Graphic Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Design Manager

Company: Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: January 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversees the definition and execution of the Kamin Science Center's visual identity, ensuring brand consistency across all marketing and communication channels.

• Develops and creates engaging visual concepts and assets for a wide range of outreach materials, including paid advertising, digital platforms, and print collateral.

• Manages the end-to-end design process for various initiatives, from brainstorming and concept development to production and vendor management.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams and external vendors to ensure project goals, deadlines, and budgets are met.

• Drives strategic leadership for the design function, creatively planning projects and prioritizing key initiatives to enhance audience engagement and expand reach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Marketing Operations, focusing on the strategic and managerial aspects of design to support the Kamin Science Center's brand and outreach efforts. The emphasis is on maintaining brand integrity, driving creative output, and managing the operational flow of design projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Stewardship: Manage and uphold brand standards across all marketing and communication channels, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to style guides.

• Creative Asset Development: Conceptualize and produce artwork for paid advertising, digital content (website, email, social media), print materials, internal/external signage, presentations, and collateral.

• Initiative Promotion: Design creative and engaging assets to promote strategic initiatives, exhibitions, events, and unique experiences offered by the Science Center.

• Video & Digital Content Creation: Oversee the creation of compelling short-format promotional videos and website graphics tailored to target audiences.

• End-to-End Project Management: Guide design projects from inception through completion, including concept research, design approvals, and production management with external vendors.

• Vendor & Budget Management: Procure production quotes, provide pricing options, and manage external vendors for print, photo, and video services.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with internal departments and external partners to define project scope, challenges, and optimal production methods.

• Production Oversight: Manage production processes with internal teams and outside vendors to ensure timely and budget-compliant project delivery.

• Stakeholder Approvals: Lead and facilitate the approval process for all design projects with internal and external stakeholders.

• Asset Library Management: Organize and maintain the museum's photo asset library, ensuring accessibility for internal and external requests, and conduct photography for key projects as needed.

• Marketing Support: Provide design support for broader communications initiatives and Marketing team projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative leadership and operational management, typical for a manager role in a marketing department. The emphasis on vendor management, budget considerations, and cross-functional collaboration underscores the operational aspects of this design-focused position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in graphic design or a related communications field.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in creating and managing content across a diverse range of marketing and communication assets.

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

• Proficiency in video editing tools such as CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Canva video.

• Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS).

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent understanding and application of organizational brand guidelines.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.

• Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Passion for science and STEM education.

• Experience with photography and photo asset management.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies and project management software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation in design software, coupled with essential project management and communication skills. The preference for experience in cultural organizations and a passion for STEM highlights the specific context of the role within a museum setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including paid advertising, digital marketing assets, print collateral, and video content.

• Demonstrations of ability to translate brand guidelines into consistent and compelling visual narratives across multiple platforms.

• Examples of creative concept development and execution for specific campaigns or initiatives.

• Evidence of managing design projects from concept through final production, including collaboration with stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design workflows are managed, from initial brief to final delivery, highlighting efficiency and collaboration.

• Documentation of how brand consistency is maintained across various projects and channels.

• Evidence of experience working with content management systems and understanding digital asset workflows.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and organize digital assets, such as photo libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should prepare a portfolio that not only displays creative skill but also demonstrates a structured approach to design project management, brand consistency, and cross-functional collaboration, reflecting the operational demands of the role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Eligibility for Carnegie Museums' comprehensive benefits package.

• This typically includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, and disability coverage.

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

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week.

• Standard working hours are expected to be during business days, with potential for occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines or attend events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on typical compensation for similar roles in Pittsburgh, PA, considering the experience level and management scope. The benefits are inferred from standard offerings for full-time employees at established cultural institutions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Museums & Cultural Institutions, Science & Technology Education

Company Size: Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is a large organization, employing over 500 people. This size indicates a structured environment with established processes and a diverse range of departments. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for collaboration across many functions and potential for specialized roles.

