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: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute compelling visual assets for diverse platforms including digital, print, and museum environments, ensuring consistent brand messaging.

• Manage the end-to-end print production process, from file preparation to vendor coordination, ensuring high-quality output.

• Act as a brand steward, upholding and evolving the museum's visual identity across all communications and physical spaces.

• Organize and maintain a comprehensive digital asset management system for all creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal in translating the museum's mission into engaging visual narratives. While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, the graphic designer's output directly supports marketing efforts, membership drives, and visitor engagement, all of which have a direct impact on revenue and operational efficiency. The emphasis on brand stewardship and visual consistency is crucial for a non-profit institution aiming to maximize its reach and impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop visually engaging assets for digital channels, including website landing pages, email newsletters, and social media campaigns (organic and paid).

• Design clear and effective wayfinding, directional, and safety signage to enhance visitor experience and navigation within the museum.

• Create impactful promotional signage such as banners, A-frames, vinyl decals, and window displays to drive awareness and engagement.

• Produce a range of printed collateral, including membership brochures, educational worksheets, event invitations, and camp guides.

• Manage prepress production, ensuring print-ready files, reviewing color proofs, and liaising with commercial print vendors.

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

• Regularly audit existing museum signage to ensure visual consistency, clarity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Maintain and organize the museum’s digital asset management system, including photos, illustrations, logos, and project archives.

• Collaborate with internal departments to enforce visual identity guidelines and support their communication needs.

• Support special projects and attend museum-wide trainings and meetings as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational management. The role requires not just artistic talent but also a strong understanding of production workflows, vendor management, and brand governance, which are key operational aspects within a marketing and communications function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional graphic design experience.

• Preference for candidates with experience in a museum, cultural institution, non-profit organization, or a creative agency environment. Required Skills:

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

• Deep understanding of commercial print production processes, including prepress file preparation, color management, and proofing.

• Strong knowledge of environmental material specification and best practices for physical signage.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and vendor interaction.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

• A creative and imaginative aesthetic balanced with exceptional organizational skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or CapCut.

• Familiarity with web/digital asset optimization and social media graphic creation.

• Experience with Figma or other prototyping/UI design tools.

• Knowledge of digital asset management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "equivalent professional experience" clause provides flexibility for candidates with strong portfolios but non-traditional educational backgrounds, a common practice in design roles. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud is standard, but the inclusion of Premiere Pro, After Effects, Figma, and CapCut as "strong pluses" indicates a growing need for multimedia capabilities within design roles, aligning with modern marketing demands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, including digital assets (social media, web banners), print collateral (brochures, invitations), and environmental graphics (signage concepts).

• Demonstrations of brand stewardship, including examples of applying and maintaining visual identity guidelines.

• Case studies or project examples that highlight the design process from concept to final execution, detailing problem-solving and creative decision-making.

• Evidence of technical proficiency in print production, including examples of prepress-ready files or discussions of vendor collaboration.

• Work samples that reflect an understanding of designing for diverse audiences, particularly children and families, in an educational or cultural context. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design workflow, from initial brief and concept development to final asset delivery and archiving.

• Ability to articulate the steps involved in managing print production, including vendor communication, proofing, and quality control.

• Understanding of how to organize and maintain digital assets for efficient retrieval and reuse.

• Experience in auditing and updating visual elements to ensure brand consistency across various touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is paramount. The requirements emphasize not just the final product but also the process, problem-solving, and operational aspects of design execution, such as print production management and asset organization. This aligns with the need for designers to be efficient and effective contributors to the museum's operational goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range is $26 - $32 per hour.

• This hourly rate translates to an annual salary range of approximately $54,080 - $66,560 for a full-time equivalent position.

• Given this is a part-time role at 25 hours per week, the annual compensation would be approximately $33,800 - $41,600. Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Provides employees with paid leave for vacation, sick days, or personal needs.

• 401(k) with employer match: A retirement savings plan where the employer contributes a matching amount to employee contributions, enhancing long-term financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offers confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

• Museum Membership: Provides free access to the museum for the employee and potentially family members, offering a valuable perk and connection to the organization's mission.

• Free Parking: Convenient and cost-saving amenity for employees commuting to the on-site location.

• Referral Program: Incentives for employees who refer successful candidates for open positions.

• Pet Insurance: Supplemental insurance coverage for employees' pets, adding to the comprehensive benefits package. Working Hours:

• This is a part-time position, requiring approximately 25 hours per week.

