In-House Graphic Designer (On-site)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: In-House Graphic Designer (On-site)

Company: KOHL CHILDRENS MUSEUM OF GREATER CHICAGO INC

Location: Glenview, IL, US

Job Type: Part Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-25T17:42:00

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design high-quality visual materials that inspire, educate, and engage children and families across print, digital, and physical museum environments.

• Manage visual consistency and brand stewardship for the museum's identity across all communication channels.

• Create engaging graphics for digital platforms, including website, email newsletters, and social media campaigns.

• Develop effective signage solutions for wayfinding, promotions, and exhibits within the museum building.

• Oversee prepress production and coordinate with print vendors to ensure high-quality collateral and advertising materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for maintaining and evolving the Kohl Children's Museum's visual brand identity. The focus is on creating accessible, vibrant, and functional design solutions for a diverse audience, blending creative storytelling with practical application within a cultural institution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide range of visual assets for digital channels, including website landing pages, email newsletters, and social media campaigns (organic and paid).

• Develop comprehensive signage solutions, encompassing wayfinding graphics, directional signage, maps, safety graphics, and promotional displays like banners, A-frames, vinyl decals, and window graphics.

• Create and manage print collateral, including membership brochures, educational worksheets, summer camp guides, event invitations, and other promotional materials.

• Oversee the entire prepress production process, ensuring print-ready files are correctly prepared, color proofs are reviewed, and communication with commercial print vendors is seamless.

• Act as a brand steward by strictly enforcing visual identity guidelines across all internal departments and actively contributing to the evolution of the museum's visual aesthetic.

• Organize, maintain, and manage the museum’s digital asset management system (DAMS), ensuring all photos, illustrations, logos, and finalized project archives are up-to-date and easily accessible.

• Execute advertising campaigns across various media, including out-of-home (OOH) placements, billboards, transit ads, print magazines, and localized digital ad networks.

• Conduct regular audits of existing museum signage to ensure ongoing visual consistency, clarity, and compliance with brand standards.

• Collaborate with internal departments to understand their design needs and translate them into effective visual communications.

• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned to support the museum's marketing and communications efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a significant emphasis on brand management and production coordination. The need to audit existing signage and manage a DAMS indicates a focus on organizational efficiency and long-term asset integrity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communications, or a closely related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have worked within a museum, cultural institution, non-profit organization, or a creative agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating vector graphics, image manipulation, and layout design.

• Deep understanding of commercial print processes, including file preparation, color management (CMYK), and working with different paper stocks and finishing techniques.

• Knowledge of environmental material specifications for signage and displays, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal in physical spaces.

• Proficiency in web and digital asset optimization, understanding file formats, resolution, and best practices for online platforms.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet competing deadlines effectively.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear articulation of design concepts and collaboration with stakeholders.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive museum information and projects. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or CapCut for creating dynamic visual content.

• Familiarity with motion graphics software like After Effects for animated elements.

• Experience with collaborative design and prototyping tools such as Figma.

• Knowledge of social media graphics and asset optimization for various social media platforms.

• Experience managing and organizing digital asset management systems (DAMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "expert proficiency" in Adobe Creative Cloud and a "deep understanding" of print and digital optimization suggests a need for a designer who can hit the ground running with technical skill and a strong grasp of production realities. The "playful, imaginative aesthetic" combined with organizational skills points to a unique blend required for a children's museum environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating proficiency across print, digital, and environmental graphics.

• Include examples of branding or brand stewardship, illustrating the ability to maintain visual consistency and enforce guidelines.

• Present case studies of projects that required problem-solving or creative solutions for specific communication challenges.

• Highlight experience with prepress production, demonstrating an understanding of preparing files for commercial printing.

• Feature examples of signage design, including wayfinding or promotional graphics, to show an understanding of physical space application. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you've managed project workflows from concept to completion, highlighting efficiency and organization.

• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with stakeholders and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

• Illustrate your understanding of file management and organization, particularly in relation to digital asset management systems.

• Show evidence of creative problem-solving in design challenges, focusing on how you met project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate a practical understanding of production processes, brand management, and the ability to create functional designs for diverse applications within a museum setting. A clear demonstration of workflow management and stakeholder collaboration will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $29 - $36 per hour. This range reflects the part-time nature of the role and the specified experience level for a Graphic Designer in the Glenview, IL area.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services

• Complimentary Museum Membership for personal enjoyment and family

• Free Parking on-site for employees

• Referral Program for employees who refer successful candidates

• Pet Insurance options

Working Hours: This is a part-time position requiring approximately 25 hours per week. Flexibility in the work schedule is expected, potentially including occasional evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines and museum operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on current market data for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the Chicago metropolitan area, adjusted for a part-time role. The benefits package is quite comprehensive for a part-time position, particularly the 401(k) match and PTO, indicating the museum's commitment to its employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Kohl Children's Museum operates within the cultural and educational sector, specifically focusing on children's museums and non-profit organizations. This industry demands creativity, a strong mission-driven approach, and an understanding of engaging young audiences and their families.

