Senior Graphic Designer

Job Summary:

The (Senior) Graphic Designer serves as CMA’s lead brand steward and visual communicator, responsible for shaping the museum's presentation across print, digital, and experiential platforms. This role ensures CMA’s brand identity is consistently and creatively applied across all public-facing materials–advertising, publications, donor collateral, web, and social—while collaborating closely with the (Senior) Exhibition Designer to ensure brand alignment in the museum’s physical spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the consistent application and evolution of CMA’s visual identity across all digital and print platforms, ensuring clarity, cohesion, and brand integrity.
• Conceptualize and execute design solutions for exhibitions, marketing campaigns, publications, digital content, and institutional initiatives.
• Collaborate with departments across the museum—including advancement, curatorial, education, retail, visitor experience, and special events—to deliver cohesive and impactful visual communications.
• Partner with the Design and Digital Communications Manager to ensure visual alignment with CMA’s messaging, digital strategy, and platform best practices.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, compelling visuals and articulate design rationale to internal stakeholders.
• Oversee project timelines and production workflows from concept through delivery; manage files, specifications, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with external vendors, printers, and contractors; solicit and evaluate competitive quotes to ensure timely, high-quality production.
• Stay current on design trends and best practices to enhance CMA’s visual communications and audience engagement.
• Contribute to departmental planning and marketing budget tracking, particularly related to design-related expenses.
• Provide mentorship to junior staff and interns; help foster a collaborative and design-forward culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BFA or MFA in Graphic Design or a related field
• Minimum five years of professional design experience, preferably in a cultural or nonprofit setting.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Demonstrated expertise in brand systems and visual identity development.
• Strong typographic and layout skills, with a refined eye for composition, color, and imagery across 2D applications.
• Experience creating visual strategies and assets for multi-channel marketing campaigns.
• Understanding of digital platforms, with the ability to design for web, email, and social media in ways that optimize engagement and accessibility.
• Familiarity with production methods including vinyl graphics, silk screening, large-format printing, banners, and laser cutting.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills; able to clearly explain design decisions and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working across departments and with varied stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with the ability to work both independently and within institutional brand guidelines.
• Awareness of current trends in design, art, culture, and technology.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.

Performance Standards:

• Individual must be professional, diplomatic, and discreet
• Individual must be efficient and accurate in their work and demonstrate a willingness to take on additional responsibilities as the need arises.
• Individual must be a team player who works well with a variety of staff, volunteers, collectors, artists, patrons, and donors
• Individual must maintain excellent communication and organizational skills
• Individual must demonstrate that they have continued to develop professionally

Work Environment: 

• This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week, generally Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.  
• This position requires attendance at after-hour events, receptions, and occasional travel.  
• This position works onsite in Columbus, OH. 

Physical Demands:

Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk, or hear. Must be able to use hands to touch, handle, and feel. Must be able to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to reach with hands and arms and work overhead from the floor, ladder, or scaffold. Must be able to lift, push or pull 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.