Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist

Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist

Status: Full-Time Salaried, Entry-Level Position 

Salary: $34,000 – $39,000 per year (based on experience) 

Benefits: PTO/Vacation Time, Health Insurance, Retirement Match 

Reports to: Marketing and Communications Manager

Location: Hybrid (Museum, TolHouse, and Remote) 

Job Overview for Hiring Promotion

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is seeking a talented, detail-oriented Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist with a strong design background and a passion for visual storytelling. With guidance from the established marketing strategy and in partnership with the Marketing and Communications Manager, this role focuses on producing engaging content across various digital and print platforms to support the museum’s marketing, communications, and exhibit needs. The ideal candidate will combine a design-driven mindset with a knack for marketing and an enthusiasm for history, the Great Lakes, and museums.

Qualified applicants should possess strong graphic design skills, marketing and event photography experience, and an ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, collaborative environment. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design, marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred. Practical experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat), Constant Contact, Canva, Microsoft Office, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok), WordPress, and G-Suite is also preferred.

Position Summary

The Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist will work closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to execute the museum’s marketing and communications strategy. The role includes responsibilities for visual content creation including but not limited to social media, temporary exhibits, in-house print publications, and direct mail materials. This team member will also assist with event and marketing photography (will require occasional night and weekend hours with flex time) and support daily collaboration across all marketing and communications efforts. All work will be overseen by the Marketing and Communications Manager to ensure alignment with museum goals and brand identity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Graphic Design: Lead in creating visually engaging content for email, social media, print, and our website. Design digital marketing graphics, museum exhibits (including temporary exhibits), and in-house publications such as our Inland Seas journal and Chadburn newsletter.
• Exhibit Design: Experience designing museum exhibits, or similar projects (trade show booths, visual storytelling, etc.), is preferred but not required. Candidates are asked to share any relevant design projects with their submitted application. 
• Social Media Support: Assist in planning and executing social media campaigns by providing creative ideas to enhance audience engagement and support with photography, graphic design, and scheduling.
• Marketing and Advertising Support: Collaborate in the execution of the museum’s marketing strategy. Design and occasionally write for digital and print assets, event branding, newsletters, visitor guides, and advertising materials.
• Photography: Capture high-quality images to support visual storytelling across all platforms (social, web, email, print).
• Team Collaboration: Work in close partnership with the Marketing and Communications Manager and other team members, embodying our collaborative, creative, and hard-working culture.

Qualifications

• Strong graphic design skills and a portfolio demonstrating creativity and versatility across digital and print media. (Exhibit design experience is preferred, but not required.)
• Knowledge and experience in social media best practices across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Knowledge and experience in photography for marketing and event purposes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic understanding of marketing principles and a keen interest in storytelling through visual media.
• A passion for history, museums, and the Great Lakes is a plus!

To apply, submit all requested materials via email to marketinghr@nmgl.org by Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Only applications with all required materials will be considered. 

Required: 

• Resume
• Cover letter
• 3-5 portfolio examples showcasing design skills across a variety of mediums (digital, print, and display)
• 3 Professional References 

Preferred: 

• Photography experience (Focused on examples highlighting marketing use and events)