National Aquarium
Design Manager
National Aquarium, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
With a proven track record and a passion for design in all its forms, the Manager, Design providesleadership and creative direction in management of marketing initiatives across the organization. The idealcandidate will lead in the development and execution of thoughtful and imaginative creative solutions thatadhere to brand guidelines while challenging our visual aesthetic in ways that are as bold and innovative asour mission. This multi-faceted creative team member and design expert will have an ability to multi-taskwhile utilizing various resources to manage workflow and team members within a deadline-drivenenvironment. This position is responsible for the production of quality and on-brand design products forconsumer marketing and communication efforts as well as for clients across the organization. A self-starterand proactive team lead, the ideal candidate will have an ability to successfully collaborate with cross functional partners on all creative initiatives.Managing a graphic designer and freelance creative contributors as well as assisting in the managementof interns, the Manager, Design reports to the Director of Visual Creative.
Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee and lead creative design efforts, including the concepting and execution of website and socialmedia graphics, long-form report designs, branding materials, brand campaigns, motion graphics, eventtrade show creative, presentations, interactive designs, illustrations and infographics.• Collaborate with other content teams on digital designs, ensuring all digital channels reflect and upholdbrand standards while evolving.• Produce printed brand assets including but not limited to publications, invitations, brochures, flyers,newsletters, event signage, educational brochures, posters, postcards and other marketing materials.• Manage a team of creatives to uphold brand standards while also exploring new visual directions andvisual communication strategies using audience data and industry-best practices.• In partnership with senior project manager, organize and manage the workflow of all design work ordersand projects. Provide excellent service and develop professional, creative and effective solutionsconsistent with brand standards and within specified budgets and timelines. Review and assign projectsand work orders; meet with clients; identify solutions and priorities, audience, budget, delivery date, andtimeline for projects; and coordinate schedules within and across divisions as necessary.• Serve as a National Aquarium brand subject matter expert and guide to the communications team, thelarger organization and cross-functional creative partners.• Use audience data and industry best practices to continually refine the National Aquarium brand designstrategy.• Supervise any freelance designers and design interns.• Direct the bidding, purchasing and outsourcing of printing, paper, photography and related collateralmaterials that are high quality, cost-effective and eco-friendly.• Manage invoicing from vendors to ensure prompt payment.• Other duties as assigned or required.
Areas of Focus:Brand Management• Ensure brand integrity on all National Aquarium materials, particularly those produced by third partyvendors and partners.• Serve as a liaison for in-house partners to ensure proper use of the National Aquarium logo and otherbrand assets. Together with the Director of Visual Creative, advise on branding and creative foritems produced and sold with the National Aquarium logo.• Create style guides for all new and updated brand materials to ensure proper compliance inAquarium materials and collateral created at outside agencies.• Together with the Director of Visual Creative, advise on the application of our brand guidelines in thedevelopment of advertising campaigns by our agency partner.Digital Communications• Work with the Digital team to maintain the graphic and brand integrity of the National Aquariumwebsite(s) and digital communication platforms, such as email and social media.• Provide guidance and support for photo/image selection for web and advise on page layout toensure successful visual communications.• In partnership with the Digital team, ensure that the defined brand and style of the website, emails,and other online publications and communications are maintained throughout our digital platforms.Project Management• As the lead of the Design team, collaborate closely with the Communications team (Content, Digital,and Visual) to manage projects from inception to completion.• Participate in kickoff meetings to understand the scope of project, obtain all necessary informationand develop creative concepts to meet the needs of the client.• Lead the completion of projects by coordinating with the appropriate departments to meet alldeadlines, deliver projects on time and within budget.Photo/Image Library• Work with the Visual Productions team to maintain the photo and image library for the NationalAquarium, ensuring a high quality and robust collection of assets related to our conservation work andillustrative of the biodiversity of species in our care.• Work with photographers to provide specific direction for photo shoots to ensure that photo needsof the department are being met.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in graphic design or creative field preferred.• 5-7 plus years professional experience in design for brands.• 2-3 years management experience.• Expert level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite with demonstrated experience in illustration andpublication layout.• Knowledge of commercial printing methods, postal mailings standards, and paper specifications.• Must have leadership skills and the ability to communicative effectively.• Able to perform under tight deadlines.• Excellent ability to multi-task and work in a team as well as independently as needed.• Strong knowledge of and passion for nature and conservation a plus.
