Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM INC

Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Marketing & Creative

Date Posted: August 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and execute compelling visual content across print and digital channels to enhance brand identity and communication for a renowned science center and aquarium.

• Collaborate with a dynamic marketing team to conceptualize and deliver creative design solutions for campaigns, digital ads, social media, email marketing, and website assets.

• Leverage proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to produce high-quality graphics, illustrations, and layouts that align with brand guidelines.

• Contribute to brand development through consistent visual storytelling and creative problem-solving in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Marketing & Creative category, focusing on visual communications. The emphasis on a science center and aquarium suggests a need for designs that are both educational and engaging for a broad audience, including families and educational institutions. The "On-site" designation is critical for candidates who prefer or require in-person collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, posters, digital advertisements, social media graphics, email campaign visuals, and website banners, ensuring brand consistency.

• Translate project goals and messaging into visually effective design concepts, illustrating them through rough layouts that consider arrangement, size, typography, and overall aesthetic.

• Collaborate closely with the marketing team, providing design expertise during brainstorming, campaign development, and promotional planning, and adapting designs based on feedback.

• Capture, edit, and manage high-quality photography for use across all platforms, maintaining an organized photo library that aligns with the organization's brand image.

• Support website content updates, ensuring design consistency and contributing to user experience improvements through visual elements.

• Stay current with graphic design trends, tools, and best practices, actively seeking continuous improvement in design approach, software skills, and visual storytelling techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core graphic design tasks with additional duties in photography, website content management, and a mandate for continuous learning. The expectation to receive feedback from multiple stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, and to revise work based on preference rather than performance, indicates a need for strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a client-service mindset. The physical requirement of lifting 80lbs suggests potential involvement in event setup or handling of large-format print materials.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience as a Graphic Designer or in a similar creative role, with a strong portfolio demonstrating a range of design projects across various media.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Solid understanding of fundamental design principles including layout, color theory, and typography.

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and collaborate productively within a team environment.

• Strong visual storytelling capabilities to effectively communicate messages.

• Familiarity with brand guidelines and their application in design work. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with photography, including shooting and advanced photo editing techniques.

• Working knowledge of website Content Management Systems (CMS) for uploading and managing visual assets.

• Exposure to motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro) is considered a plus.

• Experience in the non-profit, museum, or aquarium sector, or a related field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred" skills indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves. Experience with CMS is particularly valuable for the website content responsibility, while photography skills directly support another core duty. The mention of "revising work based on preference rather than performance" suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to subjective feedback and client management during interviews.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency across print, digital, and potentially web design.

• Examples of work that illustrate an understanding of brand guidelines and the ability to create cohesive visual campaigns.

• Case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, challenges faced, and the impact of the design solutions.

• Demonstration of skills in layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy across various media. Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from initial concept generation and client brief interpretation to final asset delivery.

• Highlighting experience with project management tools or methodologies used to track design projects and deadlines is beneficial.

• Be ready to articulate how feedback is incorporated into the design process and how revisions are managed.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for a graphic design role. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically highlight work relevant to the museum/aquarium context, showcasing versatility in design styles and applications. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices, not just the "what," is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in West Palm Beach, FL, the estimated annual salary range is $50,000 - $70,000. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in the region and the typical compensation for creative roles within non-profit organizations.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential employer match.

• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops, training, and potentially attendance at industry conferences.

• Access to Science Center and Aquarium facilities and events.

• Potential for employee discounts on memberships, gift shop items, and programming.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for campaign launches or special events, with potential for compensatory time off or overtime pay as per company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for West Palm Beach, FL, and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the employer based on qualifications, experience, and internal salary structures. The benefits listed are typical for full-time roles in this sector and location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit, Science Education & Entertainment. The Cox Science Center and Aquarium Inc. operates within the science education and cultural institution sector, aiming to inspire curiosity and learning through interactive exhibits and programming.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated, but based on the nature of a Science Center and Aquarium, it likely ranges from 50-200 employees, indicating a moderately sized organization where cross-functional collaboration is common.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the organization has a history of serving the South Florida community, suggesting established roots and a commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing team, likely reporting to a Marketing Director or Manager.

• The team structure will involve close collaboration with marketing specialists, communications personnel, and potentially program managers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with various departments, including education, exhibits, visitor services, and development, to support their visual communication needs. Methodology:

• The marketing team likely employs a data-informed approach to campaign planning and execution, using analytics to measure the effectiveness of visual content.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be crucial for managing design requests from various departments efficiently.

• Automation practices may be utilized for repetitive design tasks or asset management, though creativity and human oversight remain central.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the non-profit sector's environment is key. This often means a mission-driven culture, a focus on community impact, and potentially working with limited budgets where creativity and resourcefulness are highly valued. The "preference rather than performance" feedback style suggests a culture that prioritizes positive relationships and stakeholder satisfaction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an intermediate-level position, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It involves executing design tasks and contributing to creative strategy under the guidance of marketing leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a Marketing Manager or Director. This structure provides opportunities for mentorship and direct feedback on creative work.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer plays a vital role in shaping the public perception and brand image of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. Their work directly influences the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, educational outreach, fundraising efforts, and visitor engagement by creating visually appealing and informative materials.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas such as digital illustration, motion graphics, UX/UI design for web, or advanced photography.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, potentially leading design projects or managing junior designers as the department grows.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader marketing experience by working on diverse campaigns and collaborating with different departments, potentially leading to roles in broader marketing management or communications.

