Associate Graphic Designer (Full Time)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Graphic Designer

Company: Philbrook Museum of Art Inc

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-25T22:00:01

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conceptualize, develop, and produce creative collateral for museum branding and communications initiatives.

• Ensure brand consistency and application across a wide range of print and digital materials, adhering to industry standards and current design trends.

• Collaborate closely with multiple museum departments to gather requirements and provide impactful design solutions for campaigns, exhibitions, and events.

• Optimize graphics for various distribution channels, including email, social media, and website platforms, ensuring visual appeal and technical suitability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Associate Graphic Designer," the explicit mention of conceptualization, development, and production of creative solutions, coupled with collaboration with multiple departments and adaptation of brand standards, suggests a role with significant creative input and responsibility beyond basic execution. This aligns with a foundational level within a marketing operations or GTM function, focusing on the visual elements that support broader communication strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and produce creative solutions for campaign collateral, including print materials, environmental graphics, invitations, event programs, newsletters, and packaging.

• Apply and adapt existing brand standards across both print and digital materials, ensuring visual coherence and alignment with the museum's overall brand identity in collaboration with the Graphic Designer.

• Optimize designed artwork for various digital distribution channels such as email, social media, blog posts, website content, infographics, and animated GIFs.

• Prepare designed artwork for production, resolving any technical issues that may arise during the print or digital production phases.

• Collaborate with museum departments to understand their communication needs and translate them into effective visual designs that support exhibitions, gardens, shop, fundraising, and education programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize the practical application of design skills in a professional, multi-departmental setting. This requires not just artistic talent but also an understanding of workflow, stakeholder management, and production readiness, which are core to operations roles focused on executing marketing and communication strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's Degree in Graphic Design or a related subject matter required; Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience: At least 2 years of professional experience in graphic design.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Strong proficiency with Macintosh operating systems and products.

• Demonstrated experience in graphic design, print production, and visual arts.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing deadlines for concurrent projects.

• High degree of conceptual skills with a strong sense of style, design, and layout.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Team-oriented attitude and ability to collaborate effectively.

• Understanding and application of brand standards across various media. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital asset management.

• Familiarity with pre-press requirements for print production.

• Basic understanding of web design principles and optimization for digital platforms.

• Experience working within a museum or non-profit cultural institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, Macintosh proficiency, print production, and brand standards directly points to the technical and operational execution aspects of marketing and GTM collateral creation. The requirement for conceptual skills and a strong sense of style indicates the need for creative problem-solving within defined operational parameters.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2 years of professional graphic design work, highlighting a diverse range of projects.

• Include examples demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite for both print and digital applications.

• Present case studies or project descriptions that detail your role in the design process, from concept to final production-ready artwork.

• Feature examples of adapting brand guidelines and maintaining visual consistency across different campaign materials.

• Highlight projects that required collaboration with stakeholders or other departments, showcasing communication and problem-solving skills. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the print production workflow, including file preparation and pre-press considerations.

• Illustrate experience in optimizing graphics for digital distribution, including web, social media, and email.

• Provide examples of how you manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively, showcasing organizational and time management skills.

• Show evidence of problem-solving in design, particularly in adapting designs for specific platforms or resolving production challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills and adherence to processes. The emphasis on production readiness, brand adaptation, and digital optimization showcases the operational execution required for this role, moving beyond purely aesthetic considerations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22.50 - $23.50 per hour, depending on the level of experience.

Benefits:

• Health insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Sick Leave

• Paid Holidays

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Flexible spending accounts

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions

Working Hours: Full-time, non-exempt position, typically corresponding to 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific and provided per hour, reflecting a standard practice for non-exempt, full-time roles. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a non-profit institution, offering a solid foundation for employee well-being and financial planning, which is attractive to operations professionals seeking stable employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Art Museum / Non-profit Cultural Institution. Philbrook Museum of Art operates within the cultural sector, focusing on art collection, exhibitions, education, and community engagement. This context implies a mission-driven environment that values creativity, cultural enrichment, and public access.

Company Size: The description of Philbrook as a museum with 25 acres of gardens, a villa, and a collection of approximately 15,000 objects suggests a medium-to-large sized institution with diverse departments (curatorial, education, communications, development, visitor services, etc.). This operational complexity requires structured communication and design support.

