Director of Graphic Design – Join to apply for the role at Luci.
At Luci, we design imprint experiences, immersive and lasting moments that help people feel connected to ideas, to each other, and to the world around them. We partner with museums, cultural spaces, and brands to transform stories into immersive environments that spark emotion, inspire learning, and linger with visitors long after they leave. Luci is in a stage of ambitious growth, building partnerships with museums, architects, and cultural institutions and redefining how learning and storytelling shape communities.
This position has a starting pay range of $110,000.00 annually. Actual compensation is determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.
Job Summary
The Director of Graphic Design manages the graphic design department as an industry‑leading creative resource. This role collaborates with other department directors to achieve Luci and client project goals to the highest level. It is a studio leadership and client‑facing role designed to manage and support the Graphic Design team in all aspects of both client project work and studio brand, graphic design process, department management, and quality control.
The role leads and is responsible for overseeing visual creative excellence in all studio projects. Responsibilities include defining and implementing team roles and processes, managing department workflow, refining creative and technical processes, guiding project schedules and budgets, and managing department project assignments. Mentorship, creative guidance, and professional development of graphic designers are key functions of this position.
Leadership
- Responsible for the Graphic Design department leading its commitment in delivering industry‑leading solutions and practices
- Collaborates with department leaders to define process and establish effective and efficient studio workflow
- The voice of the internal and external Luci graphic branded materials, that aligns with Luci values
- Works with the Chief of Staff, other department leads, and other leadership to develop metrics (quantitative and qualitative) for tracking team and project performance
- Fosters a collaborative environment in being an excellent communicator, guide, and by enabling staff to learn and develop their technical graphic design skills with clear and specific expectations
- Assigns graphic design team members to projects based on areas of strength and opportunities for further growth development
- Provides leadership and support to all members of the graphic design team for general quality control oversight and problem solving
- Encourages and provides resources for the team to remain current, grow, and be on the pulse of design
Management
- Evaluates department efficiencies; assesses intake feedback and proposes system improvements, helping the team assess client and internal feedback with a proactive and practical approach
- Collaborates with other project leads to distribute workload to appropriate team members, maximizing resources while simultaneously providing growth opportunities for team members
- Researches and implements new strategies to enhance technical skills and delivery of product amongst team members
- Continuously works with other studio leads to improve processes
- Supports and maintains a culture of respect and honesty
- Encourages and establishes best practices for team growth and individual autonomy through leading by example, conducting regular team check‑ins, and providing team members with actionable feedback
Quality Control Specific
- Elevates the quality of all external graphic deliverables, maintaining a high‑level of sophistication, refinement, and attention to detail
- Oversees the establishment and execution of project typographic graphics standards and hierarchical approaches
- Works with graphic design team members to ensure that all deliverables best represent the conceptual and strategic goals of their projects
- Encourages creative problem‑solving based on provided assets, budgets, or limitations
- Maintains close eye on the continued development of Luci brand collateral and business development materials, ensuring they remain on‑trend, relevant, and representative of Luci brand values
Project Specific
- Maintains a well‑integrated design team that ensures each project is cohesive, relevant, accessible, on‑trend, and on‑brand
- Responsible for project design, leadership, and ongoing team communication throughout the life of a project
- Collaborates with Interpretive and 3D projects lead on establishing the design concept and look and feel of a space through the use of finishes, color and composition
- Evaluates and manages graphic project budgets
- Establishes and manages team project templates, style guides, and workflow for all assigned projects
- Develops clear communication guides and communication flow within the team; establishes clear tasks to team members, manages calendar deadlines, and conducts regular check‑ins
- Actes as a liaison between Graphics, Strategy, Exhibit Design teams and Project Managers to ensure successful execution of project and client goals
- Manages expectations and output from external design vendors, media partners and freelancers, providing guidance and direction
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or a related field
- Experience of at least 10 years in environmental and exhibition graphic design, and experience in a leadership or management role, including supervising a design team, managing projects, and overseeing the creative process from concept to completion
- Proficiency in graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and knowledge of emerging design tools and technologies is also beneficial
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are important for interacting with team members, clients, and other stakeholders
- Leadership skills, including the ability to provide constructive feedback, mentorship, and guidance to team members
- Experience in project management, including the ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively
- Experience in shaping the overall creative direction of a brand or organization; strategic thinking and the ability to align design initiatives with broader business goals
All candidates must be able to successfully complete employment verification, including E‑Verify and a background check, as a condition of employment.
Our Benefits Include
- Healthcare coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health benefits—starting on the first of the month following your date of hire
- Weekly pay, every Friday
- A generous Flexible Time Off (FTO) plan
- Eight paid company holidays
- 401(k) program with a 4% company match
- Paid parental and marital leave
We appreciate the power of a diverse and talented team. We cultivate a work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to participate, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to our shared success. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.