Founded: Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh was founded in 1895, signifying a long-standing history and a strong legacy in the region. This deep heritage suggests a commitment to preservation, education, and community impact, which can influence the pace and nature of operational initiatives.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design Manager reports to the Director of Marketing Operations, indicating a direct line within the marketing function.

• The role will collaborate extensively with other marketing team members, as well as internal departments such as curatorial, education, visitor services, and fundraising.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, a modern museum likely uses audience data and engagement metrics to inform design choices and campaign effectiveness.

• Collaborative Workflow: The description emphasizes collaboration, suggesting a team-oriented approach to project planning and execution.

• Brand-Centric Approach: A strong focus on maintaining brand standards indicates a methodical approach to visual identity management.

• Vendor Management: A structured process for managing external vendors is crucial for efficient project delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's historical significance and mission-driven nature likely shape its culture. Operations roles here would benefit from an understanding of the balance between artistic integrity, educational outreach, and visitor experience, supported by robust marketing operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a management position, overseeing the graphic design function. It sits at a mid-to-senior level within the marketing department, requiring both creative expertise and leadership capabilities. The scope involves strategic planning, project oversight, and vendor management, indicating significant responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Design Manager reports to the Director of Marketing Operations. This structure implies that the role is integral to the operational efficiency of the marketing department, focusing on the execution and delivery of marketing materials.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Design Manager's work directly impacts the Science Center's public image, brand perception, and effectiveness of its marketing campaigns. Strong visual branding and compelling design are crucial for attracting visitors, securing funding, and communicating the museum's mission and educational value, thereby contributing significantly to revenue generation and institutional success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to a Director-level role within Marketing Operations or a broader Creative Director position, depending on organizational structure and individual development.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of design (e.g., motion graphics, digital product design) or expand into broader marketing strategy roles.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a comprehensive understanding of museum operations by working across departments, potentially leading to roles in strategic planning or program management.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to best practices in museum design and marketing, potentially through industry conferences or publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a well-established institution, allowing for both vertical advancement and horizontal skill development, particularly valuable for operations professionals seeking to deepen their impact in mission-driven organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Pittsburgh, PA, and is described as on-site. This suggests a traditional office environment within the Kamin Science Center or a related Carnegie Museums facility.

Office Location(s): Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Specific office locations would be within the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh campus, likely in proximity to the marketing and communications departments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Design work will involve close collaboration with marketing colleagues, curators, educators, and development teams, necessitating an environment conducive to teamwork and idea exchange.

• Creative Resources: Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially a photo studio or equipment for asset creation will be provided.

• Museum Setting: Working within a museum offers a unique and stimulating environment, surrounded by science and exhibits, which can be inspiring for creative professionals.

• Pace: The role is described as fast-paced, requiring adaptability and efficiency in a mission-driven setting.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time (40 hours per week).

• Primarily standard business hours, Monday to Friday.

• Flexibility may be required for events, exhibition openings, or critical project deadlines, potentially involving occasional evenings or weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of physical presence for collaboration and engagement within the museum's operational structure, offering a dynamic and inspiring work setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes for minimum qualifications.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio and may undergo a skills-based assessment or a preliminary interview focused on design capabilities and project management experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth interview with the Director of Marketing Operations to discuss experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and fit with the team.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from other departments (e.g., Marketing, Curatorial, Development) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of diverse needs.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or executive to discuss overall fit and strategic vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (branding, digital, print, video). Prioritize projects that demonstrate impact and problem-solving.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Brand Consistency: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to maintain and evolve a brand identity across different media.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly indicates your expertise with Adobe Creative Suite and video editing tools.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to show the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, successful fundraising campaigns).

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects relevant to a museum or cultural institution setting, if available, and highlight your passion for science and education.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that may involve creating assets for a hypothetical exhibition, event, or fundraising campaign.

• Focus on demonstrating your ability to work under pressure, think creatively, and adhere to brand guidelines.

