Production Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Production Graphic Designer

Company: Minnesota Historical Society

Location: St Paul, MN, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 3, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute and produce high-quality visual design materials across various platforms, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to established design directions.

• Manage the efficient production of print and digital assets, including advertising, brochures, flyers, posters, and reports, to support program objectives.

• Maintain and organize approved visual assets, enforcing brand standards and ensuring quality assurance for all design outputs.

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external partners to streamline production workflows and maintain efficient operational processes within the Creative Services team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a historical society, implying a need for design that is both modern in execution and respectful of historical context, requiring a nuanced approach to visual identity. The emphasis on "production" suggests a focus on execution and adherence to existing brand guidelines rather than concept generation, though creative problem-solving within constraints will be key.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute visual designs for a range of materials, including digital and print advertisements, brochures, flyers, posters, and reports, ensuring alignment with program objectives and established brand guidelines.

• Coordinate with internal departments and external vendors (e.g., printers, digital media platforms) to ensure efficient production workflows and timely delivery of design assets.

• Source, organize, and maintain a library of approved visual assets, ensuring accessibility and proper usage across multiple platforms.

• Conduct quality assurance checks on all design files to ensure accuracy, adherence to brand standards, and readiness for print or digital deployment.

• Prepare press-ready and digital-ready files, understanding the technical requirements for various output mediums and ensuring optimal results.

• Support the Creative Services team by managing production schedules, tracking project progress, and contributing to process optimization efforts.

• Collaborate with marketing, communications, and program teams to understand design needs and translate them into effective visual communications.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of brand style guides and asset management protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on execution, asset management, and workflow efficiency, typical of a production-focused design role. The need to coordinate with "internal and external partners" suggests strong interpersonal and project management skills are crucial for success in managing the flow of design projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of two years of professional experience in graphic design production, with a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality visual assets.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in design production, including the creation of print and digital materials.

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

• Experience with layout design and photo editing techniques.

• Familiarity with preparing files for both print and digital media.

• Working knowledge of digital and print file formats and their appropriate applications.

• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects, meet deadlines, and maintain high work standards.

• Strong attention to detail and project management capabilities.

• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently as a self-motivated individual. Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience with a variety of print formats, from brochures to large-format signage.

• Experience with video editing and motion graphics software.

• Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems and best practices.

• Knowledge of digital encoding and file compression techniques.

• Experience in copywriting and editing for marketing or communications materials.

• Familiarity with project management software such as Trello, Asana, Teamwork, or Basecamp.

• Experience in an agency setting (advertising, marketing, PR) or an internal marketing department.

• Experience with design processes and methodologies relevant to production environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize hands-on execution and technical proficiency with design software and file preparation. Preferred skills indicate opportunities for candidates with broader experience in areas like video, DAM, and project management tools to differentiate themselves, suggesting a potential for growth within the role or team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects that demonstrate proficiency in executing established brand guidelines and producing high-quality print and digital assets.

• Examples showcasing experience with layout design, photo editing, and typography across various media (e.g., brochures, ads, web graphics, signage).

• Case studies or project descriptions that highlight your role in the production process, including file preparation for print and digital outputs.

• Demonstrations of efficient workflow management and problem-solving in production scenarios, emphasizing timely delivery and adherence to project scope. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed project timelines, organized visual assets, and ensured brand consistency in previous roles.

• Documentation or descriptions of your process for preparing final files for print vendors and digital platforms, including specific checks and considerations.

• Evidence of systematic approaches to quality assurance and attention to detail in design production.

• Any documentation related to workflow optimization or process improvements you have implemented or contributed to within a design or production team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should clearly emphasize production capabilities, brand adherence, and workflow efficiency. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their systematic approach to design production, file management, and quality control, reflecting the "production" aspect of the title.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $56,118.40 - $61,297.60 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Eligibility to participate in the State Employee Group Insurance Program, providing comprehensive health coverage.

• Participation in a state retirement program with employer contributions, supporting long-term financial security.

• Generous accrual of vacation and sick time, allowing for work-life balance and personal well-being.

• Additional paid holidays, contributing to increased paid time off throughout the year.

Working Hours: Full-time, regular position, approximately 40 hours per week, totaling approximately 2080 annual hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific and clearly stated. The benefits package is typical for state employees in Minnesota, offering robust health insurance, retirement, and generous paid time off, which are significant advantages for long-term career stability. This compensation structure is competitive for a production-focused graphic design role in the public sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Historical Society / Museum / Non-profit / Government. The Minnesota Historical Society operates within the cultural heritage sector, focusing on preserving and interpreting Minnesota's history. This context implies a mission-driven environment where design serves to educate, engage, and inform the public about historical content.

