiences that inspire curiosity and learning? The Air Zoo is seeking a creative, organized, and collaborative Exhibits Design & Project Coordinator to help bring dynamic exhibitions and interpretive experiences to life. This role combines exhibit design, project coordination, storytelling, and visitor engagement to create memorable experiences that connect guests of all ages to science, aviation, and space exploration. If you enjoy turning ideas into engaging experiences and thrive managing projects from concept through installation, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
The Exhibits Design & Project Coordinator manages the planning, development, design, and implementation of exhibitions and interpretive experiences that support the Air Zoo's mission and visitor engagement goals. This role works closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, fabricators, community partners, and subject matter experts to ensure exhibits are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, accessibility, and visitor impact.
What You’ll Do
· Collaborate with internal teams to develop exhibit concepts, stories, and visitor experiences that advance the Air Zoo's mission.
· Coordinate exhibit projects from concept through installation, managing schedules, budgets, vendors, and project deliverables.
· Design exhibit graphics, interpretive materials, signage, and visual assets that engage and educate diverse audiences.
· Create renderings, presentations, and production-ready artwork to support exhibit development and fabrication.
· Coordinate fabrication, installation, maintenance, and exhibit refresh projects while ensuring quality and accessibility standards are met.
· Research industry trends and apply visitor-centered design practices to enhance engagement and learning.
· Build strong relationships with staff, consultants, contractors, and community partners to support successful project outcomes.
· Support interns and volunteers while fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
· Evaluate exhibit effectiveness and recommend improvements based on visitor feedback and operational insights.
*The above description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities and qualifications.
What You Bring
· Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Exhibition Design, Museum Studies, Visual Communications, Project Management, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
· Experience in exhibit development, graphic design, project coordination, or a related creative environment.
· Knowledge of visitor-centered design, interpretive planning, and audience engagement strategies.
· Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office.
· Familiarity with SketchUp, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or similar design software.
· Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
· Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
· Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, innovation, and exceptional visitor experiences.
Schedule/Work Hours
Full-time position with generally weekday core business hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during exhibit installations, special events, project deadlines, or other operational needs. This position is on-site at the Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan.
Compensation
Staring annual salary range $50,000 - $54,000, depending on skills, experience, and internal equity. The Air Zoo also offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a creative, mission-driven work environment.
Why the Air Zoo?
At the Air Zoo, we inspire and educate through the wonder of flight and science. You’ll join a mission-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and community impact. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where team members are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a difference every day.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a variety of environments, including offices, exhibit spaces, storage areas, fabrication shops, and installation sites. Must be able to move throughout exhibit and installation spaces, work on ladders when necessary, and lift or move materials up to 25 pounds. Visual acuity and manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers, design software, tools, and exhibit equipment are required.
To Apply
If you're excited about blending creativity, project management, and visitor engagement to help shape extraordinary museum experiences, we invite you to apply.
Email your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to careers@airzoo.org
If you have questions or need assistance applying, please contact us at careers@airzoo.org
This position will remain posted until filled, however, priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 30th, 2026.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $54,000