On-Call Senior Graphic Designer

SUMMARY

Graphic designers are the primary staff responsible for all aspects of developing graphics for the Exploratorium, from ideation and research to design and production. Project work is diverse, spanning from exhibit labels and exhibition graphics, program handouts, and institutional signage, to web and social media graphics, brochures, and other institutional collateral. The Senior Graphic Designer position requires an individual who is comfortable working in a highly collaborative and creative team environment. The Senior Graphic Designer position differs from the Graphic Designer position in its emphasis on self-direction and independent production of high-quality design work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Execution:
  • Consistently deliver high-quality project graphics, publications, collateral, and digital media across a number of projects with minimum supervision.
  • Execute printed labels, exhibition, and event signage.
  • Model best practices in all areas of graphic design.
  • Coordinate with other designers and with printers/vendors; handle all related billing duties.
  • Scope work within time and budget parameters; meet project milestone and final deadlines.
  • Organize and coordinate design and production of graphics for special exhibitions and for large events such as the annual gala.
  • Contribute to content development as needed.
• Idea generation: reliably produce a wide variety of compelling and engaging design ideas.
• Collaboration: Work closely with project leadership and project partners institution-wide, such as Development, Marketing, Membership, Public Programs, and Temporary Exhibitions, to ensure projects meet overall design and communication goals; participate in a continuing dialogue with other staff about exhibit ideas, audiences, and informal science education.
• Flexibility: Adapt to project constraints with proactive solutions; work comfortably and productively on a range of projects (e.g. grant-based R&D, client-facing, marketing campaigns) and across a range of media (e.g. print, web, screen, and environmental).
• Judgment: Make timely design choices; show strong creative discernment and good discipline around editing of ideas. Respond to internal collaborators’ needs while balancing aesthetic considerations.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in graphic design.
• Minimum five years’ prior graphic design experience, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• Advanced skills in InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as traditional graphics craft. Familiarity with databases (e.g. Filemaker Pro) and project collaboration software (e.g. Basecamp) a plus.
• Working knowledge of Sketch-up or AfterEffects a plus.
• Advanced skills with color and color manipulation.
• Versatile layout and design abilities, with strong knowledge of typography.
• Ability to collaboratively produce design concepts and translate them into visual models, including creative briefs and mockups.
• Dedication to accuracy and detail; willing to work through multiple revisions of projects.
• Talent for collaboration and effective teamwork, and demonstrated ability to work with people at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to meet deadlines and make accurate estimates in respect to time and expense.
• Familiarity with visitor use principles and design affordances. Ability to work with visitor research and evaluation department to address visitor use issues.
• Interest in science or education a plus.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years’ Exploratorium experience preferred.
• Experience in marketing campaigns and assets, web and social media design, institutional collateral, exhibit graphics, environmental design and wayfinding. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is based in San Francisco, California with staff expected to work onsite a certain number of days per week based on department requirements
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds short distances. Able to move from place to place; bend, stretch, grasp, reach, kneel and twist.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is an on-call (variable hours per week), non-exempt, non-union position that does not include benefits. The starting rate for this role is  $41.94. This rate is the step 1 of a 6 step union pay scale. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page. 

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO REQUIRED: Please be sure to provide a link to your portfolio by uploading it with your application.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect.  We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.