• Practice presenting your design rationale clearly and concisely, explaining your strategic choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants should prepare a robust portfolio that highlights not only creative output but also strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to deliver measurable results, which are key for operations-focused roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design, photo editing, and illustration (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Video Editing Software: Proficiency required in tools like CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Canva video for creating promotional and short-format videos.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience working with website CMS platforms is necessary for managing digital content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a direct tool for the Graphic Design Manager, understanding how design impacts analytics and reporting metrics is crucial. This may involve:
  • Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand digital asset performance.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but familiarity with how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on creative software. Operations professionals in this role should be adept at using these tools efficiently and understand how their output integrates into broader marketing technology stacks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to generate fresh, engaging visual concepts that capture attention and communicate effectively.

• Brand Integrity: A deep commitment to maintaining and upholding the Kamin Science Center's visual identity and brand standards across all touchpoints.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, share ideas, and contribute to collective goals.

• Mission-Driven Impact: A passion for supporting the Science Center's mission of inspiring curiosity and increasing science literacy through effective design.

• Efficiency & Organization: A methodical approach to project management, ensuring timely delivery and organized asset management.

• Attention to Detail: A commitment to accuracy, quality, and adherence to best practices in all design outputs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with marketing, curatorial, education, and development teams to understand their needs and translate them into compelling visual assets.

• Feedback Incorporation: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and achieve project objectives.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project timelines, deliverables, and potential challenges.

• Partnership with Vendors: Building strong working relationships with external vendors to ensure seamless production and high-quality results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values creativity aligned with a strong mission and a collaborative, results-oriented approach. Operations professionals will find success by demonstrating adaptability, strong communication, and a commitment to the museum's educational goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Innovation: Ensuring all designs adhere to established brand guidelines while still being fresh, engaging, and innovative.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating effectively with diverse internal departments, each with unique communication objectives and aesthetic preferences.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines in a Fast-Paced Environment: Delivering high-quality design work on time for frequent exhibitions, events, and marketing campaigns.

• Adapting to Evolving Digital Trends: Staying current with new design tools, formats, and digital platforms to ensure marketing materials remain relevant and effective.

• Budgetary Constraints: Optimizing creative output and vendor management within allocated budgets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, or explore new design technologies.

• Industry Workshops & Conferences: Attending events focused on museum marketing, graphic design, or digital media to stay abreast of trends and best practices.

• Leadership Skill Development: Training in project management, team leadership, and strategic planning to enhance managerial capabilities.

• Cross-Departmental Learning: Gaining insights into museum operations, education, and fundraising through collaboration, broadening understanding of the institution's overall mission.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Continuously building a strong portfolio with impactful projects that showcase evolving skills and strategic contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex creative challenges within a respected institution, fostering professional growth through continuous learning and development in both design and operational management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a visual identity for a new exhibition on [specific science topic] while ensuring it aligns with the Kamin Science Center's overall brand?" - Preparation: Think about your process for understanding a new brief, researching the subject matter, and translating it into visual concepts within brand constraints.

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a design project. How did you resolve it?" - Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) story focusing on your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Kamin Science Center and Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh specifically?" - Preparation: Research the museum's current exhibitions, educational programs, and mission. Connect your passion for science/education to their work.

• "How do you see your role contributing to the Science Center's mission of inspiring curiosity and increasing science literacy?" - Preparation: Think about how strong visual communication can enhance public engagement with science and encourage learning.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each selected project, don't just show the final output. Explain the problem, your strategic approach, the design process, key decisions, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, event attendance, positive feedback).

• Highlight Process Management: Showcase your ability to manage projects, work with vendors, and meet deadlines. This is crucial for an operations-focused role.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools and techniques you used and why.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions about your work and discuss your design philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency, strong communication, and a clear understanding of how design supports the institution's mission and business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your design portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate brand management, cross-channel campaign execution, and effective vendor collaboration. Prioritize case studies showing measurable impact and strategic problem-solving.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of graphic design experience, management responsibilities, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and video editing tools, and any experience within cultural or non-profit sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership style, and how you manage projects and stakeholders. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present key portfolio pieces. Research the Kamin Science Center's current initiatives and target audiences.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Kamin Science Center's mission, current exhibitions, and marketing efforts. Understand the broader Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh organization and its values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.