Exhibition Development and Design Manager

Career Opportunities with Franklin Park Conservatory

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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John

F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Exhibition Development and Design Manager is a key member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team responsible for leading the creative development, design oversight, and interpretive planning of the Conservatory’s exhibitions and art displays. This role focuses on moving the phases of exhibition development, including concept refinement, curation, design coordination, interpretation, and readiness for fabrication and installation.

This position supervises the Exhibitions Designer and provides leadership, direction, and mentorship to ensure design work aligns with institutional priorities, exhibition schedules, operational requirements, and visitor experience goals. The Exhibition Development and Design Manager works closely with the Associate Director of Exhibitions, the Exhibition Operations Manager, and leadership within the horticulture team to ensure exhibitions move smoothly from concept through implementation.

The Exhibition Development and Design Manager plays?numerous?roles and?specializes?in various aspects of planning and operations at the Conservatory while serving as a leader. This role supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service while being an ambassador for the organization.?

Additional Information: This is a full-time exempt position based in Columbus, Ohio.

This position is eligible for the Conservatory’s benefit package offered to full‑time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.

Compensation: $54,000 - $56,000 annual salary.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Partners with the Associate Director of Exhibitions to advance the development and curation of incoming exhibitions, gallery shows, and special displays.

Leads the creative ideation of exhibitions by establishing concepts, spatial layouts, and visual direction aligned with institutional goals and visitor experience priorities.

Establishes and manages design timelines, scopes, and deliverables to ensure projects are fully prepared for fabrication and installation.

Ensures the seamless translation of design intent into fabrication and installation through comprehensive design packages, technical documentation, implementation standards, and coordinated communication. Collaborates closely with the Exhibition Operations Manager to align design solutions with operational capabilities, installation requirements, and long‑term maintenance needs.

Provides strategic oversight of fabrication planning and early preparatory work, including material and finish selection, build methodologies, cost and sourcing documentation, and identification of required vendors, fabricators, and contractors to support…