Job Description
Help shape how Aotearoa is seen—design vibrant exhibitions that connect, inspire, and bring stories to life at Te Papa.
Te Papa is Aotearoa New Zealand's national museum, renowned for being bicultural, research-driven and innovative. Our success is built on strong relationships and our ability to represent and connect meaningfully with our communities. We strive for the highest standards to reveal New Zealand in fresh and compelling ways.
We're seeking an experienced exhibition designer to join Te Papa's design team – key players to developing engaging, interactive exhibitions that serve diverse audiences. This is a full time, fixed term role through to June 2026, covering a secondment. Reporting to the Design Team Leader, this position sits in the Experience Design and Content Team, part of Te Papa's Audience and Insight Directorate.
You'll develop spatial design concepts for exhibitions, taking them through to tender documentation and production. This includes plans, elevations, sketches, 3D renderings, physical interactives, furniture, and detailing. You'll collaborate with experts in various fields while sharing your own fresh perspectives. You'll also understand requirements and consult with relevant teams on AV and digital products, lighting design, engineering standards, fire protection, and power / data services.
Who are you?
You're a proactive mid- to senior-level designer with 5+ years' experience, ready to hit the ground running. You balance big-picture creativity with attention to detail and collaborate confidently, calmly, and diplomatically across diverse teams.
As a designer, you bring:
- Strong experience in exhibition design, incorporating diverse media and subject areas within museums or comparable environments.
- Understanding of narrative-based, participatory exhibitions for broad audiences, especially young people and families.
- A degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Spatial Design, or an equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of sustainability, accessibility, and durability principles.
- Ability prioritise and turn constraints into creative opportunities.
- Proficiency in CAD software, with confidence using Vectorworks and Adobe Suite on Mac.
- Knowledge or interest in Māori and Pacific design is a plus.
Based in Wellington CBD, this position is 40 hours week, with hours worked Monday – Friday with some flexibility around start and finish times. Remuneration for this position is between $79,299 and $94,167 per annum. Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience of the candidate, as well as internal relativities.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, and portfolio showing up to five completed projects, outlining your role and contributions to each.
Applications close: 5:00pm, Monday 04 August 2025.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks, including criminal conviction history and reference checks, will be conducted before any offer is confirmed.