Company Size: The provided information does not specify company size, but as a museum, it likely operates with a dedicated team across various departments including education, operations, marketing, and visitor services.

Founded: The Kohl Children's Museum was founded in 1995. This history suggests a well-established institution with a clear mission and established operational processes.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing and Communications department, working closely with marketing managers, content creators, and potentially exhibit designers.

• The role is described as "None" for supervisory responsibilities, indicating it is an individual contributor position.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring interaction with program developers, educators, and potentially operations staff for signage implementation. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary function for a graphic designer, understanding audience demographics and engagement metrics for digital content may inform design choices.

• Workflow Planning: The designer must plan their workflow to manage multiple design projects, from initial concept and client brief to final asset delivery and production.

• Automation & Efficiency: While direct automation may be limited, efficient file management, template utilization, and clear communication with vendors contribute to operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a children's museum requires a unique blend of professionalism and creativity. The culture likely values educational impact, playfulness, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community. The designer will need to align their work with the museum's mission to inspire learning through play.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry to mid-level individual contributor within the creative and marketing functions. It offers a focused path for a graphic designer to specialize in museum and non-profit communications, developing expertise in brand stewardship and multi-platform design.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer likely reports to a Marketing Manager, Director of Marketing & Communications, or a similar leadership role within the department. This structure provides guidance and oversight for design projects and brand consistency.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the museum's public image, visitor experience, and ability to communicate its mission and offerings effectively. High-quality visuals enhance engagement, drive attendance, and support fundraising efforts by presenting a professional and compelling brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized areas like environmental graphics, exhibit design integration, or digital interactive design. Gain experience managing larger-scale campaigns or more complex design systems.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities to attend industry workshops or webinars focused on museum design, non-profit marketing, or emerging design software and trends. Potential for cross-training in areas like basic animation or video editing.

• Leadership Potential: While not a management role, demonstrating strong project leadership, mentorship of interns (if applicable), and strategic design thinking could open doors to senior designer or lead designer positions within larger organizations or specialized agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a part-time role, growth is often measured by skill acquisition and increased responsibility within the existing framework, rather than rapid advancement to management. The focus here would be on becoming an indispensable creative asset to the museum.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the designer to work from the museum's facilities in Glenview, IL. The workspace is expected to be a professional office environment within the museum, likely shared or dedicated, with access to necessary design equipment and resources.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is at the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview, IL. This location offers free parking for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The designer will be part of a team and will need to collaborate with marketing, education, and potentially exhibit teams. This interaction is key to understanding project briefs and ensuring design alignment.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud) will be provided. The environment will support the creation of both digital assets and physical print/signage materials.

• Team Interaction: Regular meetings and informal discussions with colleagues will be part of the daily routine, fostering a collaborative atmosphere focused on the museum's mission.

Work Schedule: The position is part-time, approximately 25 hours per week. While standard office hours may apply, flexibility is required, including potential work on weekends and occasional evenings to meet project deadlines and support museum events. This flexibility is crucial for a role that may involve last-minute signage needs or event promotions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement means candidates should be comfortable working within a physical museum environment, which may include some exposure to visitor activity. The flexibility in hours is a key aspect to consider for work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic alignment with the museum's brand.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A more in-depth discussion of your portfolio, focusing on specific projects, your design process, and your problem-solving approach. This may include a practical design exercise or a case study presentation.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Meeting with the hiring manager and potentially other team members to evaluate your communication skills, ability to collaborate, and fit with the museum's mission-driven culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader to confirm suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in print, digital, and environmental graphics. Prioritize work that shows your ability to create engaging visuals for family or educational audiences.

• Showcase Process: For each project, include a brief overview of the challenge, your creative process, the tools used, and the final outcome or impact. Highlight any instances of brand stewardship or adherence to guidelines.

• Highlight Production Knowledge: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of print production, signage specifications, or digital optimization. If possible, show a piece that involved vendor coordination.

• Tailor to the Museum: If you have experience with non-profit work, children's brands, or museum-related projects, make sure these are prominent. Explain how your design approach aligns with the Kohl Children's Museum's mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, a simple flyer, or a signage concept based on a given brief. Focus on speed, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design choices clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain your rationale behind color choices, typography, and layout for any project presented.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would handle feedback from non-designers or multiple stakeholders. Demonstrate an ability to translate feedback into design improvements while maintaining the integrity of the original concept.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate a practical understanding of production processes, brand management, and the ability to create functional designs for diverse applications within a museum setting. A clear demonstration of workflow management and stakeholder collaboration will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Expert proficiency is required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for vector graphics, photo editing, and page layout.

