Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: The Mariners' Museum
Location: Newport News, Virginia, US
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: October 11, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Conceptualize, design, and execute compelling visual content across digital and print platforms to elevate brand identity and engagement for The Mariners' Museum.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support marketing campaigns, website design, digital media initiatives, and museum-wide projects.
• Apply advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, After Effects) to create visually impactful assets.
• Leverage a strong understanding of design trends, digital storytelling, and user-centered design principles to optimize content effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the museum's Multimedia Team, suggesting a focus on enriching visitor experience and public outreach through design. The emphasis on digital platforms, including website UX/UI, social media, and motion graphics, indicates a need for a designer adept at modern digital communication strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain branded visual content for a variety of digital and print media, including social media graphics, website elements, email newsletters, on-site signage, brochures, and presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, curatorial, and education departments, to ensure brand consistency, message alignment, and design integrity across all touchpoints.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of The Mariners’ Museum website, focusing on UX/UI best practices and supporting CMS updates to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Implement responsive design, accessibility standards (WCAG), and SEO best practices into all digital content creation to maximize reach and engagement.
• Create engaging social media graphics, motion graphics, video assets, and digital advertisements optimized for various platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Support marketing campaign development from initial concept through final execution, ensuring creative output aligns with strategic goals and target audience demographics.
• Maintain and contribute to a centralized digital asset library and update the museum's brand style guide to ensure consistent visual representation.
• Translate complex ideas, historical narratives, and museum initiatives into clear, compelling visual concepts and layouts.
• Analyze engagement metrics from digital platforms and iterate on designs to optimize impact and achieve campaign objectives.
• Provide essential graphic design support to other departments as required, adapting design solutions to meet diverse needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic thinking, requiring the designer to not only create visually appealing assets but also understand their role in broader marketing and engagement strategies. The inclusion of CMS updates and SEO best practices suggests a need for a designer who is comfortable working within web content management systems and understands digital marketing fundamentals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Visual Communications, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience in graphic design, with a preference for experience within an in-house marketing team, a nonprofit organization, or a cultural institution.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, and After Effects.
• A strong, diverse portfolio demonstrating expertise in both digital and print design, showcasing a range of creative projects and problem-solving approaches.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles and how they relate to digital content creation and website design.
• Familiarity with analytics tools, such as Google Analytics and Meta Insights, to inform design strategy and measure content performance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly.
• A meticulous eye for detail, visual balance, typography, color theory, and overall composition.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with branding and identity systems development, including brand guidelines and asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred" qualification for branding experience suggests that candidates with a deeper understanding of brand strategy and system development will be highly regarded, indicating potential for the role to evolve into more strategic brand stewardship. The requirement for analytics tool knowledge points to a data-informed approach to design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that showcases a diverse range of design projects, including examples of digital graphics (social media, web banners, email campaigns), print collateral (brochures, signage), and potentially motion graphics or UX/UI mockups.
• Demonstrations of how design solutions addressed specific project goals or challenges, highlighting the problem-solving process.
• Examples of work that adhere to brand guidelines or demonstrate an ability to develop and maintain consistent branding.
• Visualizations of website elements or user interface designs, illustrating an understanding of user experience and responsive design principles.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a systematic approach to design, from concept generation and sketching to final execution and asset delivery.
• Examples of how design processes were adapted to meet project constraints, timelines, or specific client needs.
• Case studies or project descriptions that detail the iterative design process, including feedback incorporation and revisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio link or attachment emphasizes the critical nature of visual work samples. Applicants should curate their portfolios to prominently feature projects relevant to the museum's context, such as exhibition graphics, educational materials, or digital storytelling, and clearly articulate their role and impact in each project.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive full-time benefits package, which typically includes:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) or similar)
  • Life insurance
  • Potential for professional development opportunities

Working Hours: This is a full-time, exempt position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet event deadlines or project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided as a starting point. The mention of an "excellent full time benefits package" suggests a competitive offering beyond base salary, which is common for established institutions like The Mariners' Museum. Candidates should inquire about specific benefit details during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Mariners' Museum operates within the cultural institution and museum sector, focusing on maritime history, science, and art. This dictates a culture that values education, preservation, public engagement, and storytelling.