Company Size: The Minnesota Historical Society is a significant state agency, likely employing hundreds of individuals across various departments and historical sites. This size suggests a structured organizational environment with established processes and potential for cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: The Minnesota Historical Society was founded in 1849, making it one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the United States. This long history underscores a deep commitment to its mission and a legacy that the graphic design will help to represent and communicate.

Team Structure: The Production Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative Services team, likely reporting to a Creative Director or Design Manager. This team is responsible for all visual communication needs of the MNHS. Collaboration is expected with marketing, communications, curatorial, and education departments, as well as external vendors.

Methodology: The Creative Services team likely employs a structured approach to design production, balancing creative execution with strict adherence to brand guidelines and production timelines. Emphasis will be placed on efficient workflows, asset management, and quality control to ensure consistent and high-quality visual output across all MNHS initiatives.

Company Website: www.mnhs.org

📝 Enhancement Note: The non-profit and historical context suggests a culture that values mission, education, and public service. The "Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173" designation indicates that this role is part of a union, which may influence certain work procedures and employee relations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an experienced individual contributor position, focusing on the execution and production of design assets rather than high-level conceptualization or team leadership. It sits within the operational arm of the creative department, ensuring that visual communications are produced efficiently and effectively.

Reporting Structure: The Production Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Manager or Director within the Creative Services department. They will collaborate closely with other designers, marketing specialists, and content creators.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is crucial for maintaining the Minnesota Historical Society's visual identity and brand consistency across all communication channels. High-quality, on-brand design production directly supports the organization's mission by effectively communicating its programs, exhibitions, and historical narratives to a broad audience, thereby increasing engagement and public awareness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design production areas such as large-format printing, digital asset management, or prepress workflows.

• Process Improvement: Take on responsibilities for refining production processes, implementing new asset management strategies, or contributing to workflow automation within the Creative Services team.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with different departments within MNHS, understanding their unique communication needs and contributing to broader organizational projects.

• Advanced Design Techniques: With experience and initiative, potentially move into roles with more conceptual design responsibilities or explore specialized areas like motion graphics or video editing if desired and supported.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is production-focused, opportunities for growth exist in process optimization, specialized technical skills, and broader organizational understanding, aligning with typical career paths in operational creative roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based at the History Center in St. Paul, MN, indicating a professional office environment within a public institution. This environment typically fosters collaboration and adherence to established protocols.

Office Location(s): History Center - 345 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102. This is a central location in downtown St. Paul, likely accessible via public transportation and offering amenities typical of a city center.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities to interact with fellow designers and members of the Creative Services team.

• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware (Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace) will be provided.

• The environment will require focused work on detailed design production tasks, necessitating a well-equipped and organized personal workspace.

• Opportunities for cross-functional interaction with marketing, communications, and program staff will be available.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time, on-site position. While the role emphasizes meeting deadlines, flexibility within the standard work week may be available, subject to team and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role implies a structured work environment where direct collaboration and adherence to organizational routines are expected. The location in a major city center is a significant advantage for accessibility and integration into the local professional community.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit resume, cover letter, and portfolio link through the MNHS career center.

• Screening: Applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

• Portfolio Review: A crucial step where candidates' portfolios will be assessed for design production quality, technical skill, brand adherence, and project management capabilities.

• First Interview: Likely a behavioral and skills-based interview with the hiring manager and potentially a senior designer, focusing on experience, problem-solving, and workflow management.

• Second Interview/Skills Assessment: May involve a practical design exercise or a more in-depth discussion about production processes, file preparation, and brand application. This could also include meeting additional team members.

• Final Interview: Potentially with department leadership, focusing on cultural fit, long-term contributions, and alignment with the MNHS mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Production Excellence: Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to execute designs efficiently, accurately, and on-brand. Focus on the "production" aspect – file preparation, adherence to specifications, and final output quality.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Include examples that clearly utilize InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop for layout, illustration, and photo editing. Show your understanding of their specific applications in a production context.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Provide examples where you've successfully applied existing brand guidelines to create cohesive materials across different platforms.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially in managing workflows, preparing files, and collaborating with others.

• Organize for Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing, with clear descriptions for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prep for Production Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you handle tight deadlines, manage multiple projects, troubleshoot production issues, and ensure final file integrity for print and digital.

• Brand Guideline Application: Prepare to discuss how you interpret and apply brand guidelines, and how you would handle situations where guidelines might be unclear or conflicting.

