About the Design Department
Our cross-disciplinary team of 31 includes experts in Exhibition Design, Graphic Design, Lighting, Production, and Operations. The department supports a wide scope of work, including over 50 exhibitions and rotations annually, in addition to capital construction, permanent collection displays, and gallery reinstallations. Beyond exhibition materials, we produce more than 200 communication design projects each year, including branded collateral and bespoke event identities. Our studio supports a 2-million-square-foot building housing objects from 17 curatorial departments and collaborates with over 50 departments to serve more than 7 million visitors annually.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONCIBLITITES & DUTIES
The Lighting Design Coordinator will join the Lighting Design team to play a key role in one of the Museum's most ambitious sustainability initiatives: a three-year, museum-wide LED lighting upgrade. This major energy-reduction project involves replacing over 30,000 halogen fixtures with energy-efficient LED technology across 750,000 square feet of gallery space.
Reporting to the Design Manager of Lighting Design, you will work closely with internal teams-including the design, curatorial, and buildings departments-as well as with external partners such as contractors, the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), and the New York Power Authority (NYPA). Your coordination efforts will be critical in modernizing outdated lighting systems, significantly reducing the Museum's energy consumption, and lowering operating costs.
This is a position with an established end-date or time frame. Time frames will begin upon hire: 3 Years
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY & DUTIES
Coordinate daily operations of the LED lighting upgrade project, including scheduling, logistics, and stakeholder communication
Assist in the installation and focusing of lighting equipment across gallery and back-of-house spaces
Prepare and maintain design documentation, including light plots, fixture schedules, focus charts, specifications, and photographic records
Track equipment shipments, deliveries, and inventory for the Met-install portion of the project
Ensure proper art protection protocols are in place before work begins and coordinate post-install gallery cleaning with Assistant Project Manager (APM), Buildings
Liaise regularly with internal departments including Curatorial, Conservation, Collections Management, Buildings, including the Lamp and Electrical Shops
Collaborate with the APM to develop and update the three-week look-ahead schedule and manage the overall project timeline
Interface with external designers, contractors, vendors, and city agencies including DCAS and NYPA
Coordinate gallery closures and curatorial reviews in collaboration with the APM
Provide regular updates, progress reports and milestone tracking to the Design Manager and stakeholders
Participate in daily contractor safety meetings as needed
Communicate project requirements and status updates to stakeholders and vendors
Support administrative tasks, including, documentation management, and project completion reports
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Design Manager
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Lighting Design, Architecture, Theater, Fine Arts, or a related field
2-5 years of professional experience in lighting design, preferably in museum, theatrical, or architectural settings
Experience working around artwork; prior art handling experience is a plus
Proficient in reading and drafting design documentation, including reflected ceiling plans, light plots, and focus charts
Familiarity with lighting equipment, lamp types, LED dimming systems, controls, and general lighting practices
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and AutoCAD
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Comfortable working at heights and operating equipment such as ladders or lifts
Ability to lift and carry objects up to 25-30 lbs overhead (e.g., light fixtures, access panels)
Willingness and ability to operate a scissor lift during installation; training will be provided and is mandatory
COMPENSATION RANGE:
Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 / Annually