Senior Graphic Designer

Job Description:

Position Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Communications

Department: Creative Services

Reports to: Creative Director

About Crystal Bridges:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

The Senior Graphic Designer is responsible for designing and producing communications materials for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary. Such materials may include but are not limited to exhibition marketing and design; institutional materials; event identities and collateral; print and outdoor advertising; education guides and materials; banners and other display materials; member magazine; quarterly calendar; brochures, rack cards and other marketing pieces; development and membership materials; as well as digital formats, including graphics for the museum’s web site and social media outlets.

The Senior Graphic Designer will be responsible for the day-to-day management of multiple and simultaneous projects, each of which may involve unique design criteria, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Originality, creativity, attention to detail, quality control, good communication skills and the ability to work within a team are critical to this position.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and produce campaigns and multifaceted communications materials that adhere to the brand standards of the organization and the creative direction set by Creative Director and Director of Communications.
• Collaborate with Creative Director and other team members for art direction and feedback.
• Quality control for immediate assessment and production of public facing signage, labels, etc., throughout museum.
• Accommodate and track changes to designs as requested by stakeholders during the implementation process.
• Maintain records for each project, including process documentation and digital archival copies of the work product.
• In-house production work is required as well as working with vendors when outsourcing a project. Attend press checks as needed.
• Maintain non-collection image databank including management of usage permission using digital asset management system.
• Attend initial meetings and obtain feedback from stakeholders.
• Proof projects for errors and printing accuracy.
• Provide integrated graphic support for events.
• Provide conversion for digital formats such as in-museum screens and social media.
• Write specifications for estimates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education, Training and Traits:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or proven expertise in graphic design, fine arts or related area of study from an accredited institution of higher education
• Expert knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
• Must have solid understanding of the print production process
• Broad spectrum of experience in graphic design and communications
• Production experience a must
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion
• Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of museum practices
• Belief in the museum as a cause for social good and a positive, dynamic force for economic development

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in graphic design. Advertising or design agency experience strongly preferred or work as part of a creative team.

• Strong creative portfolio; exemplary design and typography skills
• Exemplary verbal and listening skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally
• Must be effective in a fast-paced working environment with absolute deadlines and inflexible production budgets
• Self-directed, able to work independently and in a team environment
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Demonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving and collaboration skills
• Video production and type animation skills a plus
• Photography skills a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands:  In the work environments described below, position requires working at desk/workstation and utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, verbal and written conversation with others). Vision abilities required by the job include close and color vision.
• Work Environment:  Work will be performed in an office environment and in and around museum spaces, museum grounds/trails, and community events as necessary. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.