• Flexibility in the work schedule is required, including potential weekend and occasional evening hours, to accommodate museum events and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a part-time, mid-level graphic design role in the Chicago metropolitan area, considering the specific industry (non-profit museum). The benefits package is robust for a part-time position, indicating the organization's commitment to employee well-being and retention. The requirement for flexible hours, including weekends, is common for roles supporting public-facing institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Museum / Non-profit / Education

Company Size: Typically, organizations like Kohl Children's Museum are considered medium-sized non-profits, often employing between 50-200 full-time equivalent staff, with a larger number of part-time educators and support staff. This size allows for a close-knit community feel while providing structured operational departments.

Founded: Established in 1991, the Kohl Children's Museum has a long history of serving children and families in the greater Chicago area, indicating a stable and mission-driven organization.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Director or Communications Manager, working within a Marketing & Communications department.

• This department collaborates closely with Program Development, Visitor Services, Development (fundraising), and Education teams.

• The team structure in a non-profit often involves cross-functional collaboration, where individuals may contribute to various initiatives beyond their core role. Methodology:

• The museum's approach to design is expected to be child-centered, educational, and engaging, balancing creativity with accessibility and clarity.

• Emphasis is placed on maintaining a consistent brand identity to build recognition and trust within the community.

• Design projects are likely driven by programming schedules, exhibition needs, and marketing campaigns, requiring agile project management and adaptability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the non-profit and museum context is crucial. The culture likely emphasizes mission impact, community engagement, and resourcefulness. The design output needs to resonate with families and educators, requiring a blend of creativity and educational purpose. The "part-time" nature means this role might be ideal for someone seeking flexibility or supplementing other work, but the required on-site presence and flexibility still demand a strong commitment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It's an individual contributor role focused on execution within the marketing and communications function.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Marketing Director or Communications Manager. This structure provides a clear chain of command for project briefs, feedback, and performance reviews. Collaboration will be a key aspect, working with various internal stakeholders to understand their design needs.

Operations Impact: While not directly managing revenue streams, the Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the museum's ability to attract visitors, members, and donors. High-quality visual communications enhance brand perception, drive attendance at events, support fundraising campaigns through compelling collateral, and contribute to an engaging visitor experience. Effective design can lead to increased program participation and membership renewals, indirectly boosting revenue and operational sustainability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as environmental graphics, digital advertising, or motion graphics if video editing skills are developed.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, the designer may take on more complex projects or lead design aspects of specific campaigns or exhibitions.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Potential to learn about other areas of museum operations, such as education, programming, or development, through collaborative projects.

• Advancement: Potential progression to a Senior Graphic Designer role or a specialized design lead position within a larger organization, or a move into a broader marketing or creative management role with additional experience and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a part-time graphic designer in a non-profit might be different from a full-time corporate role. The emphasis here is on skill enhancement, project ownership, and gaining experience within the unique museum environment, which can be valuable for future roles in cultural institutions or related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is strictly "On-site," meaning the designer will work from the museum's facilities in Glenview, IL. This allows for direct collaboration with other departments and immersion in the museum's environment.

Office Location(s): Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview, IL. The museum is located in a suburban area, with free parking available for employees.

Workspace Context:

• The designer will likely have access to a dedicated workspace within the museum's offices, equipped with necessary design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for informal collaboration with marketing, education, and programming teams will be readily available due to the on-site nature of the role.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic and family-focused, with the potential for exposure to children and educational activities, which can be inspiring for creative work.

• Access to museum spaces for inspiration and for understanding the context of the graphics being designed. Work Schedule:

• This is a part-time role (25 hours per week).

• The schedule will require flexibility, potentially including weekends and occasional evenings, to meet operational demands and event schedules. Specific hours will be arranged with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is significant for this role. It emphasizes the need for direct interaction and understanding of the physical museum space and its visitors. The flexible, part-time schedule, combined with the on-site nature, requires careful consideration from applicants regarding their availability and commitment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative style.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, and their process. This may include a practical design challenge or exercise related to museum branding or visitor communication.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with similar projects. Questions may focus on how the candidate handles feedback, manages deadlines, and collaborates with stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or department head to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the skills required for this role (digital, print, signage, brand consistency).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize any experience with non-profits, educational institutions, or children-focused design.

• Include Specific Examples: If you have examples of signage design, digital ad campaigns, or print collateral similar to what the museum produces, feature them prominently.

• Prepare for Technical Discussion: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and your understanding of print production and digital optimization.

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

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a design challenge that might involve creating a social media graphic, a simple flyer, or conceptualizing signage for a specific museum area.

• Focus on understanding the museum's brand and target audience.

• Demonstrate creativity, adherence to brand guidelines (if provided), and efficient execution within a given timeframe.

