Associate Director of Experience Design

The role

The California Academy of Sciences, in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, is hiring an Associate Director of Experience Design to conceive immersive, human-centred science experiences. The post leads the Experience Studio's design team and external vendors, sets design standards and works closely with the Senior Director of Experience. It also acts as creative lead on projects, contributing directly to concepts and deliverables. It is full-time at 40 hours a week, with three days a week on site.

What you'll do

• Lead and manage a team of full-time, part-time and contract designers, setting goals, giving feedback and supporting their development
• Define and maintain a coherent design vision with the Senior Director of Experience
• Set design standards, workflows, documentation and review processes
• Oversee external consultants and vendors, including scopes of work, proposals and the quality of deliverables
• Encourage a culture of creativity, experimentation and collaboration
• Make sure experiences support the Academy's mission and strategic priorities
• Act as creative and design lead on projects from concept to installation
• Develop immersive strategies that combine spatial design, interactive systems, media, storytelling and collections
• Work with cross-functional teams including scientists, educators and technologists
• Translate science into physical and digital design, including layouts, interactions and media plans
• Guide the development and review of deliverables such as concept packages, renderings and prototypes
• Lead prototyping and iterative testing for engagement, performance and accessibility
• Bring emerging technologies into responsive environments
• Follow Academy safety regulations and policies, and carry out other duties as assigned

About you

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in immersive, experiential, exhibition, environmental or interaction design, including 3 to 5 years in senior leadership
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on complex, large-scale public experiences
• Bachelor's degree in a related design or media field
• A strong portfolio of immersive environments combining physical space, digital media and interactive systems
• Able to set out and champion a clear creative vision that fits the strategy
• An understanding of spatial storytelling, human-centred design and visitor experience
• Experience mentoring designers and building a collaborative team culture
• Able to bring scientific, educational and experiential goals together in design solutions
• Able to manage complex projects with many stakeholders on schedule and within budget
• Strong visual, verbal and written communication, including presenting to senior leaders and partners
• Knowledge of prototyping and evaluation in informal learning or public settings
• Fluent in design and visualisation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino and Figma
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Apps and collaboration tools such as Asana, Slack, Box and Miro
• Able to carry up to 30 lbs, stand and walk exhibit floors, review installations and take part in on-site fabrication and installation
• Comfortable with frequent computer use and with meetings in person and online
• Desirable: an advanced degree

What's on offer

• Base salary plus a comprehensive benefits package, with details discussed at interview

The process

• Apply with a CV through the Academy's careers portal; a cover letter is optional
• You must confirm you have reviewed the salary range
• Reasonable adjustments can be requested for the interview process
• Applicants with criminal histories are considered in line with San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance

The details

• Salary: $150,000 – $165,000
• Contract: full-time, 40 hours a week
• Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco; hybrid, three days a week on site
• Level: associate director (10+ years)

How to apply

Apply through the California Academy of Sciences careers site.