Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: University of Oklahoma Location: Norman, Oklahoma, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing & Communications Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-26 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years estimated) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation and execution of comprehensive graphic design packages and illustrations across all museum departments, including marketing, education, exhibits, and collections.
• Translate the museum's mission and vision into compelling visual communications for both print and digital media.
• Drive visual storytelling through design principles, ensuring brand consistency and effective audience engagement.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to departmental guidelines and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop impactful visual content for exhibitions, educational programs, and outreach initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data doesn't explicitly state "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations," the role's focus on marketing, public relations, and visual communication for a museum positions it within a broader "Operations" umbrella, specifically in the Marketing & Communications Operations domain. The emphasis on creating materials that convey the museum's mission and attract visitors aligns with operational goals of engagement and promotion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute original graphic design solutions for print and digital platforms, including brochures, newsletters, flyers, posters, annual reports, and web assets.
• Create engaging visual content and illustrations for permanent and temporary exhibitions, ensuring designs are contextually relevant and visually appealing to diverse audiences.
• Design comprehensive visual identities and branding for museum-wide initiatives, exhibitions, and outreach programs, collaborating closely with curators and staff.
• Produce and install exhibit graphics, including physical labels and specimen-specific information text panels, utilizing large format printing and potentially laser engraving technologies.
• Manage vendor relationships for the production of exhibition materials such as vinyls and banners, ensuring quality and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Support educational programs and community outreach by creating tailored print and digital materials for onsite, offsite, and online platforms.
• Apply exemplary design principles, including composition, balance, hierarchy, harmony, contrast, focal point, eye path, and color theory, to all visual outputs.
• Ensure all design projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget, managing resources effectively.
• Collaborate with external exhibit vendors and marketing teams to maintain brand consistency and contractual alignment for all public-facing materials.
• Assist with the installation of exhibit graphics and the setup/teardown of temporary exhibitions as needed, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a breadth of design application within a museum context, including exhibition graphics, promotional materials, and educational content. The "Departmental Preferences" section provides specific examples of design outputs that are crucial for candidates to understand and showcase in their portfolios, such as creating in-house exhibit identities and producing physical labels.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• Alternatively, 48 months of directly related professional experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree, resulting in a total of 60 months of qualifying experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 12 months of professional experience working as a Graphic Designer.
• Experience in creating designs for promotional, educational, and museum outreach materials is highly preferred.
• Experience with large format printers and laser engravers is a strong departmental preference.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, composition, balance, hierarchy, harmony, and contrast.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud applications (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Strong understanding of color theory and its application in visual communication.
• Excellent detail orientation for accuracy in data and information presentation.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines consistently.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with interdepartmental teams and contribute to collective initiatives.
• Strong visual communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information through design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for museum exhibitions, educational programs, or cultural institutions.
• Proficiency in web design principles and digital media creation.
• Experience in illustration for print and digital media.
• Familiarity with print production processes and vendor management.
• Knowledge of community outreach and public relations strategies related to visual marketing.
• Experience with laser engraving and large format printing equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is structured with a degree and 12 months of experience, or an equivalency clause for extensive related experience. This indicates a need for practical, hands-on design skills beyond academic learning. The preferred skills highlight a specific niche within graphic design related to cultural institutions and exhibition design, which candidates with such backgrounds should emphasize.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A physical or online portfolio showcasing a diverse range of past graphic work is mandatory for all applicants.
• The portfolio should demonstrate proficiency in applying design principles to various media, including print and digital.
• Showcase examples of designs for promotional, educational, and museum outreach materials to align with departmental preferences.
• Include case studies or project descriptions that highlight your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.
• Demonstrate your ability to create compelling visual content for exhibitions, ensuring alignment with thematic content and audience engagement goals.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should illustrate your workflow from concept development to final output, highlighting iterative design stages.
• Demonstrate how you incorporate feedback from stakeholders (curators, marketing teams, educators) into your design process.
• Showcase projects where you managed project timelines and budgets effectively, demonstrating organizational and project management skills.
• Include examples of how you've applied color theory and composition to enhance visual narratives and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio underscores its importance in evaluating a candidate's practical design skills and creative output. Applicants should curate their portfolios to specifically address the museum's needs, showcasing relevant project types and demonstrating a clear design process and understanding of visual impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a university position, specific salary ranges are often determined by institutional pay scales based on experience and education level. For a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Norman, Oklahoma, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between $45,000 and $60,000. This estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in higher education and cultural institutions in the region.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with potential employer matching (e.g., OU’s retirement plan options).
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.
• Tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for employees and potentially dependents.
• Access to university facilities and resources, such as libraries and recreational centers.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, training, and conference attendance.
• Opportunities for involvement in museum events and cultural programming.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time, 12-month staff position.
• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for exhibit installations or special museum events, with potential for compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since salary data was not provided, a reasonable estimation based on location, experience level, and industry (university) has been made. Benefits for university positions are generally robust, reflecting the sector's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Museum & Higher Education Company Size: Large (University of Oklahoma is a major public research university with a significant number of employees across various departments and campuses). Founded: The University of Oklahoma was founded in 1890. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has a history dating back to 1905, with its current building opening in 2000.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer reports to the Assistant Director of the museum.
• This role may supervise student employees, indicating a potential for mentorship and team leadership.
• Collaboration is expected across multiple museum departments, including Public Relations & Marketing, Education & Community Outreach, Exhibits, Visitor Services, and Collections & Research.

