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About WNDR Museum Chicago

JOBS

HEAD OF WNDR STUDIOS

Chicago

Buckle up! As WNDR scales its Chicago-based art + tech experience across the US, we are seeking a Head of WNDR Studios to oversee our in-house creative studio. This individual will allow us to integrate emerging technologies, produce form factors at scale, and help package and share our creative vision. A successful candidate will lead with their heart, communicate powerfully, obsess over hitting budgets and timelines, and deliver visceral experiences to our guests. With aggressive expansion plans underway, this role will require grit, curiosity, accountability and collaboration.

WNDR Museum was named by USA Today readers the #5 Best Immersive Art Experience in the United States and has become a must-see destination in Chicago. WNDR is an immersive experience blending technology and art, inviting guests to interact with artworks and play a role in the museum’s ‘look and feel’ – breaking the boundaries of the ‘museum’ experience. WNDR believes in challenging traditional frameworks in order to spark imagination and a sense of possibility.

The Head of WNDR Studios will manage personnel, develop the creative vision and budget, and be responsible for overseeing immersive technology and production. This person is laser-focused on the ideation and creation of immersive experiences that combine fine art, design, technology, engineering and more. Additional responsibilities include (1) communicating to internal and external stakeholders (2) developing strong relationships with vendors and artists (3) specing, budgeting, and executing under tight budgets and timelines.

Desired Skills and Experience, and Expectations related to Role:

  • 10+ years experience of leadership in a related role
  • Ability to travel as needed (up to 25% of the time)
  • Flexible working schedule (vs. 9-to-5), including on-site presence for occasions of special events, installations, location launches, and other related activities
  • Self-starter, who hunts down root causes of issues and solves them
  • Ability to work in a high-growth, fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Ability to organize, direct, and manage projects, work independently, and demonstrate good judgment – holding yourself accountable for activity and results under your leadership
  • Technology Skills: Working knowledge of Touch Designer, LED and projection mapping, microcontrollers, sensors, AutoCAD, Excel, and project management software (Asana/Airtable/Etc)

    • Compensation Details Compensation: Salary (Based on Experience) Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Unlimited PTO, 401K, Commuter Benefits, Building Something Truly Amazing.

    How to Apply Please submit the following to jobs+studios@wndrmuseum.com: Resume detailing prior professional / creative experience Cover letter describing your interest and explaining why you’re perfect for this role Any additional information (portfolio links, etc) that demonstrate your awesomeness

    WNDR Museum warmly welcomes people of all ages, identities, ethnicities, beliefs, religions and backgrounds to join our team. WNDR Museum is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to achieving an inclusive and diverse workplace and we strongly encourage nontraditional candidates to apply. We hold ourselves to our commitment and continuously strive to attract, engage and grow with our talented team.

    AMBASSADOR

    Chicago

    As an ambassador, your role is to be the ultimate guide and inspire all guests of the museum. Major duties include facilitating guest flow, assisting guests with their photo ops, understanding all aspects of WNDR museum and its exhibits/concepts. You'll be great for this role if you can adapt and multitask in an ever-evolving environment, love art + technology, are a team player, enjoy wearing many professional hats, and are available to commit to a minimum of 3-4 shifts/week with open weekend availability.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - The major functions and responsibilities of this position include:

    • Greeting guests upon entry.
    • Scanning tickets.
    • Assisting with wayfinding.
    • Engaging with guests.
    • Be able to speak confidently and accurately to all aspects of WNDR museum and its exhibits, concepts, and ideas.
    • Managing the flow of guests between installations.
    • Being a human selfie stick, helping our guests capture social media-worthy photos.
    • Working in our retail space.
    • Representing the museum with character and integrity.
    • Keeping our space clean, organized and orderly.
    • Build a culture of both creative and operational excellence.

    Please apply to jobs@wndrmuseum.com

    WNDR STUDIOS CREATIVE FELLOW (INTERN)

    Chicago

    About WNDR Studios

    WNDR Studios is a collective of interdisciplinary makers, designers, engineers, curators, and more. It serves as the museum’s in-house creative arm, and is laser-focused on the ideation and creation of immersive art experiences that combine fine art, design, technology & engineering, fabrication, digital animation & projection, performance art, and more.

    About the Role

    The WNDR Studios Fellowship / Internship program provides passionate makers, creators, artists, and more the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with WNDR Museum’s creative leadership team to brainstorm, scope, and materialize new installations that elevate the guest experience. This will include rendering and prototyping museum design concepts, fabricating installation components, developing custom software / hardware solutions, tracking project timelines and deliverables, training museum staff and partners on maintenance & troubleshooting, and supporting the museum’s creative road mapping process.

    Candidates must indicate in their applications a preference for all applicable specializations from the list below. Candidates with expertise in more than one specialization are preferred.

    Specializations

    Curation & Production – help develop creative roadmaps, curate and source ideas, build full spec sheets / proposals, create build-out and install plans, draft training materials and maintenance manuals, develop playbooks and scripts to optimize guest interactions

    Technology – develop custom software and/or hardware solutions (using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, .NET Framework, AR / VR, Bluetooth, RFID/NFC, and other immersive tools and technologies), implement UI/UX strategies, contribute to platform development, develop mobile and web applications

    Fabrication – construct custom and unique exhibit components using broad skills such as carpentry, metalworking, LED lighting design, mold making & casting, pottery, and more

    Animation, Projection, and A/V – develop audio / visual effects, create 3D animations, and build immersive projection mapping experiences (using Autodesk Maya, Cinema4D, Unreal, Unity, and other technologies)

    Graphic Design – develop innovative applications of typography / color / design to optimize installations, create 3D renderings of installations, and produce various graphical assets (using Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, CAD software, and more)

    Qualifications & Requirements

    Please note that although requirements for this position will vary for each specialization, the following are some of the skills and experiences that will make you stand out.

    • Candidate for Bachelor's degree from university/portfolio school, preferably with an Art/Design, UI/UX, New Media, or Visual Communication concentration
    • Proficient in immersive art and design technologies such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Adobe CS (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects), Autodesk Maya, Cinema4D, Unreal, and Unity
    • Experience with programming languages such as HTML/CSS, Javascript, Python, C++, C#
    • Strong conceptual development & layout skills
    • Additional skills in photography, illustration, or copywriting are a plus
    • Excellent presentation & communication skills, both verbal and written
    • Diligent, detail-oriented, and able to follow direction well
    • Self-starter, with strong initiative

    How to Apply

    Please submit the following to jobs+studiofellow@wndrmuseum.com:

    • Resume detailing prior professional / creative experience
    • Cover letter describing your interest, explaining why you’re the ideal candidate, and indicating your applicable specialization(s) from the list above
    • Link(s) to online portfolio of (at least 3) relevant work samples