City of Oshkosh, WI is hiring: GRAPHIC DESIGNER - MUSEUM in Oshkosh

City of Oshkosh, WI, Oshkosh, WI, United States

Job Description

This position supports the Oshkosh Public Museum, and is responsible for the design and production of exhibition related materials and graphics, publications, programming and event marketing and advertising materials, building and wayfinding signage, and other printed or digital works in a variety of formats.

As a member of the exhibition team, this position will work closely with museum staff to translate complex cultural and artistic concepts into visually compelling design deliverables and provide consultation and assistance with exhibit design, layout, and installation. There may also be secondary responsibilities associated with design projects in additional city departments and divisions.

The position works under general supervision and is consistently involved in a variety of non-routine projects requiring professional judgment and independence to plan and carry out assigned projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive; other duties may be required and assigned.

Exhibition Graphics, Signage & Interpretive Design: Design and produce exhibition-related graphic materials and interpretive components in multiple formats, including exhibition identity/title treatments, wall panels, object labels, donor recognition, maps, timelines, photographic enlargements, and other display elements. Collaborate with other staff to translate complex cultural, historical, and artistic concepts into visually compelling, accurate, audience-appropriate design deliverables. Provide design consultation and guidance regarding layout, hierarchy, readability, material selection, fabrication methods, and installation approach. Support the design and production of building and wayfinding signage, including directional, informational, regulatory, and identification signage, with attention to visitor flow, readability, and accessibility considerations (including ADA-related best practices where applicable). Review and proofread design content for accuracy, consistency, and brand alignment; incorporate feedback while maintaining quality standards and production timelines.
Marketing, Advertising, Programming & Event Promotion: Design and prepare museum marketing and advertising materials supporting exhibitions, programs, events, membership, fundraising, and outreach, including posters, flyers, rack cards, print ads, outdoor/banners, digital signage, web graphics, and social media assets. Maintain consistent application of museum and City branding standards; assist with development and maintenance of templates, visual standards, and brand-consistent graphic elements as assigned.
Publications & Editorial Layout: Design and format publications and collateral such as catalogs, exhibition guides, brochures, newsletters, reports, and related informational pieces, applying strong editorial layout and typographic standards. Prepare and edit photographs and graphic assets for print and digital use. Produce print-ready and production-ready files and complete prepress tasks, including file packaging, preflight checks, proof review, and coordination of corrections.
Print Production, Ordering & Vendor Coordination: Obtain pricing quotes and coordinate print orders with internal printing services and external vendors; communicate specifications, quantities, deadlines, delivery requirements, and finishing/installation considerations. Prepare files for offset printing, digital printing, and large-format production; coordinate proofing and verifies final output for quality, color, readability, and finishing requirements.
Exhibit Fabrication, Mounting & Installation Support: Print, mount, trim, laminate, and finish exhibit and signage materials using professional-quality methods; maintain a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Assist with exhibit installation and removal, including measurement/layout, alignment, leveling, placement, and replacement of exhibit graphics and signage elements. Coordinate with museum staff, facilities staff, and/or contractors during installation activities; follow required safety procedures and safe tool-use practices.
Technology, Software, Inventory & Workflow Support: Use and maintain proficiency with job-related software and tools and standard office technology. Determine needs and maintain inventory of printing, mounting, and computer-related supplies; recommend software/equipment updates and workflow improvements. Organize and maintain digital files, templates, production assets, and archives to support reprints/updates, brand consistency, and records retention practices.
Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications or a closely related field.
Three (3) or more years of professional design experience.
Prior experience working in a museum, gallery, or similar cultural organization.
Proven portfolio demonstrating a variety of graphic design collateral, visual materials associated for the purpose of display, large-format graphics, and publication or catalog design with strong editorial layout skills.
Experience with production vendors and installation oversight, preparing files for offset printing and large-scale display graphics, designing for museums, cultural institutions, or architectural firms, and motion or digital exhibition experience (After Effects or similar) are desirable.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of production materials and fabrication methods for a variety of graphic mediums.
Demonstrated graphic design expertise with strong creativity and the ability to translate concepts into effective visual communications consistent with branding and design standards.
Ability to create brand-consistent materials across multiple mediums (print, digital, environmental graphics).
Advanced proficiency with related software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with Acrobat preflight and print prep and related design software, plus working knowledge of standard office tools (Apple and PC computer systems including MS Word, Outlook, and web browsers).
Proven skill in producing print-ready materials (e.g., newsletters, promotional/informational pieces, and forms) through the full workflow from concept, layout, and prepress to final printed product.
Strong organization and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, work quickly and accurately, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to be an adaptable and continuous learner willing to adopt new technologies and improve processes.
Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or collaboratively and to communicate respectfully with internal and external stakeholders.
High attention to detail and craftsmanship, including exceptional skill in printing, mounting, cutting, and installing graphics and producing professional-quality finished work.
Ability to use exhibit/design drafting tools.
Familiarity with wayfinding systems and ADA compliance considerations.
Ability to understand architectural drawings and floor plans.
Basic knowledge of SketchUp, AutoCAD, or Revit (for coordination purposes).

In evaluating candidates, the city may consider an equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computer systems, software and associated tools such as Macintosh and/or PC workstations, monitors, keyboards/mice, scanners, and external storage devices; design/production software such as Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro with preflight/print production tools); motion/digital tools (e.g., After Effects or similar); exhibit/drafting coordination tools (e.g., Vectorworks, SketchUp, AutoCAD/Revit viewers or comparable); other standard office software and web browsers/collaboration tools.
Printing/finishing equipment such as color laser printer, wide-format/large-format printer or plotter, label/specialty printers, laminator; and basic bindery/finishing tools.
Mounting/cutting tools and materials such as rotary trimmers/guillotine cutters, cutting mats, rulers/straightedges, utility knives/X-Acto knives, adhesives/tapes, mounting boards and substrates.
Installation tools such as measuring tapes, levels, drills/drivers, hand tools and fasteners, ladders/step stools, vinyl application tools (squeegees/scrapers) and heat gun.
Photography/imaging tools such as digital camera, lenses, tripod, lighting kit, and accessories.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand for extended periods of time, talk, hear, use hands to dial, handle, or feel objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to sit, kneel, walk, bend, twist, push and pull. The employee must frequently push, move or lift up to 20 pounds and occasionally push, move or lift up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, the ability to adjust focus, and full color perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Work mainly takes place indoors in an office setting and occasionally in public-facing areas.

The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet, but will occasionally be loud if required to use power tools in a shop setting.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, background check, and job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : MUSEUM

BI-WEEKLY SALARY: $2,436.00-$2,784.00