POSITION SUMMARY The Head of Graphic Design will oversee the Cincinnati Art Museum's (CAM) brand identity and the production of all external and internal graphics. Importantly, this role is the expert authority on the CAM brand from a design/visual perspective. The Head of Graphic Design will be the supervisor of CAM's Graphic Designer (internal graphics) and the Marketing Project Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Supervisory:
- Ensure all internal and external projects exemplify proper branding and meet required specifications and deadlines.
- Manage the Graphic Designer and Marketing Project Manager.
- Oversee the design of internal graphics and projects produced by the Graphic Designer. This includes but is not limited to environmental design assets such as artwork labels, exhibition graphics, Rosenthal Education Center installation graphics, wayfinding and other signage as well as guides/pamphlets, interactives, surveys, etc.
- Ensure clean, up-to-date internal graphics throughout the museum.
- At times, as necessary, reallocate internal and marketing (external) design assignments between the Head of Graphic Design and Graphic Designer. Assist the Graphic Designer as needed in the development of internal graphics and materials.
- Marketing design:
- Develop and implement the design of external campaigns that promote CAM as an institution and its exhibitions. Depending on the campaign, assets include but may not be limited to digital and print out-of-home spaces (including billboards), print ads, digital ads, web and social media graphics, external signage (including posters), and postcards. Some campaigns will require design conception, while still adhering to brand guidelines, while others will exemplify standard CAM branding.
- Layout of 1881, the museum's membership magazine (produced 3X/year). This role will work closely with the Marketing Project Manager and Publications Editor on the magazine's production.
- Design a variety of collateral materials for the marketing department and other museum departments (i.e., invitations to donor events for the philanthropy department, brochures/guides, etc.).
- Print assets as needed on the museum's large-format printer (training available).
- Recommend appropriate paper stock for print projects, liaise with printing vendors (often in collaboration with the Project Manager), and review/approve printer proofs.
- Work with teams to source materials and vendors.
- Approve usage of CAM logo on various "swag"/marketing materials ordered by departments across the museum, as needed.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field required and at least eight (8) years in graphic design experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Advanced graphic design skills (Adobe CC, including Illustrator and InDesign).
- Ability to design for a variety of outputs (i.e., long-form publications, advertising spaces, digital media, print media, etc.) and a variety of audiences. This includes experience in typography, layout design, typesetting, etc.
- Experience and proven ability in environmental design graphics.
- Ability to interpret three-dimensional design plans.
- Knowledge of and proven experience in the design production process, including liaising with printers.
- Excellent communication and people skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment that values people who work well within a team as well as independently.
- Planning and organization skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and shift priorities.
- Ability to think strategically and creatively.
- Familiarity with ensuring designs are accessible to audiences across a wide range of abilities.
- Adept branding expertise with ability to interpret brand guidelines and design accordingly as well as counsel others on the proper application of those guidelines.
- Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot/respond quickly in demanding situations.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with museum colleagues and external vendors.
- Ability to implement and coordinate comprehensive schedules.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Museum and management experience is strongly preferred.
- Motion graphics experience a plus.
- Photography skills a plus.