Graphic Designer (Visual Information Specialist), IS-1084-09

About the Role

This position is located in the Communications and Marketing Department, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (CHSDM). CHSDM is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design and is the steward of one of the most diverse and comprehensive design collections in existence - more than 215,000 design objects spanning 30 centuries. The Museum's graphic designer will be responsible for overall graphic design at CHSDM ensuring consistency of the Museum's identity and brand on all digital and print pieces and will ensure compliance with brand guidelines and the Smithsonian brand. The graphic designer will implement design systems and guidelines for visual communications that extend and complement the Museum's brand identity. The graphic designer shall work in conjunction with his/her colleagues and the Museum's director to maintain a consistent identity across the entire Museum's communications, both digital and printed. The graphic designer plans and executes production of all graphic elements for all visual communications, handling schedules, printing and production. The graphic design material must promote CHSDM as a contemporary local, national and international design resource for its target audiences. The designer collaborates with many different teams, including but not limited to Museum staff, editors, guest curators, exhibition designers, web and media developers, students, project teams and external organizations.

Responsibilities

• Graphic Design (65%): Designs and creates materials of a high and consistent quality, with responsibility for selection and oversight of production. Design pieces will support many different Museum departments from Communications to Curatorial to the Shop, Advancement, Operations, and more across the Museum.
• Prepares graphic assets, layouts and templates for web and interactive media for online and in-gallery display.
• Designs direct marketing over digital channels.
• Designs and produces temporary museum signage, interior and exterior.
• Designs and produces exhibition signage, interior and exterior, using templates or creating new exhibition graphic identity. Ensures that exhibition signage meets SD410 regulations and ADA regulations.
• Designs banners and templates for website and social media platforms as needed.
• Designs advertising for museum programming - print, outdoor and online - including execution of resizing, matches prints, etc.
• Production (35%): Acts as project lead for all graphics projects including but not limited to staying on calendar, hiring external vendors and managing contracting processes.
• Conducts press checks when necessary and ensure that all direct mail pieces meet postal requirements.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of a variety of methods, techniques and materials used in design of graphic materials such as printing, photography, and other reproduction processes and typography.
• Basic knowledge of electronic design, layout, and production software and processes.
• Skill in using all industry-standard graphic design and multimedia tools (e.g. InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge, After Effects, etc.) and production techniques.
• Familiar with web platforms and current digital options.
• Knowledge of computer software/programs including Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office.
• Knowledge of project coordination principles and practices sufficient to lead graphic design and publication projects, including project scheduling, vendor procurement and contracting processes, commercial printing and production workflows, deadline management, project monitoring, and collaborative stakeholder engagement to ensure timely and successful completion of deliverables.
• Knowledge of basic print and electronic media cost estimation and staying with prescribed project budgetary allotments.
• Knowledge of procurement services and writing statements of work, purchase orders, and contracts.
• Skill to implement front-end web design using latest CSS, JS, HTML techniques.
• Understanding of WordPress and email marketing theming/templating environments.
• Knowledge of guidelines and principles of universal design.
• Skill in working effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment sufficient to build productive working relationships, coordinate with stakeholders, and achieve shared organizational objectives.
• Skill in planning, prioritizing, and coordinating multiple concurrent projects sufficient to manage competing demands, meet established deadlines, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.

Pay & Schedule

• Compensation: $72,737 - $94,563 / year
• Appointment Type: Temporary - Not to Exceed One (1) year
• Schedule: Full Time
• Location: New York, NY

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Transit/Commuter Benefits
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Family Friendly Leave
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants
• Credit Union
• Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care)
• Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)