• Industry Recognition: Develop a portfolio that can lead to freelance opportunities or recognition within the museum and non-profit sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates looking for growth, highlighting a desire to expand their skillset in areas like digital marketing design or web interactivity will be beneficial. The non-profit environment can offer unique opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects with significant community impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office setting within the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. The environment will likely be dynamic, with interactions from various departments and potentially visitor-facing activities.

Office Location(s): West Palm Beach, Florida. This location offers a vibrant community and a subtropical climate.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with the marketing team and other departments.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and potentially photography equipment will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with exhibits and the aquarium may offer creative inspiration and unique content-gathering possibilities.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility for occasional evening/weekend work. The pace is described as "fast-paced," requiring adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should assess their comfort level with an on-site role and the potential for occasional non-standard hours. The requirement to lift 80lbs suggests a hands-on aspect to the role that might extend beyond typical desk work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (Marketing Director/Manager) to discuss experience, design philosophy, and cultural fit. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio.

• Design Challenge: A practical exercise to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, and application of brand guidelines. This may involve creating a sample graphic for a hypothetical campaign.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other key stakeholders or department heads to ensure alignment and confirm suitability for the role and organizational culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates versatility and aligns with the Science Center's mission (educational, engaging, family-friendly).

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcome or impact. Use clear, concise language.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, layout, typography, and color theory. Include examples of print and digital work.

• Tailor for Context: If possible, include any work related to non-profits, educational institutions, or science/nature themes. If not, emphasize transferable skills in visual communication and brand stewardship.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly review the Cox Science Center and Aquarium's website, social media, and existing marketing materials to grasp their brand voice, visual style, and target audience.

• Practice Design Principles: Be ready to apply core design principles under pressure. Think about how to convey specific messages clearly and creatively.

• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, allocate time for understanding the brief, sketching ideas, designing, and reviewing.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to explain your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "revising work based on preference rather than performance" means candidates should be ready to discuss how they handle constructive criticism and differing opinions, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative spirit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, photo editing, and creating detailed graphics.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and complex layouts.
  • InDesign: Required for page layout and design of print materials like brochures, flyers, and posters.

• Photography Equipment: DSLR camera, lenses, lighting equipment (likely provided or access to).

• Image Editing Software: Beyond Photoshop, familiarity with tools for organizing and optimizing images.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): For understanding website traffic and user behavior related to content.

• Social Media Analytics: To gauge engagement with visual content on various platforms.

• Email Marketing Platform Analytics: To track the performance of email campaigns' visual elements.

CRM & Automation:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like WordPress or similar for website updates.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com may be used for managing design requests and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is non-negotiable. Experience with CMS platforms is a strong plus due to the website content responsibilities. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and any other relevant creative or project management software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging fresh ideas and novel approaches to visual communication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working harmoniously with marketing and other departments to achieve shared goals.

• Mission-Driven: A commitment to the organization's purpose of science education and public engagement.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in all creative output and attention to detail.

• Flexibility & Adaptability: Responding positively to changing priorities and stakeholder feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with various departments to understand their visual needs and provide tailored design solutions.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: Being open to constructive criticism and incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders to refine designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where design best practices and creative ideas are shared openly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a collaborative and mission-oriented approach. Candidates who can demonstrate adaptability, a positive attitude, and a willingness to work with diverse teams and feedback will be a strong fit. The mention of feedback from the Board of Trustees highlights the importance of professional communication and stakeholder management.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests and feedback from various departments and leadership, including the Board of Trustees, while maintaining brand consistency.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to shifting priorities and tight deadlines inherent in a busy marketing team.

• Creative Constraints: Working within established brand guidelines and potentially limited budgets, requiring resourceful and innovative design solutions.

• Physical Demands: The requirement to lift 80lbs may present a physical challenge for some, necessitating a willingness to assist with tasks beyond typical desk duties.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in digital design, motion graphics, or photography through internal training or external workshops.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining a broader understanding of marketing, education, and operational aspects of a science center.

• Portfolio Building: Contributing to high-impact projects for a well-regarded institution, enhancing professional credentials.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend relevant design or museum/aquarium industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach managing competing priorities and feedback from diverse sources. Highlighting a proactive approach to learning and skill development will be beneficial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to create a design for a specific target audience. What was your process, and how did you ensure the design resonated?" (Focus on audience analysis, design choices, and impact).

• "How do you handle receiving feedback that contradicts your design vision or comes from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Emphasize collaboration, diplomacy, and problem-solving, referencing the "preference rather than performance" note).

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to overcome a significant design challenge. What was the challenge, and how did you resolve it?" (Showcase problem-solving skills and creative thinking). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for a science center and aquarium, and how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with the organization's purpose).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you balance current trends with timeless brand consistency?" (Showcase industry awareness and strategic thinking).

• "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you collaborate with non-designers?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of your portfolio, then dive into 3-4 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have data on how your designs performed (e.g., increased engagement, click-through rates), present it.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your software usage, design techniques, and troubleshooting.

• Showcase Adaptability: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to adapt to different styles, brands, or media.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that address the unique aspects of this role, such as working with non-profit organizations, handling subjective feedback, and the blend of print/digital/photography tasks.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ADP recruitment portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is easily accessible and showcases a range of relevant design work, particularly highlighting print collateral, digital graphics, and any photography samples.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, your years of experience, and specific achievements in graphic design, branding, and visual content creation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Cox Science Center and Aquarium's website, social media presence, and mission statement to understand their brand, target audience, and values.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready to discuss your design process and potentially complete a design exercise that reflects the organization's 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.