Graphic Designer and Visual Communications Specialist

Graphic Designer & Visual Communications Specialist
Department: Marketing | Location: Murrells Inlet, SC | Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, On-Site

Brookgreen Gardens is more than a place to work -it's a place to be inspired. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry, Brookgreen is a nationally recognized cultural institution where world-class American sculpture, breathtaking botanical gardens, and a rich natural landscape come together across more than 9,000 acres of preserved wetlands, forests, and historic sites. Founded in 1931, Brookgreen's mission is to connect people with art, nature, and history in ways that are meaningful, memorable, and enduring. Every member of our team plays a role in bringing that mission to life every single day.

Position Overview
Do you see the world through a creative lens? Are you the kind of designer who gets excited about a blank page and even more excited when the final piece lands perfectly? If so, Brookgreen Gardens wants to hear from you. The Graphic Designer & Visual Communications Specialist is an entry- to mid-level role responsible for supporting Brookgreen Gardens' marketing and communications efforts through consistent, high-quality visual design. The position focuses primarily on print design (~60%), with significant responsibility for digital and social media assets (~40%), and includes photography and basic video production. This role works closely with the Marketing team and internal departments to produce materials that support exhibitions, programs, events, visitor engagement, membership, and fundraising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Design and produce a wide range of print materials, including brochures, flyers, advertisements, programs, signage, maps, invitations, and other collateral

Create digital graphics for websites, email marketing, social media, and paid or organic digital campaigns

Apply Brookgreen Gardens’ brand standards consistently across all visual materials

Capture photography and video of gardens, sculpture collections, exhibitions, programs, and special events as needed; edit photos and video clips for marketing and communications use

Organize and manage visual assets within the Digital Asset Management (DAM) system

Coordinate with internal departments (Education, Curatorial, Events, Development, Visitor Experience) to understand project needs and deadlines

Manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks in a deadline-driven environment

Prepare print-ready files and digital assets, ensuring accuracy, quality control, and proper specifications; coordinate with printers and external vendors as needed

Support updates and content integration within CMS platforms and Canva templates

Minimum Qualifications

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)

Working knowledge of Canva, content management systems (CMS), and digital asset management (DAM) platforms

Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy

Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, fine arts, or a related field, or a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent skills

1–3 years of professional graphic design or visual communications experience

Experience in a nonprofit, museum, cultural institution, tourism, or destination marketing organization

Photography and basic video shooting/editing experience; experience designing for signage, wayfinding, or large-format print

Work Environment & Scheduling Considerations

Full-time, on-site role; occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support events, installation deadlines, or seasonal campaigns

Pre-employment background check and drug screen required upon hire

Why Brookgreen?
Brookgreen Gardens offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance, 9 paid holidays, paid time off starting at 15 days annually (prorated upon hire and growing with tenure), a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts. Employees also enjoy a complimentary household membership, complimentary guest tickets, free daily access to Huntington Beach State Park, employee discounts on food and retail, and an Employee Assistance Program — all while working in one of South Carolina’s most treasured destinations.

Brookgreen Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

#J-18808-Ljbffr