Methodology:

• Designs are expected to align with the museum's mission and vision, integrating across departments for cohesive messaging.
• Emphasis on applying design principles, including composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy, to create effective communications.
• Projects are managed for timely completion and adherence to budget, requiring organized workflow and resource management.
• Collaboration is key, involving input from curators, educators, and marketing teams for exhibition and outreach materials.

Company Website: https://www.ou.edu/ and https://www.ou.edu/samnoblemuseum

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the university and museum context is crucial. The culture likely balances academic rigor with public engagement and research. The Graphic Designer will be part of a larger institutional structure, requiring adherence to university-wide branding and operational guidelines while contributing to the museum's distinct identity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level professional capacity within the museum's operational support structure, focusing on specialized creative services. It requires demonstrated professional experience and the ability to work independently on projects.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports directly to the Assistant Director, indicating a clear line of communication and accountability for design projects and departmental contributions. The potential to supervise student employees suggests opportunities for developing leadership and mentorship skills.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the museum's ability to effectively communicate its mission, engage its audience, and promote its exhibitions and programs. High-quality visual assets are critical for visitor attraction, educational outreach, and overall brand perception, contributing indirectly to institutional goals and potentially revenue through increased visitor numbers and program participation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in exhibition design, digital media, or specific illustration techniques relevant to natural history.
• Leadership Development: Gain experience in supervising student employees, managing junior design tasks, and potentially leading small design projects.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Work closely with diverse teams (curators, educators, marketing), broadening understanding of museum operations and strategic communication.
• Project Management: Take on more complex and larger-scale design projects, enhancing project management and vendor coordination skills.
• Advancement: Potential to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, Art Director, or a related marketing/communications management position within the museum or university.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a blend of creative execution and operational support. Growth opportunities are tied to developing specialized design skills, gaining leadership experience, and expanding one's understanding of museum operations through cross-functional collaboration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Graphic Designer will work within the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, a large, public-facing institution. This environment is likely a combination of office space for design work and potentially studio or workshop areas for graphics installation.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Norman Campus, Norman, Oklahoma. This provides access to a university campus environment with associated amenities and resources.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include a dedicated desk or workstation equipped with necessary design software and hardware.
• Opportunities for collaboration exist with various museum departments, fostering a dynamic and interactive work environment.
• Access to printing facilities (large format printers) and potentially fabrication tools (laser engravers) may be part of the workspace.
• The environment encourages creativity and attention to detail, with a focus on producing high-quality visual materials.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday.
• Flexibility may be available, but the role requires presence on-site for installations and collaborative meetings.
• Occasional work outside standard hours might be necessary to meet exhibit deadlines or support special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a museum offers a unique environment that blends creative production with the mission-driven work of public education and research. The physical environment will support creative tasks, with opportunities for interaction across different museum functions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application, with particular attention to the submitted portfolio.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will likely be asked to present and discuss their portfolio, highlighting specific projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to articulate your creative decisions and how they align with project goals.
• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study may be given to assess design thinking, creativity, and proficiency with design software under timed conditions.
• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess collaboration skills, project management abilities, problem-solving strategies, and how you handle feedback and deadlines.
• Meet the Team: Interviews with the Assistant Director and potentially other key stakeholders from relevant departments (e.g., Exhibits, Marketing) to assess cultural fit and team integration.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 4-6 of your strongest and most relevant projects that demonstrate a range of skills and showcase your ability to meet the museum's specific needs (exhibits, promotional materials, educational graphics).
• Showcase Process: For each project, include a brief overview of the client/objective, your role, the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Visuals of sketches, drafts, and iterations are highly valuable.
• Highlight Museum Relevance: Prioritize projects that align with museum work, cultural institutions, or public engagement initiatives. If you have experience with exhibition design, print production, or illustrating scientific/natural history content, feature those prominently.
• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud and any other relevant design software or tools.
• Professional Presentation: Use a clean, organized, and visually appealing format for your portfolio (whether digital or physical). Ensure all links are working and that it's easily navigable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History's current exhibits, branding, and mission.
• Practice designing under time constraints, focusing on clear communication of design intent and rationale.
• Be prepared to articulate your understanding of design principles (composition, color theory, hierarchy) and how you apply them.
• Consider how you would translate complex information or scientific concepts into accessible visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical. Candidates should tailor their presentation to demonstrate direct relevance to the museum's functions and audience. A design challenge is probable, so preparation focusing on applying design principles and articulating thought processes is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential suite including Photoshop (image editing, digital graphics), Illustrator (vector graphics, logos, illustrations), and InDesign (layout, print design, publications). Proficiency in these is a core requirement.