• Be prepared to articulate your design rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Applicants should prepare to not only showcase their work but also to articulate their design thinking and operational approach to project execution. The potential design challenge emphasizes practical application of skills relevant to the museum's ongoing needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:

  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
  • Photoshop: Crucial for image editing, photo manipulation, and digital asset creation.
  • InDesign: Key for layout design, brochures, worksheets, and print collateral.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) System: While a specific system isn't named, proficiency in organizing and managing digital files is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analysis role, the designer will need to understand how their digital assets perform. Familiarity with social media analytics or website traffic data that relates to visual content engagement would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are managed and deployed could provide context for asset creation. Preferred Tools:

• Adobe Premiere Pro / CapCut: For video editing, useful for social media content or promotional videos.

• After Effects: For motion graphics and animation, enhancing digital content.

• Figma: Increasingly used for UI/UX design, web assets, and collaborative design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are standard for graphic design. The "preferred" tools indicate a desire for a designer who can contribute to richer digital media content, aligning with modern marketing trends. The mention of a DAM system highlights the operational need for organized asset management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the museum's educational mission and its impact on children and families.

• Creativity & Playfulness: Embracing a fun, imaginative, and child-centered approach to design.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams across the museum to achieve shared goals.

• Brand Consistency: Upholding the museum's visual identity to ensure a cohesive and professional presentation.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: Making the most of available resources and time to produce high-quality work, especially critical in a non-profit setting.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will need to work closely with marketing, education, and programming teams, understanding their needs and translating them into visual solutions.

• Feedback Incorporation: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and timely communication regarding project status, potential issues, and creative recommendations.

• Shared Vision: Contributing to a collective effort to enhance the museum's outreach and visitor experience through effective design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely a blend of professional operational standards for a non-profit organization and a creative, child-focused environment. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to adapt their design style and communication to suit this unique setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Designing engaging visuals while strictly adhering to brand guidelines and the museum's educational mission.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Catering to the design requests from multiple departments, each with potentially different priorities and aesthetic preferences.

• Adapting to a Fast-Paced Environment: Responding quickly to evolving museum programming, events, and marketing needs, often with tight deadlines.

• Leveraging Limited Resources: Producing high-quality creative output within the budget and time constraints typical of a non-profit organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Expanding Design Skillset: Opportunities to learn new software (e.g., video editing, motion graphics) or specialize in areas like environmental graphics or digital design.

• Understanding Museum Operations: Gaining insight into how design supports broader museum functions like education, fundraising, and visitor experience.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse projects that can lead to future career advancements in the museum, non-profit, or creative sectors.

• Networking: Building professional relationships within the museum and potentially with external vendors and partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to many design roles, particularly in non-profits, but framing them as opportunities for growth and skill development is key. The museum environment itself offers unique learning experiences beyond technical design skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative freedom with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on demonstrating adherence to brand while still producing innovative work).

• "How do you prioritize design requests when multiple stakeholders have urgent needs?" (Highlight your project management and communication skills).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a piece of print collateral, from initial concept to final print-ready file." (Emphasize your understanding of the production workflow and attention to detail).

• "How would you approach designing graphics for a children's museum audience?" (Showcase your understanding of age-appropriateness, engagement, and educational value in design). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a children's museum specifically?" (Connect your passion for design with the museum's mission).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how would you apply them to a museum context?" (Demonstrate a balance of creative awareness and practical application).

• "Describe your experience working with a digital asset management system or organizing large volumes of creative files." (Highlight your organizational skills and understanding of asset lifecycle). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story: the problem, your solution, and the result.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any measurable outcomes of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates on digital ads, positive feedback on signage).

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your selected projects highlight your ability to design for different mediums and audiences.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your software proficiency and any challenges or unique solutions related to production.

• Enthusiasm for the Mission: Express genuine excitement about contributing to the museum's goals through your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also operational awareness – understanding deadlines, production, brand consistency, and stakeholder management. The portfolio presentation is critical for showcasing practical application and creative problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this In-House Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP portal link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in graphic design, print production, digital asset management, and brand stewardship, using keywords from the job description. Emphasize any experience in non-profit or educational settings.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online or digital portfolio is up-to-date and showcases projects relevant to the museum's needs (digital assets, print collateral, signage). Be ready to discuss your process and rationale for key pieces.

• Research the Museum: Familiarize yourself with the Kohl Children's Museum's mission, current exhibits, programming, and overall brand aesthetic. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview questions.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and discussing your design process, particularly focusing on how you would address the museum's specific needs and challenges.

⚠️ 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.