Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA PS1)

Location: Long Island City, NY, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Art & Design / Creative & Media / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and implement comprehensive creative concepts and visual systems for exhibitions, programs, and institutional communications, ensuring a cohesive and evolving visual identity across all platforms.

• Design and produce a wide range of graphics for print, digital, environmental, and experiential applications, including exhibition materials, website assets, marketing collateral, and signage.

• Collaborate closely with curatorial, development, visitor engagement, and marketing teams, as well as external developers, artists, and vendors, to translate strategic priorities into compelling visual solutions.

• Manage design projects from initial concept through final production, overseeing scope, budgets, timelines, and approvals to ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to deadlines.

• Maintain and evolve MoMA PS1's brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and integration with The Museum of Modern Art's design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer, indicating a need for independent project leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor or guide junior designers or external resources. The emphasis on "developing and implementing creative concepts and visual systems" suggests a strategic design role rather than purely execution-focused.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute high-level creative strategies and visual systems for MoMA PS1's exhibitions, programs, campaigns, and overarching brand initiatives, translating editorial and strategic objectives into impactful visual narratives.

• Produce a diverse array of graphic materials, including exhibition identities, title walls, wall texts, graphic murals, object labels, print collateral, website graphics, digital applications, marketing collateral, out-of-home advertising, and fundraising materials.

• Serve as the primary design liaison for exhibition graphics, working directly with curatorial teams and artists to ensure accurate and visually compelling representation of artworks and concepts.

• Oversee the design and ongoing maintenance of exhibition and wayfinding signage, ensuring adherence to ADA standards and accessible design best practices to enhance visitor experience.

• Act as the design lead for MoMA PS1's website, collaborating with external developers to ensure the digital platform effectively extends the museum's visual identity and supports programmatic goals and user accessibility.

• Manage the full lifecycle of design projects, including defining project scope, managing budgets and timelines, securing necessary approvals, overseeing external vendor relationships and production processes, and coordinating with all internal and external stakeholders.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with the design, digital, marketing, and communications teams at The Museum of Modern Art, ensuring alignment and sharing updates on MoMA PS1's brand and style guide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic project management. The emphasis on "translating strategic and editorial priorities into compelling visual solutions" and "managing projects from concept through final production" suggests the need for strong organizational skills and the ability to influence design direction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Graphic Designer role.

Experience:

• Five to seven years of progressive professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions for cultural institutions or related organizations.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing complex brand systems and visual identities. Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio is essential, showcasing exceptional conceptual development, visual storytelling, art direction, typography, motion graphics, and a high level of craft across print, digital, environmental, and campaign applications.

• Brand Systems: Deep understanding of brand systems and the ability to create sophisticated design solutions that balance institutional consistency with creative expression.

• Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Digital Design Tools: Proficiency in Figma and experience with motion design tools such as After Effects.

• Web Technologies: Familiarity with HTML and CSS is preferred, indicating an understanding of digital design implementation.

• Project Management: Proven ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects from concept to completion, prioritize tasks, and proactively solve problems.

• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, artists, external partners, and vendors.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of emerging creative technologies and their application in design.

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) for website updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "preferred skills" section implies that candidates with experience in web development basics (HTML/CSS) and exposure to newer creative technologies will have a competitive edge, especially given the role's involvement with the website and digital applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Conceptual Strength: Demonstrate the ability to develop original and compelling design concepts that align with project objectives and target audiences.

• Visual Storytelling: Showcase how you translate complex ideas or narratives into clear and engaging visual communications across various media.

• Brand System Development: Include examples of creating or evolving brand identities, style guides, and ensuring consistent application across diverse touchpoints.

• Cross-Platform Application: Present work that effectively spans print (exhibition graphics, publications, collateral) and digital (website, social media, digital advertising) platforms.

• Craftsmanship & Execution: Highlight meticulous attention to detail in typography, layout, color, and overall aesthetic quality.

• Process Documentation: Briefly explain your design process for key projects, including research, ideation, iteration, and final execution, emphasizing problem-solving approaches.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Illustrate your approach to managing design projects from brief to final delivery, including stakeholder communication and feedback integration.

• System Implementation: Provide examples of how you've applied design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across different applications.

• Measurement & Analysis: While not a direct operations role, demonstrating how your design choices support specific goals (e.g., visitor engagement, campaign effectiveness) through measurable outcomes is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, the portfolio is a critical component. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also the strategic thinking behind the design, project management capabilities, and the ability to work within established brand frameworks while pushing creative boundaries. Demonstrating an understanding of how design impacts visitor experience and institutional goals will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 annually.

This range is set for a Senior Graphic Designer role in New York City, a high cost-of-living area, reflecting the required experience level and the responsibilities within a prominent cultural institution.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 20 days paid vacation leave, 10 days paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days.

• Retirement Savings: Participation in a 401(k) savings plan.

• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including life insurance, medical/health insurance, visual insurance, and dental insurance.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Transit FSA, Health FSA, and Dependent Care FSA to help manage pre-tax expenses.

• Pension Plan: Participation in a pension plan, offering long-term financial security.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While a standard workweek, the role may require flexibility for exhibition openings, events, or project deadlines, common in the arts and cultural sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Graphic Designer in New York City, especially within the non-profit arts sector. The benefits package is robust, providing strong financial and health support, which is a significant draw for candidates. The mention of a pension plan is noteworthy, as it's becoming less common.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Arts & Culture / Museums. MoMA PS1 is a leading institution dedicated to contemporary art and culture, known for its experimental approach and engagement with current societal issues. This context implies a dynamic, fast-paced, and creative work environment driven by artistic vision and public engagement.