Company Size: The Mariners' Museum is a significant institution, suggesting a mid-to-large sized organization with various specialized departments. This implies opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to diverse operational functions.

Founded: Founded in 1930, The Mariners' Museum has a long-standing history, indicating a stable organization with established traditions, a wealth of historical context to draw upon, and a deep commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Multimedia Team, which likely collaborates closely with Marketing, Communications, Curatorial, Education, and Digital departments.
• Reporting likely occurs to a Creative Director, Multimedia Manager, or Marketing Director, with project-specific direction from various department heads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring the designer to work with subject matter experts, marketing strategists, and digital content managers.

Methodology:

• Design processes are expected to be user-centered and data-informed, leveraging analytics to guide creative decisions.
• Workflow planning will involve project management tools and methodologies to handle multiple ongoing projects and deadlines.
• Automation may be explored for repetitive design tasks or asset management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a museum, The Mariners' Museum likely fosters a mission-driven culture where creativity supports educational and outreach goals. The designer's work will contribute directly to how the museum communicates its stories and engages its audience, both physically and digitally.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is typically considered a mid-level position, requiring 4+ years of experience. It offers a good balance of creative contribution and project management, serving as a stepping stone for more senior design roles.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Multimedia or Marketing department. This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in creative or marketing leadership.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the museum's brand perception, audience engagement, and the effectiveness of its marketing and educational initiatives. High-quality visual content is crucial for attracting visitors, communicating complex information, and maintaining a professional, compelling online and offline presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like motion graphics, UX/UI design, or digital campaign strategy through professional development and project exposure.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success, potential to lead design projects, mentor junior designers (if applicable), or take on more strategic branding responsibilities.
• Industry Specialization: Gaining deep experience within the museum and cultural institution sector, which can lead to specialized career paths in museum marketing and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation for a career in visual communications within the cultural sector. Growth is likely tied to expanding design capabilities, taking on more complex projects, and demonstrating a strategic understanding of how design supports the museum's mission.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, meaning the Graphic Designer will work from The Mariners' Museum's facilities. This provides direct access to museum resources, staff, and a stimulating environment rich in historical and maritime context.