• Large Format Printers: Experience operating or preparing files for large format printing (e.g., banners, posters, exhibit panels) is a strong departmental preference.
• Laser Engravers: Experience with laser engravers for creating physical labels or exhibit elements is also a preferred skill.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, basic understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement for campaigns) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but familiarity with content management systems (CMS) for web updates or digital asset management (DAM) systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud is paramount. The mention of large format printers and laser engravers indicates a hands-on aspect to the role, requiring familiarity with production-level design and output processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Alignment: A commitment to supporting the museum's mission of education, research, and public engagement through impactful design.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging original design solutions and new approaches to visual communication.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams across departments to achieve shared goals.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy, quality, and aesthetic consistency in all visual outputs.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Delivering projects on schedule and within budget, managing resources effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration is key, requiring open communication and active participation in project meetings with curators, educators, marketing specialists, and exhibit developers.
• A feedback-driven approach is expected, where designers incorporate constructive criticism to refine their work.
• Knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving are likely valued within the museum's operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative expression and organizational discipline. Collaboration is essential given the diverse stakeholders involved in museum operations and exhibition development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Institutional Constraints: Navigating university branding guidelines, budget limitations, and diverse stakeholder feedback while maintaining design integrity.
• Translating Complex Concepts Visually: Effectively communicating scientific, historical, or cultural information in an engaging and accessible manner for a broad audience.
• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling concurrent projects with varying deadlines and priorities across different museum departments.
• Staying Current with Design Trends and Technology: Continuously adapting to new design software, techniques, and digital platforms relevant to museum communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses focused on exhibition design, digital illustration, or advanced Adobe Creative Cloud techniques.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend design or museum association conferences to network and stay abreast of best practices.
• On-the-job Learning: Gaining practical experience with specialized equipment like large format printers and laser engravers.
• Mentorship: Learning from senior museum staff or potentially leading student interns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are rooted in the unique environment of a museum and university, requiring adaptability and strong project management. Growth is achievable through specialized skill development and exposure to diverse museum operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to translating a museum's mission into visual communication. How do you ensure your designs are both aesthetically compelling and functionally effective for different audiences?" (Prepare to discuss your principles of visual storytelling and audience-centric design.)
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine you're tasked with designing graphics for a complex exhibit on a niche scientific topic. How would you approach research, concept development, and collaboration with curators to ensure accuracy and engagement?" (Focus on your process, research methods, and stakeholder management.)
• Project Management: "How do you prioritize multiple design projects with competing deadlines? Describe a time you successfully managed a project with tight constraints." (Highlight your organizational skills, time management techniques, and ability to deliver under pressure.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Museum Understanding: "What attracts you to working with the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History specifically? What do you know about our current exhibits or mission?" (Research the museum's website thoroughly, familiarize yourself with its core areas of focus and recent exhibitions.)
• Teamwork: "Describe your experience working in a team environment. How do you handle feedback from colleagues or supervisors on your designs?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit, receptiveness to constructive criticism, and ability to integrate feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Narrative: For each piece, tell a story: What was the problem? What was your solution? What was the outcome? Quantify impact if possible (e.g., "This flyer increased event attendance by X%").
• Process Visualization: Show your thinking process – sketches, mood boards, wireframes, iterations. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills beyond the final polished piece.
• Technical Details: Be ready to discuss the software, techniques, and specific design choices you made and why. For exhibit graphics, discuss print preparation and material considerations.
• Relevance: Clearly connect your portfolio pieces to the requirements and preferences outlined in the job description. If you have museum-specific work, lead with that.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid design process, strong technical skills, and a clear understanding of how graphic design serves the broader operational and strategic goals of a cultural institution. Tailoring portfolio narratives to the museum's context is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application and resume through the official University of Oklahoma careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online or physical portfolio to prominently feature 4-6 of your most relevant design projects. Prioritize work that showcases your ability to create graphics for exhibitions, promotional materials, and educational content, demonstrating your proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and any experience with large format printing or laser engraving.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements and responsibilities that align with the job description. Use keywords such as "Graphic Design," "Illustration," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "Exhibition Design," "Print Production," and "Project Management." Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and how your work contributes to organizational goals. Prepare to answer behavioral questions about collaboration, time management, and handling feedback. Research the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History thoroughly to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the museum's mission, current exhibits, target audiences, and overall branding. Understand how your role as a Graphic Designer supports these objectives.

⚠️ 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.