Exhibit Designer - Museum jobs in Wilmington, DE

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

At Winterthur, employment is more than just work. The Winterthur employee is offered a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets. Winterthur welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission to build upon the vision of Henry Francis du Pont to inspire and educate through its collections, estate, and academic programs by engaging diverse audiences in the study, preservation, and interpretation of American material culture, art, design and history, and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Graphic Designer will have primary responsibility for executing the design and final production of Winterthur print and electronic museum and marketing materials according to creative direction established by the Director of Marketing & Technology.  Responsibilities include consulting with supervisor to establish creative platforms for major institutional offers and advertising campaigns, designing cross-media applications, initial design planning, layout, presentations to clients, and final art file preparation.  Design work includes, but is not limited to: print and digital advertising, museum ephemera, direct mail, invitations, signage, web and social media design, publications such as books, programs, catalogues and newsletters, logo design, branding initiatives, and more.

The Graphic Designer liaises with all departments at Winterthur, building client project briefs to assess design needs, in accordance with budgets and production timelines.  Framed by creative parameters set by the Director of Marketing & Technology, as well as style guidelines set forth in Winterthur’s Visual Identity Guide, duties include the skilled conceptualization and development of new creative campaigns, application of these design platforms to meet various project criteria, and the development of results-oriented design solutions that achieve a desired aesthetic for the museum.  Keen attention to achieving consistency of brand and look in cross-platform design applications is paramount.

Compensation: $51,000 per year

Benefits: Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule: 35 hours per week

Responsibilities:

1. Design creative and beautiful materials, as assigned by the Director of Marketing & Technology, in accordance with Winterthur brand standards and design aesthetics.  Masterful use of InDesign or comparable computer software to prepare files for printing or electronic applications, according to accepted industry practices. Design campaigns and special promotions to work across multiple marketing channels and for custom museum design projects.
2. Position requires that designs meet with new and established creative platforms and brand identity as established by the Director of Marketing, and as per brand guidelines found in the Winterthur Visual Identity Guide.  Art management applies to marketing campaigns, museum ephemera, and more.
3. Review final designs for accuracy, consistency, style, and effectiveness in coordination with the Director of Marketing and editor(s), assessing image selections, reproduction quality, and other production issues that would affect quality or effectiveness of final project.
4. Meet with internal clients to understand project needs, clarify Winterthur brand standards and usage policies, pitch design concepts by communicating rationale and objectives, and resolve questions or potential complications that might hinder delivery of project according to expectation.
5. Discuss and resolve discrepancies with other members of the Marketing department and/or internal clients.  Manage workflow of assigned design projects, coordinating with the Director of Marketing & Technology , Production Coordinator, editor(s), internal clients, and external vendors to ensure delivery of finished projects according to design, schedule, and budget requirements.
6. Coordinate creative personnel to properly execute projects within established guidelines to produce a cohesive and aesthetically-pleasing vision across multiple platform applications.  Proof said artwork for supervisor to review and approve. 
7. Create production timelines for large or intricate projects, and distribute timelines to internal clients, printers, and vendors, along with appropriate specifications to complete the projects in accordance with the highest industry standards.  Estimate time for required design and production, and evaluate manpower needed to meet deadlines. Streamline and improve production procedures to improve quality and quantity of Winterthur project output. Provide assistance to the Production Coordinator, advising on production issues, print file preparation, and technical considerations related to obtaining the highest-quality product that meets budget and client expectations. 
8. Research, design, and produce sub-brands under the Winterthur brand umbrella with the goal of creating visual expressions that resonates with target audiences, and work effectively across all marketing channels.
9. Archive electronic and physical files to keep server size in check. 
10. Perform other duties as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience: BS/BA in graphic arts, visual communications, or related field with a minimum of 7 years of experience as a Graphic Designer in a fast-paced communications environment; preferably, as part of a marketing communications team or advertising agency.

Preferred Experience: In addition to minimum, 10 years’ experience as a Graphic Designer. Broad experience across print, digital, and social media design applications in advertising, publishing, and custom design work. Proven ability to manage projects and coordinate teams from concept to final execution. Museum experience a plus

Knowledge/Skills:

1. High level of proficiency with InDesign and Photoshop, and familiarity with Quark, with knowledge of scanning and digital image manipulation.  Knowledge of all Microsoft programs, including but not limited to Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook/Entourage software.  Must be proficient in using workflow management platform, such as Hive.
2. Keen, sensitive eye for graphic design standards and applications, as well as expertise in defining issues that could relate to final quality of design product is essential.  Ability to proof for visual consistencies is critical.
3. Able to communicate effectively with all professional contacts with tact, clarity, and sensitivity.  Ability to pitch creative concepts and balance client expectations.
4. Able to perform various duties simultaneously to meet multiple deadline requirements and production schedules.  Must be able to maintain productivity, quality, and accuracy in fast-paced environment.
5. Knowledge of latest printing processes.  Proven ability to liaise with third-party vendors for execution of quality project output.  Must be able to provide accurate job specifications and printer guidelines.
6. Familiarity with proofreading and copy-editing marks and directions.

Essential Functions:

1. Ability to work at a computer or desk for up to 8 hours a day.
2. This position is subject to managing competing deadlines and priorities.