Production & Design Specialist

Full Time

About the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium connects people to the universe and each other. Whether introducing a guest to the Ring Nebula, a neighborhood school to a community partner, a research team to a network of citizen scientists, or one staff member to another, the Adler’s focus on meaningful connections dates back nearly a century.

Today, the museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors annually and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, online citizen science, and other outreach efforts. With Adler’s support, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities gain the confidence to explore their universe together and return to their communities, ready to think critically and creatively about any challenge that comes their way.

The Position

The Adler Planetarium is seeking a Production and Design Specialist to join our dynamic team on Chicago's Museum Campus. The specialist focuses on graphic design, printing, and installation to support the creation of engaging displays and interactive exhibits. They manage printing operations, maintain equipment and supplies, and contribute to exhibit design and installation while ensuring alignment with the museum's brand. Additional duties include material handling, workspace maintenance, and general upkeep.

This individual will also be responsible for:

• Create visually cohesive and engaging materials for signage, exhibits, special events, and other museum needs, ensuring alignment with Adler’s brand identity.

• Manage and maintain the museum’s wayfinding and operational signage systems, evaluating and improving their effectiveness to enhance visitor navigation and accessibility.

• Develop ADA-compliant visual communication materials, such as maps, coordinating production and installation to meet institutional standards and project timelines.

• Maintained and cleaned graphic production equipment and production area.

• Organize and manage graphic design and production supplies.

• Assist in daily clean-up of the production and office areas.

• Maintain and organize all department reference libraries.

• Manage, purchase, inventory, and maintain all department equipment.

• Conduct regular quality evaluations of existing facilities and exhibits.

• Support the maintenance and evolution of museum graphic standards, including accessibility and universal design.

The Work Schedule

The typical work schedule for this position is 35 hours per week, from 9 AM to 4 PM, with a flextime and telecommuting option—two days a week telecommuting and three days on-site at the museum.

The Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time)

Base Pay Range:$25.00-$28.58/hr

Work-Life Balance

• 35-hour workweek

• Eligible to accrue up to 12 vacation days per year to start

• 3 sick days as of date of hire (can accrue up to 6.5 days per year)

• 7 Adler paid holidays

• 4 Personal Holidays (Prorated for new hires starting after January 1st)

• Flexible Work Arrangements

• Paid Family Bereavement Leave & Jury Duty

• Paid Parental Leave

Competitive Health Coverage

• Medical, Dental, & Vision insurance

• Healthcare, Dependent Care & Commuter flexible spending accounts

• Adler Paid Short-Term Disability insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

• 403B plan with Adler match

• Adler match is 100% vested immediately

• Eligible to enroll as of the date of hire

Network of Support through our EAP programs

• Resources to help address emotional, legal, and financial issues

• Face-to-face, telephonic, and web-based services

• Free subscription to the Calm Premium app

Employee Loan Program

Discounted Onsite Parking Program

Free Entrance to Chicago area museums and cultural institutions

The Person

With years of experience in environmental graphics and a strong foundation in design, this candidate is proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and skilled in using tools like large-format printers and vinyl cutters. They bring attention to detail, a solid understanding of materials and design, and the ability to easily manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Reliable and collaborative, they excel in both team settings and independent work.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of professional work experience.

• 2–3 years of experience designing, printing, and installing environmental graphics in public spaces.

• Proficiency in PC or Mac computers and standard graphics software.

• Familiarity with graphics output and production equipment such as printers, laminators, vinyl cutters, large-format printers, cutting tools, and scanners.

• Basic understanding of three-dimensional design, including scale.

• Ability to proofread and edit text and label information.

• Capability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong commitment to punctuality and completing tasks within short deadlines.

• Ability to work well independently or in collaborative groups.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling tools.

• Solid understanding of materials, finishes, and fabrication techniques used in exhibit construction.

Preferred Qualifications: **(this section is optional)

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Design, Industrial Design, Architecture, or a related field is a plus.

• Experience with lift training and usage.

• Familiarity with ADA codes and local/state/federal building regulations regarding public spaces.

• Working knowledge of CNC machines is a plus.

• Experience with 3D printing is a plus.

• Experience with large-scale printing is a plus.

The Adler Planetarium is dedicated to complying with its Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer obligations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email the Human Resources Department at recruiting@adlerplanetarium.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.