Sr. Graphic Designer

How You’ll Contribute

The Communications division leads the development and execution of integrated communications and marketing strategies to further the mission of the National Geographic Society (the Society) and advance its position as one of the world's most trusted non-profit organizations and global brands. Driven by the Society's vision to be more globally known for its impactful Explorer-led mission programs, the Division's creative and strategic minds develop strategic communications, marketing campaigns, creative, content and media to promote the Society's strategic plan and key priorities. The Division comprises five teams: Engagement and Marketing, Brand and Creative, Strategic Communications, Executive Communications and Content and Editorial.
The Brand and Creative team at the Society is a dynamic and growing group within the Communications division, responsible for overseeing brand strategy, creative direction and brand management with the aim of expressing the brand through myriad formats and channels and zealously protecting the reputation of National Geographic. They collaborate closely with corporate partners,vetting new strategic alliances to ensure they reflect National Geographic values. Through captivating content and experiences, the team’s collective work with internal and external teams inspires audiences to take action.
As part of this team, the Senior Graphic Designer will work closely with the Senior Director, Creative to envision and maintain the Society’s brand standards. This role will contribute to both digital and print materials for brand activations, events, experiences and campaigns that communicate National Geographic’s mission, build brand enthusiasm, highlight the work of our Explorers and inspire action.
The Senior Graphic Designer will layout and produce finished pieces and ensure quality and on-time delivery. The position is responsible for collaborating closely with others to get feedback to improve and evolve work and routing work for approvals. The position will be well versed in the most current design and marketing trends, techniques and technologies.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Design Strategy & Development (30%)

• Serves as one of the design leads for assigned brand, marketing and communications projects across various media platforms.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate content into visually engaging designs that meet thematic and project goals.

• Produce style guides, renderings and other materials for project visualizations and presentations. 

• Help guide the team in understanding brand standards and industry trends, with a focus on processes and tools.

• Ensure compliance with corporate style guides and enforce established brand guidelines.

• Participate in brainstorming sessions to create high-level creative themes and messaging in support of the Society’s divisional goals. Provide design support for internal and external presentations for senior leadership (Powerpoint, Keynote, Google Slides).

Layout and Design (50%)

• Develop and refine creative concepts into workable elements, including sketches, illustrations and mockups. Advise on and create design elements, typography, color and finishes. 

• Collaborate with external talent and internal team members on writing, illustrations, photo selection/shoots and other needs and integrate it into finished work.

• Ensure a unified visual identity across National Geographic Society’s projects and maintain strong brand equity.

• Design digital marketing materials such as emails, templates, website designs and web banners; ability to code a plus.

• Provide the Communications division, as well as other divisions across the Society, with easy to use National Geographic branded templates.

• Supports the Society’s HQ redesign and Base Camp project, as needed.

• Knowledge of motion graphics; proficiency in After Effects a plus.

Project Management (20%)

• Monitor project schedules, providing updates and feedback to project managers and stakeholders through email and our Wrike project management platforms. 

• Maintains digital archival of all produced and sample materials. 

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in a creative field or relevant field is preferred. 

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

5+ years of experience working on multi-platform marketing campaigns, preferably in an in-house agency, ad agency or design firm. 

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and other design programs (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and Figma). 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and Google Workspace.

• Working knowledge of web design, responsive design and email design.

• Experience working in both print and digital design and production processes.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and produce on tight deadlines while paying close attention to detail.

• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively (oral and written) across a large, diverse group of professionals from educators, to scientists to fellow creatives.

• Creative thinker and curious learner, committed to iterative processes.

• Ability to take direction from senior level creatives and collaborate with a larger internal organizational creative community.

Desired Qualifications 

• Knowledge of digital marketing, animation, video editing, and Keynote/PowerPoint presentation skills are all a plus.

Supervision

No direct reports

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $77,900 - $82,000.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.