Founded: The mention of a "1920s Italianate Villa" indicates a long-standing history, suggesting a stable organization with established processes and a rich heritage. This history likely influences its brand identity and operational practices.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Communications, indicating a clear line of reporting within the marketing and communications function.

• The role involves close collaboration with a senior Graphic Designer, suggesting a tiered design team structure where the Associate can learn and contribute under guidance.

• Close collaboration with "multiple museum departments" points to a matrixed or project-based workflow, common in operations where design serves various internal clients. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicitly detailed for design, the museum's "actively growing collection" and "dynamic and ambitious program" imply a need for design that can interpret and communicate data about collection scope, exhibition themes, and visitor engagement.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The requirement to manage "concurrent projects" and "deadlines" indicates a need for structured workflow management within the design process.

• Automation & Efficiency: Optimizing materials for "email and other forms of digital distribution" and creating "animated GIFs" suggests an interest in efficient digital content creation and distribution methods.

Company Website: https://www.philbrook.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the non-profit museum context is vital. It implies a focus on mission, community impact, and resourcefulness, which can shape design priorities and operational workflows. The reporting structure suggests a supportive environment for skill development within the design function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Associate" level, typically for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It signifies a foundational position within the design operations function, focusing on execution and production under the guidance of more senior team members. The scope involves contributing to broader campaign initiatives and supporting various departments, indicating a role that is integral to the marketing and communications operational output.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Communications and works closely with the Graphic Designer. This structure offers mentorship opportunities and clear direction, essential for developing operational proficiency in design. It implies that while independent work is expected, there is a framework for guidance and approval.

Operations Impact: The graphic design output directly impacts the museum's brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and the overall visitor experience. High-quality, consistent collateral supports exhibition promotion, fundraising efforts, and educational program outreach, contributing to audience engagement and institutional success. Efficient and effective design operations are critical for timely campaign launches and resource optimization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in print production, digital asset optimization, and brand management through hands-on experience and collaboration with senior designers.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to various museum departments (curatorial, education, development), understanding their unique communication needs and how design operations support them.

• Specialization: Possibility to develop specialized skills in areas like environmental graphics, digital animation, or social media content creation, based on project assignments and demonstrated aptitude.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an Associate Graphic Designer in an operations context typically involves progressing to a Graphic Designer role, then potentially a Senior Designer or Art Director, or specializing in areas like Digital Design Manager or Brand Manager. The focus is on mastering execution and process before moving into more strategic or managerial roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at the Philbrook Museum of Art, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This environment is likely a blend of creative studio space for design work and a professional office setting within a museum campus that includes galleries, gardens, and event spaces.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 2727 S. Rockford Rd, Tulsa, OK 74114. This location is accessible within Tulsa, and the museum setting itself offers a unique and inspiring work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Graphic Designer and multiple museum departments, suggesting a team-oriented workspace conducive to idea sharing and feedback.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) on Macintosh products is provided, forming the core of the operational technology stack for this role.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with colleagues across various departments will be essential for understanding project needs and ensuring design alignment with institutional goals. The museum setting itself provides a stimulating backdrop for creative work.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, non-exempt position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While specific daily schedules might offer some flexibility, the on-site nature and project demands mean consistent presence is expected, particularly during critical campaign periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect for this role, highlighting the need for physical presence for collaboration, access to specific museum resources, and integration into the daily operations of the institution. The museum campus environment is a significant factor in the work setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of cover letter, resume, and portfolio/link. Emphasis will be placed on the quality and relevance of design work, especially in print and digital collateral.

• Portfolio Presentation/Discussion: Candidates will likely be asked to walk through their portfolio, discussing their design process, conceptual approach, and problem-solving strategies for specific projects. Be prepared to articulate your role in each project and the rationale behind your design decisions.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a discussion focused on technical proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Macintosh products.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions may focus on collaboration, working under deadlines, adapting to feedback, and understanding brand guidelines. Prepare examples demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving in a professional setting.

• Cultural Fit: Assessment of alignment with the museum's mission, values, and collaborative environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (print collateral, digital graphics, brand adaptation).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the design process (sketches, iterations), the final solution, and the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and your ability to prepare files for both print and digital.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, include projects where you collaborated with others or received client feedback, and explain how you incorporated it.

• Organize for Clarity: Use a clean, professional layout for your portfolio (website or PDF) that is easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Design Brief: Anticipate a potential small-scale design challenge related to museum marketing or events. Focus on understanding the objective, target audience, and key message.

