Graphic Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer I

Company: PacSci (Pacific Science Center)

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Education

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Experience Level: 0-2 years professional experience

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop engaging visual assets for print and digital marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with the PacSci mission and brand identity.

• Manage a dynamic project pipeline, prioritizing tasks and delivering high-quality creative collateral under tight deadlines.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams and external vendors to translate creative briefs into compelling visual narratives that support programs and events.

• Execute image retouching and manipulation, enhancing visual content for various media platforms.

• Contribute to content creation through light copywriting and copy-editing for marketing materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer I) within the Marketing department, reporting to the Creative Manager. The emphasis on "igniting curiosity" and "fueling a passion for discovery" suggests a need for creative visuals that are engaging, educational, and accessible to a broad audience, including families and students. The hybrid work arrangement requires a commitment to being present in the office for a significant portion of the week, indicating a collaborative team environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and design a wide range of marketing and creative collateral, including but not limited to posters, flyers, brochures, social media graphics, digital advertisements, and website assets.

• Ensure all visual communications consistently reflect the Pacific Science Center's brand guidelines, mission, and values across all platforms.

• Proactively manage project timelines, communicate progress, identify potential delays, and resolve blockers to ensure timely delivery of design assets.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including programming, education, and development, to understand project requirements and deliver designs that meet strategic objectives.

• Perform image retouching, color correction, and other photo manipulation tasks to optimize visuals for both print and digital applications.

• Assist with copywriting and copy-editing for marketing materials, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and brand voice consistency.

• Liaise with external vendors, particularly printers, to ensure accurate production of printed materials and manage vendor relationships effectively.

• Maintain an organized and systematic approach to digital file management, ensuring assets are easily accessible and version-controlled.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for versatility in design output, covering both print and digital mediums. The emphasis on "prioritize and manage multiple projects" and "proactively communicate project needs, delays, or blockers" indicates a need for strong organizational and communication skills, crucial for a junior role where workflow management is key to success. The mention of "light copywriting" and "copy-editing" suggests that the ideal candidate will have a foundational understanding of written communication alongside their design expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Arts, Design, Advertising Design, or a closely related field.

• Alternatively, candidates with 1–2 years of professional graphic design experience will be considered. Experience:

• 1-2 years of professional graphic design experience, with a focus on creating marketing and creative collateral.

• Experience working within a team environment, demonstrating collaboration and adaptability. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of Graphic Design Theory, including Typography, Color Theory, Composition, and Layout principles.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines.

• Experience with digital design tools such as Canva and Figma for rapid prototyping and collaborative design.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills for maintaining digital project files and project workflows. Preferred Skills:

• Illustration experience, adding a valuable dimension to creative output.

• Familiarity with video editing and animation software, specifically Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, for dynamic content creation.

• Background in advertising, marketing, education, fundraising, or non-profit sectors, providing relevant industry context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree OR equivalent experience (1-2 years) clearly defines this as an entry-level to junior position within the graphic design field. The explicit mention of both Canva and Figma alongside the Adobe Creative Suite indicates a modern design workflow that values both professional-grade tools and collaborative, user-friendly platforms. The preferred skills in video and illustration suggest areas for potential growth and specialization within the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling and diverse portfolio showcasing a wide range of creative projects, demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital design.

• Specific examples of print layouts (e.g., posters, flyers, brochures) and digital advertisements (e.g., social media graphics, banner ads).

• Inclusion of any video or animation work, if applicable, to highlight broader creative capabilities.

• Projects that clearly articulate the design problem, the creative solution, and the impact of the design. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, the ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery is crucial.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their workflow for managing multiple projects, collaborating with stakeholders, and incorporating feedback.

• Examples of how projects were organized and files were managed will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary mechanism for evaluating a candidate's design skills and experience. Emphasis should be placed on presenting a curated selection of work that directly aligns with the responsibilities outlined, particularly print and digital marketing collateral. The inclusion of video and animation is a strong plus, reflecting the preferred skills. The ability to discuss the design process and project management approach is essential for demonstrating organizational capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $26.00 - $31.00 per hour. Benefits:

• For all employees:

  • Employee PacSci Membership
  • Commuter Benefits
  • 403b Retirement Plan

• For full-time regular employees (40 hrs/week):

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Basic Life Insurance and Disability Insurance

  • 4 weeks of paid vacation

  • 12 paid floating holidays

  • Sick pay

  • Employee Assistance Program Working Hours:

• Standard work week is 40 hours.

