Environmental Graphic Designer Job at Museum Of Life And Science in Durham

Durham's favorite and award-winning Museum is looking for an Environmental Graphic Designer with professional design experience and a strong portfolio of three-dimensional design work. If you have a creative mind with a passion for visual storytelling, accessibility, and sustainability, especially for science and audiences of all ages, the Museum of Life and Science invites you to apply for this important role!

The Environmental Graphic Designer supports the Museum’s mission and operational needs through the development, design, and realization of environmental graphics.

This is an exempt position reporting to the Director of Exhibit Development

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of professional design experience and a strong portfolio of visual design work
• Bachelor’s degree in design, communications, museum studies, or a related field
• Creative mind and a strong eye for design and visual storytelling
• Strong copywriting skills
• Ability to create good designs and explain the design thinking behind those approaches
• Professional experience with CAD design software, preferably Vectorworks
• Knowledge of sign printing and production
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud
• Willingness to be a team player and work to help make the Exhibition Development team more efficient, effective, and reliable
• Excellent time management skills and ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills
• Embrace the Museum’s mission in sparking curiosity and respect for nature and science

Desired:

• Graduate Degree in relevant field (or comparable professional experience)
• Collections management experience
• Photography/videography skills
• Project management experience
• Experience and knowledge of science museum and/or zoo industries

Responsibilities

• Review, deliver, and manage production of print-ready files for internal clients and external vendors.
• Maintain detailed records and files for projects that can be easily used and referenced again for future work.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, while understanding and prioritizing work.
• Stay informed of evolving trends and legislation regarding accessibility, sustainable practices, and cultural competencies; meet or exceed existing best practices in all design work.
• Always demonstrate adherence to Museum safety procedures.
• Engage with Museum visitors in a positive and helpful way to support an enjoyable and safe guest experience.
• Prioritize the Museum’s values of inclusion and kindness in all interactions with staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Collaborate with Exhibit Developers, Exhibit Designers, and Researchers to create impactful exhibit environments.
• Generate graphic design and illustrations from conception through completion for exhibit labels, wayfinding signage, and general museum signage.
• Manage material & finishes specifications for new and existing projects.
• Manage photography, videography, and multimedia editing per project requirements.
• Collaborate with external designers, contractors, and vendors.
• Lead temporary exhibit installations, adhering to the standards of the lender.
• Become an expert on the Museum’s brand and help maintain consistency across our various design products.
• Research and stay current with best practices and new approaches in environmental design to help the Museum expand and improve its communications.
• Signage fabrication and installation.
• Coordinate and connect with other teams across the Museum to serve the institution’s needs.
• Create and manage graphic templates for general museum operational needs.
• Design & coordinate office system modifications.
• Assist Marketing and Events with brand identities and visitor experiences for museum projects, events, and programs.
• Additional duties as needed.
• It is estimated that this role's responsibilities will be divided 80/20 between Exhibit Development and general Museum support activities.