Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

The National Aquarium is seeking a Graphic Designer to support the National Aquarium's marketing and campus needs through print, digital, experiential, and environmental graphic design. Working with Marketing, internal clients, subject matter experts, and external vendors, the Designer creates publications, advertising, digital content, exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, wayfinding, and operational signage. The role translates approved content and project goals into clear, engaging designs that reflect the Aquarium's brand and support accessible guest experiences. Based in Marketing and reporting to the Design Manager, this individual contributor coordinates assigned design work from concept through production and installation.

Essential responsibilities include:

• Develop and apply a rich understanding of the Aquarium's mission, with a thoughtful application of brand aesthetic and guidelines.
• Maintain a consistent brand look and feel for all aspects of design while still evolving designs in ways that are fresh, new, and on trend.
• Conceptualize and design print and digital, cross-channel marketing pieces as well as projects for the National Aquarium's campus needs, including but not limited to: social media graphics; illustrations; infographics; presentations; print media such as brochures, posters, and flyers; in-building support such as graphics for on-site experiences, exhibits, and operational signage.
• Contribute to the growth of digital campaign tactics by researching and implementing new trends and strategies.
• Design environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, and wayfinding that integrate Aquarium brand and operational standards with guest needs and the physical setting.
• Actively participate in creative brainstorming across all creative disciplines.
• Communicate creative concepts to stakeholders, articulate creation rationale clearly and effectively.
• Maintain organized design assets, production files, and campus signage documentation to support consistent use, updates, and replacement.
• Collaborate with VP of Planning & Design, Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, and other subject matter experts to translate approved interpretive content into clear, engaging visual designs.
• Prepare production-ready artwork and specifications for large-format graphics and signage, including dimensions, materials, finishes, and installation requirements.
• Coordinate with printers, fabricators, and installers to review proofs and samples, confirm design quality, and support installation within approved schedules and budgets.
• Develop mockups and prototypes to evaluate readability, placement, accessibility, and guest understanding before production.
• Respond to assigned campus graphic and signage requests through the established work-order process, coordinate requirements and deadlines with internal clients, and flag priority conflicts to the Design Manager.
• Assess existing graphics and signage and prepare updates or replacements for damaged, outdated, or degraded materials in coordination with relevant teams.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Arts, Graphic Design, or another design-related field or equivalent experience.
• 3-4 years of relevant professional design experience, including environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, or wayfinding.
• Strong layout and design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) required.
• Knowledge of animation, motion graphics, After Effects, data visualization, and production processes preferred.
• Knowledge of environmental graphic design, wayfinding principles, and the relationship between graphics, interpretive content, and physical spaces.
• Working knowledge of large-format printing, graphic fabrication, materials, finishes, and installation considerations.
• Ability to apply accessibility, legibility, and visitor-centered design principles to on-site graphics and signage.
• Ability to create scaled mockups and production documentation and coordinate technical requirements with fabricators and installers.
• Acute attention to detail, accuracy, creativity, and self-motivation are needed.
• Ability to take constructive input and adjust designs as needed to accomplish project goals.
• Capable of juggling multiple projects and thriving in both independent and team-based work environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate creative ideas effectively.
• Familiarity with project management software.
• Portfolio required with submission, including examples of print, digital, and environmental or exhibit graphic design.
• Experience in a cultural attraction, experiential marketing, or agency role a plus.

Total Compensation Information: Salary range ($45,000-$55,699 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.