Job Description:

Position Title: Graphic Designer

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Communications

Department: Creative Services

Reports to: Creative Director

Date Reviewed: May 2, 2024

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

Position is responsible for designing and producing communications materials for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Such materials may include but are not limited to institutional materials; event identities and collateral; print and outdoor advertising; education guides and materials; banners and other display materials; brochures, rack cards and other marketing pieces; development and membership materials; as well as digital formats, including graphics for the Museum’s web site and social media outlets.

The graphic designer will be responsible for the day-to-day management of multiple and simultaneous projects, each of which may involve unique design criteria, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Originality, creativity, good communication skills and the ability to work within a team are critical to this position.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize; produce campaigns and multifaceted communications materials that adhere to the brand standards of the organization and the creative direction set by Creative Director and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer.
• Collaborate with Creative Director and other team members for art direction and feedback.
• Accommodate and track changes to designs as requested by stakeholders during the implementation process.
• Maintain records for each project, including process documentation and digital archival copies of the work product.
• In-house production work is required as well as working with vendors when outsourcing a project. Attend press checks as needed.
• Maintain non-collection image databank including management of usage permission using digital asset management system.
• Attend initial meetings and obtain feedback from stakeholders.
• Proof projects for errors and printing accuracy.
• Provide integrated graphic support for events.
• Provide conversion for digital formats such as in-museum screens and social media.
• Write specifications for estimates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education, Training, and Traits

Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, fine arts or related area of study from an accredited institution of higher education

Expert knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint

Must have solid understanding of the print production process

Broad spectrum of experience in graphic design and communications

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required

Production experience a must

Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion

Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of Museum practices

Belief in the Museum as a cause for social good and a positive, dynamic force for economic development

In regard to education and experience, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.

Work Experience

• Minimum two (2) years’ work experience in graphic design. Agency experience or work as part of a creative team preferred
• Two (2) years of experience preferred in at least two of the following areas: communications, business management, education, arts-related field
• Experience using digital asset management systems

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license

Skills and Abilities:

• Exemplary design and typography skills
• Strong creative portfolio
• Exemplary verbal and listening skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally
• Must be effective in a fast-paced working environment with absolute deadlines and inflexible production budgets
• Must demonstrate strength in layout design, template management and typography specification to support and extend the Museum’s graphic identity/branding
• Ability to communicate with staff and outside suppliers
• Strong attention to detail
• Requires general understanding of image rights and usage relative to print and online publication
• Self-directed, able to work independently and in a team environment
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Production skills for in-house collateral
• Demonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving and collaboration skills
• Web design experience a plus
• Photography skills a plus

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: In the work environments described below, position requires working at desk/workstation and utilizing a computer and telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, verbal and written conversation with others, lifting/carrying (up to 20 lbs.). Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

• Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and in and around Museum spaces, Museum grounds/trails, and community events as necessary. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.