Office Location(s): 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606-3757. The museum is a prominent institution in the area, likely situated in a well-appointed facility designed for public engagement and internal operations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be within the Multimedia or Marketing department, fostering collaboration with colleagues.
• Access to standard office equipment, design software, and potentially museum-specific resources for inspiration and content gathering.
• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of museum professionals, from curators to marketing specialists.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While exempt, flexibility may be required for specific events or critical deadlines, aligning with the operational needs of a museum.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site at a museum offers a unique environment that can inspire creativity and provide context for design projects. The collaborative nature of a museum environment means the designer will be exposed to various perspectives, enriching their understanding of audience needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume, cover letter, and required portfolio.
• First Interview: Likely a conversation with the hiring manager (e.g., Multimedia Manager or Marketing Director) to assess experience, skills, cultural fit, and understanding of the museum's mission. This stage will also involve initial discussion about portfolio highlights.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A potential exercise or in-depth review of the candidate's portfolio. This may involve presenting specific projects, discussing design rationale, and demonstrating problem-solving skills related to museum-specific scenarios.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members or department heads to ensure alignment and answer any final questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with digital media, social media graphics, web design elements, print collateral, and branding. If possible, include work that aligns with educational or cultural content.
• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your role, the objective, your design process, challenges faced, and the outcome. Use visual examples to illustrate your problem-solving approach.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud applications mentioned in the job description.
• Tailor to the Museum: If possible, create a mock-up or concept for a museum-related project to show initiative and understanding of their context.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate (if digital), and free of errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Museum Context: Research The Mariners' Museum's current exhibitions, marketing campaigns, target audience, and overall mission.
• Practice Articulating Design Decisions: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design choices, not just what you designed. Focus on how your designs meet objectives and engage specific audiences.
• Prepare for Digital Focus: Anticipate questions about social media best practices, responsive design, and creating assets optimized for various digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the potential for a design challenge mean that candidates should dedicate significant time to preparing and refining their visual work samples and practicing their presentation skills. Demonstrating an understanding of the museum's unique context will be a key differentiator.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, After Effects are explicitly required. Proficiency in these is paramount.
• Web Content Management System (CMS): Experience with CMS platforms for website updates will be beneficial.
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with organizing and managing large volumes of digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: For understanding website traffic, user behavior, and content performance.
• Meta Insights (Facebook/Instagram Analytics): For social media engagement metrics.
• Other Social Media Analytics Tools: Familiarity with native analytics on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems that integrate with design assets (e.g., for email marketing) could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite. Experience with web analytics and CMS is crucial for ensuring digital designs are effective and maintainable. Candidates should be ready to discuss how they use these tools to inform their design process and measure success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Creativity: A commitment to using design skills to further the museum's mission of education, preservation, and engagement.
• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders across departments.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to design, ensuring accuracy, brand consistency, and high-quality execution.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Willingness to tackle new challenges, adapt to changing project needs, and find creative solutions to design problems.
• User-Centered Focus: Designing with the museum visitor and online audience in mind, prioritizing accessibility and engaging experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to collaborate closely with marketing, digital teams, and potentially curators to develop visual strategies that support specific initiatives.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, best practices, and new trends with the team and other departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The museum environment likely emphasizes a collaborative spirit where design serves a broader purpose. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they integrate with teams and contribute to a shared mission through their creative work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Juggling design requests from multiple departments, each with unique objectives and audiences, while maintaining brand consistency.
• Digital Evolution: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving digital design trends, platform requirements (social media, web), and user expectations.
• Resource Constraints: Potentially working within budget or timeline limitations common in non-profit organizations, requiring resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.
• Translating Complex Content: Effectively visualizing historical narratives and scientific concepts into accessible and engaging designs for a broad audience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in motion graphics, UX/UI design, or advanced digital illustration through internal projects or external training.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend relevant design conferences or workshops focused on digital media, museum communication, or cultural institution marketing.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced marketing and multimedia professionals within The Mariners' Museum.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth by tackling diverse design challenges and expanding skill sets within a unique institutional context. The challenges are framed as opportunities for learning and professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing design priorities from different stakeholders. How did you manage the process and ensure successful outcomes?" (Focus on project management, communication, and prioritization skills.)
• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and SEO on digital platforms? Can you provide an example of how you’ve implemented these principles?" (Assess understanding of digital best practices and user-centered design.)
• "Walk us through a design project from your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was the objective, your process, and the impact of your design?" (Focus on storytelling, problem-solving, and results demonstration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Mariners' Museum and this specific Graphic Designer role?" (Research the museum's mission, exhibitions, and recent campaigns.)
• "How do you stay current with design trends, especially in digital media and social platforms?" (Demonstrate passion for continuous learning.)
• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with non-designers or subject matter experts. How do you ensure clear communication and alignment?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., digital, print, motion graphics).
• Tell a Story: For each selected project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, execution, and the results. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign).
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how each project showcases your proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, digital media, and brand consistency.
• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, tools used, and how you would adapt your skills to the museum's specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design process in detail and articulate how their work contributes to broader organizational goals, especially within a museum context. Demonstrating an understanding of the museum's mission and audience will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position at The Mariners' Museum:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.
• Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to highlight relevant experience, particularly in digital design, Adobe Creative Cloud proficiency, and any experience within non-profits or cultural institutions.
• Prepare a design portfolio (link or attachment) that prominently features work samples relevant to this role, showcasing both digital and print design capabilities, and demonstrating your problem-solving process.
• Be ready to discuss specific projects from your portfolio during the interview process, articulating your role, design rationale, and the impact of your work.
• Research The Mariners' Museum thoroughly to understand its mission, current exhibitions, and target audiences, so you can effectively communicate your interest and how your skills align with their needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Mariners' Museum hiring team before making application decisions.