Jennifer Spoley

Hybrid role leading cross-functional teams across multiple complex exhibit design projects while building strong client relationships. Collaborate with clients and Senior Management to create a project vision and accurately communicate this vision to a motivated cross-functional design teams. Ensure teams deliver on design, content intent, timelines, budget, as well as quality and documentation standards. Direct changes to project scope and cost and implement appropriate change management processes to keep projects on track.

A few project highlights include:

• Shockoe Institute - A new experience occupying approx 9000 sq ft, focused US history of slavery and a space to discuss how it affects us today. Currently production phases, slated to install and open in February 2026.. Overseeing senior producer for media and software production. Responsible for the coordination of all subcontractors for shop drawing reviews (EXF, AVI, lighting Design). Leading graphic production process with Art Director and Senior Graphic Designer to review elevations and creating final artwork for production.
• Courage Museum - An ambitious new 5000 sq. ft. museum experience in SF focused on sensitive and complex content related to activism and ending violence. Gave the project new momentum by gaining the client’s confidence, educating them on the design process, and setting the right project pace.
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science - New concept and design for Gems and Minerals exhibit, doubled in size to 9900 sq. ft. Community feedback is a critical part of the process to ensure diverse perspectives of storytelling. Created a viable schedule and work plan to meet this noble requirement.
• World of Coca Cola Scent Discovery exhibition. Redesigned all physical and interactives. Navigated complex stakeholder groups to create a new and improved immersive experience.

Developed and tracked design schedules, install calendars, resources, and project budgets for ~60 exhibitions per year of varying scope and size. Managed annual design budget for multiple projects, totaling approx. $1.5 MM per year.

• Optimized design department processes and initiated project management, allowing for adherence to deadlines and improved relationships and partnerships across departments.
• Analyzed and vetted practices, working with stakeholders inside/outside design department.
• Created assignment procedure, increased transparency in design teams.
• Bridged gap between design disciplines, resulting in successful and cohesive exhibitions.
• Led process to improve communication and promoted collaboration across museum departments, which increased team morale and productivity.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to formalize graphic and exhibition design processes and create standards for design deliverables. This consistency and clarity enabled accurate project pricing.
• Spearheaded casework project to improve asset database and lead RFP process for new storage facility.

Lead cross-functional teams on wide range of fast-paced design projects for clients from nonprofits to large international corporations, built positive client relationships. Coordinated project life cycle, through final delivery of design projects, ensuring client satisfaction, quality control, and financial performance.

• Wrote project scopes, answered RFPs, negotiated contracts and fees, and coordinated bidding process.
• Created project plans, assigned designers, and maintained their workloads.
• Success leading projects in NY office resulted in being selected to lead the Toronto office, team of 3. Led weekly meetings, audited SOWs, and reviewed proposals.

Managed teams and daily operations for implementing large-scale, interactive traveling exhibitions to cultural institutions worldwide. Maintained client relationships throughout entire process. Assisted director with overall budget projections, master install calendar, financial support and daily department management. Collaborate with registrars on loan objects, transport, and couriers.

• Operations lead and account manager for largest client. Consulted on logistics and construction of new building where they received two traveling exhibitions a year for a five-year contract.
• Created 5-year sales goals, shipping and staff travel budgets, reconciled with both AMNH and client.
• Reviewed exhibit designs for installation.
• Conducted worldwide site evaluations.
• Improved interdepartmental communication through streamlined approvals, protocols, meetings, reporting, and documentation. Resulted in improved communication speed, and accuracy.
• Created client schedules and estimates.
• Led exhibit walkthroughs.
• Planned and managed exhibition crating, transport, staffing, and scheduling at outside venues.

Coordinated with designers, clients, vendors, contractor, fabricators, and producers on building exhibit design projects from concept through installation and warranty. Led internal team meetings and delegated tasks. Organized client and team meetings and distributed internal communications and status reports.

• Approved drawings, specifications, and plans with teams to maintain quality control.
• Prepared and issued bid documents.
• Evaluated submissions and interviewed potential contractors.
• Estimated project costs.
• Monitored budget and advised of potential issues.