Director of Graphic Design

Job Title

Director of Graphic Design

Department: Communications and Marketing

Section: Operations

Unit: Graphic Design

Reporting to: Sr. Director of Communications and Marketing

Job Purpose

The Director of Graphic Design brings the institution’s identity to life through thoughtful, creative design. This role is responsible for producing visually compelling materials that support exhibitions, programs, publications, and marketing campaigns. Combining artistic vision with strategic thinking, the designer works across digital, print, and spatial formats to ensure consistency and impact. Collaborating with colleagues from across departments, the Director of Graphic Design plays a key role in enhancing the visitor experience, strengthening the brand, and making complex ideas visually accessible. The jobholder also mentors junior staff and upholds high standards of design excellence throughout all organization’s communications.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop strategies for creative, innovative and impactful design.
• Conduct trend research to inform creative strategy.
• Align design projects with the organization’s branding and mission.
• Lead brainstorming sessions for innovative output.

Budget Management

• Source vendors and manage production costs.

Policies, Processes, and Procedures

• Ensure adherence to brand guidelines and visual identity standards.
• Establish consistent design processes across the institution.

Functional Accountabilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a variety of print and digital materials including posters, brochures, exhibition catalogs, and online content that align with the organization’s objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and implement innovative design solutions for exhibitions, events, and educational programs within the institution.
• Lead the development of brand identity guidelines and ensure consistency across all visual communications, integrating feedback from relevant stakeholders throughout the process.
• Manage the creative process from ideation to final production, including oversight of quality control on all design outputs and maintaining project timelines and budgets.
• Conduct thorough research on relevant design trends and audience insights to inform design strategy and effectively position the institution within contemporary cultural contexts.
• Engage in regular brainstorming and critique sessions, providing constructive feedback while encouraging a culture of creativity and collaboration among design team members.
• Mentor junior designers and interns, providing guidance on design techniques and professional development, while fostering an environment of learning and innovation.
• Oversee the commissioning of external design agencies to develop new concepts and designs.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with curators, educators, and marketing to gather ideas, requirements and feedback.
• Present and justify design solutions to leadership.

People Management

• Live by the institution’s values, ethical standards, and governance.
• Manage and support team members in performing their tasks in line with established policies and procedures.
• Guide, mentor, and develop the Digital Production Unit team to ensure continuous growth and achievement of functional objectives.
• Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development through coaching and formal evaluations.
• Delegate authority appropriately to empower team members and encourage accountability.
• Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management while promoting employee engagement and motivation.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with the institution’s values.
• Promote innovation and contribute to a positive, inspiring, and diverse workplace.
• Maintain high personal standards and ensure excellence across the section.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum 4 years of graphic design experience with a varied portfolio.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with 3D/animation tools.
• Collaborative and cross-departmental work experience.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Visual Communication, or related field. A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Ongoing professional development preferred.

Personal capabilities and qualifications

• Advanced design competency across various mediums including digital, print, environmental, and multimedia design.
• Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Exceptional visual communication skills, capable of effectively conveying complex ideas through innovative design solutions.
• Expertise in user-centered design practices, enhancing the visitor experience by creating intuitive visual narratives.
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, demonstrating agility in design thinking and problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the capacity to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, maintaining a collaborative and inclusive work atmosphere.
• An analytical mindset, with a focus on metrics and outcomes to assess design effectiveness and inform future projects.