• Adobe Premiere Pro / CapCut: Experience with video editing software is a strong plus for creating dynamic digital content.

• Adobe After Effects: Familiarity with motion graphics software is desirable for animated elements.

• Figma: Experience with collaborative design and prototyping tools is preferred.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct requirement, understanding how design assets perform on digital platforms (website analytics, social media engagement) can be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role. Other Relevant Technologies:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Experience with organizing and managing digital assets is a plus.

• Prepress Software/Workflows: Understanding of file preparation for various printing methods.

• Web/Digital Asset Optimization: Knowledge of optimizing images and graphics for web and mobile use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud. The "plus" skills in video editing and motion graphics suggest opportunities for the designer to expand their capabilities and contribute to more diverse media formats if they possess these skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Imagination: A core value for a children's museum, fostering innovative and engaging designs that spark curiosity.

• Playfulness & Engagement: Designing with a sense of fun and interactivity to connect with young audiences and their families.

• Brand Stewardship: Upholding and evolving the museum's visual identity with consistency and integrity across all touchpoints.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Creating designs that are clear, easy to understand, and welcoming to diverse audiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with internal departments to achieve shared goals and support the museum's mission.

• Efficiency & Organization: Managing projects effectively, meeting deadlines, and maintaining organized digital assets.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will work closely with marketing, education, and potentially exhibit teams, requiring clear communication and an understanding of different departmental needs.

• Feedback-driven Process: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project objectives are met.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing design expertise and insights to team discussions and projects, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture of a children's museum is typically vibrant, mission-oriented, and family-focused. The designer should embody these qualities, bringing enthusiasm and a creative spirit to their work while maintaining professionalism and a commitment to the museum's educational goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Developing imaginative designs that also adhere to strict brand guidelines, budget limitations, and production requirements for a non-profit.

• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing for a broad range of audiences, from young children and their parents to educators, donors, and museum staff, requiring versatile design approaches.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Platforms: Ensuring a unified visual identity across print, digital, signage, and potentially exhibit elements, which can be complex to manage.

• Adapting to Evolving Needs: Responding to the dynamic nature of museum programming and marketing campaigns, which may require quick turnarounds on design assets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like environmental graphics, exhibit signage, or digital asset optimization.

• Industry Trends: Staying current with design trends, software updates, and best practices relevant to museums, non-profits, and children's brands.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining insights into other museum departments (e.g., education, marketing strategy) which can inform design decisions and broaden understanding of organizational goals.

• Portfolio Expansion: Consistently adding new, impactful projects to the portfolio through successful execution of museum initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a creative role within a non-profit cultural institution. The growth opportunities focus on leveraging these challenges to build specialized skills and professional experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual concept for a new campaign or exhibit. How do you ensure it aligns with the brand and resonates with the target audience?" (Focus on your creative process, research, and audience consideration.)

• "How do you manage feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially when there are conflicting opinions on a design? Provide an example." (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance creative vision with strict production constraints or a limited budget. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your understanding of practical limitations and efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a children's museum, and specifically the Kohl Children's Museum?" (Research the museum's mission, current exhibits, and values.)

• "How would you describe your design aesthetic, and how do you see it fitting with our museum's brand?" (Be ready to articulate your style and connect it to the museum's playful, educational, and engaging identity.)

• "How do you stay organized and manage your time when working on multiple projects with competing deadlines?" (Emphasize your organizational skills and time management strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story that includes the challenge, your creative solution, the tools you used, and the impact or results.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is easy to navigate and visually appealing. Use high-resolution images and clean layouts.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out projects that demonstrate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, print production, and digital asset optimization.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only your design skills but also your understanding of the museum's mission and your ability to translate that into effective visual communication. Be prepared to discuss your creative process and how you handle project management in a collaborative, non-profit environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this In-House Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=b1675674-6ebc-41d1-8d8e-f02a931004c4&jobId=659062

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 5-8 design projects that showcase your versatility across print, digital, and environmental graphics. Prioritize work demonstrating brand stewardship, creative problem-solving, and an understanding of production processes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight specific achievements and responsibilities relevant to this role, such as experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, prepress production, signage design, and working within non-profit or institutional environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear explanations of your design process, rationale, and the outcomes of your projects. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with the Kohl Children's Museum's mission.

• Research the Museum: Familiarize yourself with the Kohl Children's Museum's mission, current exhibits, target audience, and overall brand aesthetic. This will be crucial for answering culture-fit questions and demonstrating genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.