• This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week onsite at the Pacific Science Center.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly pay rate of $26-$31 per hour for a Graphic Designer I in Seattle, WA, aligns with entry-level to junior designer positions in a major metropolitan area. The comprehensive benefits package, especially for full-time employees, is competitive and includes health coverage, retirement savings, and generous paid time off, reflecting the organization's commitment to employee well-being. The hybrid expectation of 3 days in-office is a key factor for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Science Museum / Non-profit Education

Company Size: Approximately 50-200 employees (based on typical non-profit science centers of this nature).

Founded: Pacific Science Center was founded in 1962, indicating a long-standing presence and deep roots in the Seattle community.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Marketing department.

• They will report directly to the Creative Manager.

• This role involves close collaboration with other marketing team members, as well as with various departments across the Science Center, including education, programming, and development. The small team environment necessitates a collaborative and supportive approach. Methodology:

• The organization emphasizes a mission-driven approach, focusing on igniting curiosity, discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking.

• There is a strong commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) in all aspects of work.

• Creative work is expected to align with the PacSci brand and mission, requiring an understanding of educational and scientific communication.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PacSci operates as a non-profit science museum, which often implies a culture that values mission impact, community engagement, and educational outreach. The explicit commitment to IDEA is a significant cultural aspect that candidates should understand and align with. The role's placement within the Marketing department and reporting to a Creative Manager suggests a structured creative process, but the emphasis on a "small team environment" points towards a need for flexibility and cross-functional support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Graphic Designer (Graphic Designer I)

This role is designed for individuals beginning their professional careers in graphic design. It offers foundational experience in creating marketing collateral for a mission-driven organization, with opportunities to develop core design skills and understand the nuances of non-profit marketing.

Reporting Structure:

The Graphic Designer reports to the Creative Manager, who will provide guidance, feedback, and project direction. This structure allows for mentorship and skill development under experienced leadership. Collaboration will extend to various teams within PacSci, offering exposure to different departmental needs and project types.

Operations Impact:

The Graphic Designer's work directly influences how PacSci communicates its mission, programs, and events to the public. High-quality, engaging visuals are crucial for attracting visitors, securing donations, and promoting educational initiatives. The designer's output contributes to the overall brand perception and effectiveness of the organization's outreach efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and expand into preferred areas like video editing (Premiere Pro, After Effects) and illustration.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide array of design projects for different departments, broadening portfolio and experience across various marketing channels and campaign types.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Graphic Designer II role or specialize in areas like digital design, motion graphics, or brand management within PacSci or the broader non-profit/museum sector.

• Professional Development: Potential for participation in industry workshops, webinars, or conferences relevant to graphic design and non-profit marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a "Graphic Designer I," this role is explicitly an entry point. Growth will likely involve mastering core design principles and software, then expanding into more specialized areas like motion graphics or illustration, as suggested by the preferred qualifications. The non-profit sector often provides opportunities for individuals to wear multiple hats, leading to diverse skill acquisition.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment with a requirement for onsite presence.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington. The Pacific Science Center is located at Seattle Center.

Workspace Context:

• The majority of work will be performed at a desk using a computer, requiring focus and attention to detail.

• The role necessitates close collaboration with the Creative Manager and other marketing team members, implying a shared workspace or regular in-person meetings.

• Access to standard office equipment and technology will be provided. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Hybrid model requires 3 days per week onsite. The specific days may be flexible and determined in coordination with the Creative Manager to ensure team collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with a mandatory 3 days in-office, suggests a collaborative team dynamic is highly valued. Candidates should be comfortable working in a shared office space and engaging with colleagues face-to-face for brainstorming, feedback, and project alignment. The location at Seattle Center is a prominent cultural hub, offering a dynamic work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• First Interview: Likely a virtual or in-person meeting with the Creative Manager to discuss experience, design philosophy, and fit with the PacSci mission. This stage will heavily focus on portfolio review, with the candidate expected to walk through selected projects.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A potential design challenge or practical exercise to evaluate problem-solving skills, creative approach, and proficiency with design tools under a time constraint. This might involve creating a quick concept for a specific marketing need.