Salary Range and Benefits
$75,000-80,000
National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection:
We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity:
We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism:
We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service:
We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing:
We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
How to Apply
Interested and engaged applicants should apply through the link above. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org. Applicants should submit a letter of intent in their application package. Three references will be requested during the interview process.
Key Responsibilities:
• Oversee and lead creative design efforts, including the concepting and execution of website and socialmedia graphics, long-form report designs, branding materials, brand campaigns, motion graphics, eventtrade show creative, presentations, interactive designs, illustrations and infographics.• Collaborate with other content teams on digital designs, ensuring all digital channels reflect and upholdbrand standards while evolving.• Produce printed brand assets including but not limited to publications, invitations, brochures, flyers,newsletters, event signage, educational brochures, posters, postcards and other marketing materials.• Manage a team of creatives to uphold brand standards while also exploring new visual directions andvisual communication strategies using audience data and industry-best practices.• In partnership with senior project manager, organize and manage the workflow of all design work ordersand projects. Provide excellent service and develop professional, creative and effective solutionsconsistent with brand standards and within specified budgets and timelines. Review and assign projectsand work orders; meet with clients; identify solutions and priorities, audience, budget, delivery date, andtimeline for projects; and coordinate schedules within and across divisions as necessary.• Serve as a National Aquarium brand subject matter expert and guide to the communications team, thelarger organization and cross-functional creative partners.• Use audience data and industry best practices to continually refine the National Aquarium brand designstrategy.• Supervise any freelance designers and design interns.• Direct the bidding, purchasing and outsourcing of printing, paper, photography and related collateralmaterials that are high quality, cost-effective and eco-friendly.• Manage invoicing from vendors to ensure prompt payment.• Other duties as assigned or required.
Areas of Focus:Brand Management• Ensure brand integrity on all National Aquarium materials, particularly those produced by third partyvendors and partners.• Serve as a liaison for in-house partners to ensure proper use of the National Aquarium logo and otherbrand assets. Together with the Director of Visual Creative, advise on branding and creative foritems produced and sold with the National Aquarium logo.• Create style guides for all new and updated brand materials to ensure proper compliance inAquarium materials and collateral created at outside agencies.• Together with the Director of Visual Creative, advise on the application of our brand guidelines in thedevelopment of advertising campaigns by our agency partner.Digital Communications• Work with the Digital team to maintain the graphic and brand integrity of the National Aquariumwebsite(s) and digital communication platforms, such as email and social media.• Provide guidance and support for photo/image selection for web and advise on page layout toensure successful visual communications.• In partnership with the Digital team, ensure that the defined brand and style of the website, emails,and other online publications and communications are maintained throughout our digital platforms.Project Management• As the lead of the Design team, collaborate closely with the Communications team (Content, Digital,and Visual) to manage projects from inception to completion.• Participate in kickoff meetings to understand the scope of project, obtain all necessary informationand develop creative concepts to meet the needs of the client.• Lead the completion of projects by coordinating with the appropriate departments to meet alldeadlines, deliver projects on time and within budget.Photo/Image Library• Work with the Visual Productions team to maintain the photo and image library for the NationalAquarium, ensuring a high quality and robust collection of assets related to our conservation work andillustrative of the biodiversity of species in our care.• Work with photographers to provide specific direction for photo shoots to ensure that photo needsof the department are being met.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in graphic design or creative field preferred.• 5-7 plus years professional experience in design for brands.• 2-3 years management experience.• Expert level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite with demonstrated experience in illustration andpublication layout.• Knowledge of commercial printing methods, postal mailings standards, and paper specifications.• Must have leadership skills and the ability to communicative effectively.• Able to perform under tight deadlines.• Excellent ability to multi-task and work in a team as well as independently as needed.• Strong knowledge of and passion for nature and conservation a plus.
Salary Range and Benefits
$75,000-80,000
National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About the National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection:
We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity:
We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism:
We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service:
We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing:
We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
How to Apply
Interested and engaged applicants should apply through the link above. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org. Applicants should submit a letter of intent in their application package. Three references will be requested during the interview process.