• Workflow Discussion: Be prepared to talk about your ideal production workflow, how you manage assets, and how you collaborate with team members and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and potential skills assessment suggests that practical demonstration of design production skills and adherence to brand standards will be key evaluation criteria. Candidates should tailor their portfolios to highlight these aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop are essential for layout, vector graphics, and image editing. Proficiency in preparing files from these applications for various outputs is critical.

• Google Workspace: Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides will be used for documentation, collaboration, and basic presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this production role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics on digital platforms might be beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics reporting for web content could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Trello, Asana, Teamwork, or Basecamp is desired for workflow tracking and team collaboration.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience with DAM systems is a preferred skill, indicating the organization may use such a system for managing their visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are firmly within the Adobe Creative Suite. The mention of Google Workspace and preferred project management/DAM tools indicates the broader technology ecosystem the designer will operate within, focusing on efficient collaboration and asset organization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the Minnesota Historical Society's mission of preserving and sharing Minnesota's history.

• Quality & Accuracy: A dedication to producing high-quality, accurate, and on-brand visual materials that reflect positively on the organization.

• Efficiency & Collaboration: Valuing streamlined production processes, effective teamwork, and clear communication to achieve project goals.

• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to design execution, file preparation, and asset management, ensuring professionalism in all outputs.

• Integrity & Respect: Upholding the historical significance of the institution and fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with marketing, communications, and program teams to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual assets.

• Process-Oriented: Engaging in structured workflows for project intake, design execution, review, and final delivery.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive feedback from peers and stakeholders to refine designs and ensure they meet objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share best practices in design production and asset management with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances creative output with the operational demands of a large public institution, emphasizing accuracy, efficiency, and mission alignment. The unionized environment may also shape aspects of the team's collaborative norms.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Volume and Quality: Managing a high volume of design requests while consistently maintaining high production standards and brand integrity.

• Adhering to Brand Guidelines: Ensuring strict adherence to established brand guidelines across diverse projects and stakeholders, especially when creative input is limited.

• Technical File Preparation: Mastering the intricacies of preparing files for various print and digital outputs to avoid production errors and ensure optimal results.

• Workflow Coordination: Effectively coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to keep production timelines on track, managing potential bottlenecks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Production Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific production areas like large-format printing, color management, or digital asset workflows.

• Process Optimization: Contributing to the refinement and improvement of the Creative Services team's production processes and asset management systems.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying current with design production software updates, file format requirements, and emerging digital media standards.

• Cross-departmental Understanding: Gaining insight into the broader strategic goals of MNHS and how design production supports them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a production role, focusing on execution under pressure and maintaining standards. Growth opportunities lean into specialized production skills and operational efficiency improvements, aligning with a career path in design operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a design brief from concept to final, production-ready file for both print and digital." (Focus on workflow, software, file prep, QA).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of materials when working with established brand guidelines?" (Highlight attention to detail, understanding of brand elements).

• "Walk us through a complex production project you managed. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them to meet deadlines?" (Showcase project management, problem-solving, and execution skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Minnesota Historical Society, and how do you see your design skills supporting our mission?" (Research MNHS's mission, recent exhibitions/programs).

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or team member. How did you manage the relationship and ensure the project's success?" (Focus on communication, problem-solving, and teamwork).

• "How do you prioritize your workload when faced with multiple urgent design requests?" (Demonstrate organizational skills and strategic prioritization). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Production: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the specific production challenges, the tools used, and the final output specifications.

• Showcase File Prep: Be ready to demonstrate or discuss your process for preparing files for print (e.g., CMYK, bleed, resolution) and digital (e.g., RGB, file formats, optimization).

• Highlight Brand Application: Explain how you applied the brand guidelines and any creative problem-solving within those constraints.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs contributed to measurable outcomes (e.g., event attendance, engagement metrics), be prepared to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating practical production skills, understanding of brand integrity, and ability to manage workflow efficiently within a mission-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Production Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application online through the Minnesota Historical Society's career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest design production work, emphasizing print and digital asset creation, brand adherence, and technical file preparation. Include clear descriptions of your role and the project's production process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights your 2+ years of relevant experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with project management or asset management tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that articulates your interest in the Minnesota Historical Society's mission and explains how your production design skills align with the role's requirements, particularly your ability to execute efficiently and maintain brand standards.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Minnesota Historical Society's current initiatives, exhibitions, and overall brand identity to demonstrate your understanding and genuine interest during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.