• Brand Application: Be ready to demonstrate how you would apply or adapt existing brand guidelines to a new piece of collateral.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a design problem, such as fitting a lot of information into a small space or creating a design that appeals to diverse age groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes both technical skill and the ability to articulate the design process and rationale, which are critical for operations roles that require clear communication and systematic execution. A well-structured portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating graphics for print and digital media.

• Macintosh Products: Strong familiarity and proficiency with the macOS operating system and associated hardware are required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for this role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on email campaigns, social media engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards for digital content performance could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed, but understanding how design assets are managed and deployed through marketing automation platforms or content management systems (CMS) would be advantageous for broader GTM operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on core design software. The emphasis on Macintosh products is a specific technical requirement. While direct analytics or CRM tool experience isn't mandatory, an understanding of how design impacts these areas is valuable for a role supporting broader marketing operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging visual content that supports the museum's mission and attracts diverse audiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

• Attention to Detail: A commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work, especially concerning brand consistency and production readiness.

• Efficiency & Productivity: The ability to manage multiple projects effectively, meet deadlines, and optimize designs for various platforms to maximize impact and resource utilization.

• Mission-Driven: An understanding and appreciation for the cultural and educational mission of the museum and how design contributes to its success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates working closely with various museum departments, requiring clear communication, active listening, and responsiveness to diverse needs.

• Feedback-Oriented: An openness to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from the Graphic Designer, Director of Communications, and other stakeholders to refine designs.

• Process-Aware: An understanding that design is part of a larger operational workflow, involving project briefs, reviews, revisions, and production hand-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative output and operational discipline. The values highlight the importance of teamwork, precision, and alignment with the museum's mission, which are crucial for any role supporting broader organizational goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative concepts into designs that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and museum aesthetics.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments, each with unique objectives and priorities, while ensuring timely delivery.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Demands: Staying current with best practices for digital design, social media graphics, and optimizing assets for various online platforms.

• Working within a Non-Profit Budget: Creatively problem-solving and delivering high-impact designs within potentially limited resources.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications and explore new design software or techniques.

• Print Production Expertise: Gaining deeper knowledge of print processes, materials, and pre-press requirements through hands-on experience.

• Digital Design Optimization: Learning best practices for creating graphics optimized for web, social media, email marketing, and other digital channels.

• Museum Industry Insights: Developing an understanding of how design functions within the unique context of a cultural institution, supporting exhibitions, fundraising, and educational outreach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed around developing both creative and operational competencies within the museum context. This role offers a solid foundation for a career in design operations within the arts and culture sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses brand adherence and creative problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing a design file for professional printing. What are the key considerations?" (Tests understanding of print production operations.)

• "How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple design projects with competing deadlines?" (Evaluates organizational and time management skills in an operational context.)

• "Imagine you receive conflicting feedback from two different department heads on a design. How would you navigate this situation?" (Assesses communication, diplomacy, and stakeholder management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a museum like Philbrook, specifically in a design operations capacity?" (Tests alignment with the institution's mission and sector.)

• "How do you stay updated on current design trends and best practices, especially those relevant to non-profit organizations or cultural institutions?" (Evaluates proactivity and industry awareness.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design based on feedback. What was your approach, and what did you learn?" (Assesses flexibility and receptiveness to critique.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design solutions, and the final results or impact.

• Highlight Operational Aspects: Emphasize how you managed the project, met deadlines, collaborated with others, and prepared the final assets for their intended use (print/digital).

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your software choices and techniques used within Adobe Creative Suite.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, problem-solving approaches, and understanding of brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe for both creative problem-solving abilities and operational execution skills. Demonstrating a structured approach to design, an understanding of production workflows, and effective communication will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Customize Your Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in graphic design, your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Macintosh products, and your specific interest in working for a museum like Philbrook. Mention your understanding of brand standards and production readiness.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, educational background, and specific technical skills. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Adobe Creative Suite," "print production," "brand standards," and "collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed collateral for X number of exhibitions").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your strongest projects, emphasizing print collateral, digital graphics, and examples of brand adaptation. Ensure it is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly demonstrates your process and technical skills. Have a link readily available.

• Research Philbrook: Familiarize yourself with Philbrook Museum of Art's current exhibitions, collections, mission, and overall brand aesthetic. This will help you articulate your interest and align your portfolio with their needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.