• Final Interview: Meeting with other key stakeholders (e.g., Marketing Director, HR) to assess cultural fit, team collaboration capabilities, and overall suitability for the role and organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

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

• Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to explain the brief, your design process, the challenges you faced, your creative solutions, and the outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Versatility: Showcase your ability to work across different mediums and styles, demonstrating adaptability.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and any other relevant tools (Canva, Figma).

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

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with PacSci's current branding, marketing materials, and mission.

• Be prepared to demonstrate quick thinking and creative problem-solving skills related to design briefs.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your design choices support the objective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus and the emphasis on a portfolio, expect the interview process to heavily involve reviewing design work. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions, not just the "what," will be critical. A design challenge is highly probable for a graphic design role at this level.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are mandatory.

• Digital Design & Collaboration: Canva and Figma are required, indicating a need for proficiency in both professional-grade software and more accessible, collaborative platforms.

• Project Management: While not explicitly stated, candidates should be familiar with project management principles and potentially tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing tasks and deadlines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with basic analytics concepts for digital marketing would be beneficial, such as understanding engagement metrics for social media graphics or click-through rates for digital ads. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how marketing collateral fits into broader marketing campaigns managed through CRM systems may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is a baseline requirement. The explicit inclusion of Canva and Figma points to a modern workflow that values both professional output and agile, collaborative design processes. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to use these tools effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Discovery: A passion for learning and inspiring curiosity in others, reflecting PacSci's core mission.

• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): A commitment to creating and promoting equitable and accessible experiences for all.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a small team and across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Mission-Driven: Dedication to the educational and scientific outreach goals of the Pacific Science Center.

• Creativity & Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas and engaging visual solutions to marketing challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be a team player, actively contributing to a positive and supportive work environment.

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to iterate on designs based on input from the Creative Manager and other stakeholders.

• Proactive communication regarding project status, needs, and any encountered challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of IDEA and the mission-driven nature of PacSci are central to its culture. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these values and how they translate into creative work. A collaborative and communicative approach is essential for success in a small, mission-focused team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing and prioritizing numerous design requests from various departments with competing deadlines.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all creative output adheres strictly to PacSci's brand guidelines while also being innovative and engaging.

• Translating Complex Ideas: Developing visuals that effectively communicate scientific concepts or educational themes in an accessible and compelling manner.

• Adapting to Feedback: Incorporating constructive criticism and revisions from diverse stakeholders while maintaining design integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Skills: Opportunity to gain deeper expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and potentially learn motion graphics or video editing software.

• Non-Profit Marketing Insights: Gaining experience in the unique marketing landscape of museums and non-profit organizations.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse projects that can lead to future career opportunities in design.

• Cross-Departmental Understanding: Learning how design supports various organizational functions, from education to fundraising.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around project management and creative execution within the specific context of a science museum. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding design capabilities and understanding the non-profit sector's operational nuances.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a creative brief from conception to final delivery, especially when managing multiple projects."

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various design deliverables while still bringing creative innovation?"

• "Tell us about a time you received challenging feedback on a design project and how you handled it."

• "How do you approach designing for a specific audience, such as children or potential donors, for a science institution?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about PacSci's mission and how do you see your design skills contributing to it?"

• "How do you approach working in a collaborative, small-team environment, particularly with a strong emphasis on IDEA?"

• "Describe your understanding of the role of graphic design in a non-profit or educational setting." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose projects that best showcase your skills in print layout, digital advertising, and brand application. Include examples of your work with Canva/Figma and any video/animation if applicable.

• Narrative Focus: For each project, clearly explain the objective, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%").

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is clean, professional, and easy to navigate. Be ready to discuss specific design choices and rationale.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Be prepared to discuss how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect questions that probe your design process, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of PacSci's mission and values. Be ready to deeply discuss your portfolio pieces and articulate your thought process behind each design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant projects, focusing on print and digital marketing collateral, and any video/animation work. Ensure it demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and Figma.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 0-2 years of relevant experience, emphasizing skills in graphic design theory, software proficiency, project management, and collaborative teamwork. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your portfolio pieces, and how your skills align with PacSci's mission and IDEA values. Prepare to answer strategy and behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the Pacific Science Center's mission, current exhibits, marketing campaigns, and commitment to IDEA. Understand their brand aesthetic and target audiences.

⚠️ 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.