Company Size: MoMA PS1 is affiliated with The Museum of Modern Art, but operates as a distinct entity. It is a significant cultural institution with a dedicated staff, suggesting a structured yet collaborative organizational framework.

Founded: MoMA PS1 was founded in 1976 and affiliated with MoMA in 2000. This history signifies a long-standing commitment to artistic experimentation and a strong foundation within the New York art scene.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer reports to the Chief of External Affairs, indicating a strategic placement within the communications and outreach functions of the museum.

• Close collaboration is expected with internal departments including Communications, Curatorial, Development, and Visitor Engagement.

• Integration with The Museum of Modern Art's marketing and design teams is also a key component, requiring coordination and adherence to broader institutional standards. Methodology:

• Creative Conceptualization: Emphasis on developing novel and relevant creative concepts that respond to contemporary art and culture.

• Brand Consistency: Commitment to maintaining and evolving a cohesive visual identity across all museum platforms and communications.

• Collaborative Design Process: Work involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including artists, curators, and marketing professionals, requiring strong communication and consensus-building skills.

• User-Centric Design: Consideration for visitor experience and accessibility (e.g., ADA standards for signage) is integral to the design process.

Company Website: https://www.moma.org/ps1/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values creativity, innovation, a deep appreciation for art, and strong collaborative skills. Working within a museum environment means dealing with evolving exhibitions, diverse audiences, and the unique demands of presenting art to the public.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer role, signifying a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to lead design projects independently. Candidates are expected to possess a strong foundation of skills and experience, enabling them to tackle complex design challenges and contribute to the museum's visual strategy.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Chief of External Affairs. This structure places the designer at a strategic level, influencing how the museum communicates its mission and programming externally. It suggests opportunities to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to institutional leadership.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the museum's public perception, visitor experience, and the successful presentation of its exhibitions and programs. Strong design ensures clear communication, enhances engagement, supports fundraising efforts, and reinforces the MoMA PS1 brand.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific design areas such as exhibition design, digital design, motion graphics, or brand strategy.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, or manage external creative resources, preparing for future Art Director or Design Director roles.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of museum operations, curatorial practices, and marketing strategies through close collaboration with diverse departments.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent MoMA PS1 at industry events, conferences, or through professional networks, enhancing professional visibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a specialized design role, the "Senior" title and reporting structure suggest pathways for growth into design leadership positions within the museum or broader arts sector. The emphasis on collaboration and strategic contribution indicates potential for developing broader organizational understanding.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role requires a physical presence at the MoMA PS1 location in Long Island City.

Office Location(s): Long Island City, Queens, NY. This location offers a vibrant arts district setting, accessible by public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The role involves frequent interaction with various internal teams (Communications, Curatorial, Visitor Engagement, Development) and external partners (artists, developers, vendors), fostering a dynamic and collaborative workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, After Effects) and potentially other institutional digital tools. The environment likely supports creative exploration and digital workflow.

• Creative Hub: Being part of a contemporary art institution means working in an environment that values creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. This can translate into an inspiring and stimulating workspace.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour workweek is expected. However, the nature of museum work, especially around exhibition openings, special events, and project deadlines, may necessitate occasional flexible hours or extended workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, enabling direct collaboration, hands-on involvement with exhibition installations, and seamless integration with the museum's operational flow. The creative and collaborative nature of the workspace is a key aspect of the employee experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, conceptual thinking, and the impact of their design work on specific projects. This is a critical stage to demonstrate conceptual strength and communication skills.

• Interviews with Stakeholders: Meetings with the Chief of External Affairs, potentially other department heads (e.g., Communications, Curatorial), and possibly members of the MoMA design team to evaluate collaborative abilities, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.

• Skills Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study might be included to evaluate problem-solving skills, design execution under pressure, and ability to respond to a brief.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (conceptual development, art direction, brand systems, print, digital, environmental). Prioritize work that demonstrates understanding of cultural institutions or similar complex organizational needs.

• Showcase Process: For each selected project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges, your conceptual approach, design decisions, and the final outcome. Visuals should be high-quality, and concise explanations are key.

• Highlight Impact: If possible, demonstrate how your design work contributed to the success of a project or campaign (e.g., increased engagement, clear communication of exhibition themes).

• Tailor to MoMA PS1: Research MoMA PS1's current exhibitions, brand identity, and recent communications. If you have projects that align with their aesthetic or address similar challenges, highlight them.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your experience with managing multiple projects, and your understanding of brand consistency versus creative expression.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is given, carefully read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints.

• Think Strategically: Consider the institutional context of MoMA PS1 and how your design solution fits its mission and brand.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between concept development, design execution, and preparing your presentation.

• Clear Communication: Be prepared to articulate your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to deeply explain the strategy and process behind it, demonstrating their value beyond just aesthetic output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all print and digital design tasks.

• Figma: Proficiency required for UI/UX design, collaborative prototyping, and potentially digital asset creation.

• Motion Design: Experience with After Effects is essential for creating animated graphics, social media content, and exhibition-related motion pieces.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, familiarity with website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) can be beneficial to understand the performance of digital assets and inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems for campaign deployment could be a plus. Web Technologies:

• HTML/CSS: Familiarity is preferred, enabling better collaboration with web developers and a deeper understanding of digital design constraints and possibilities.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, or custom systems) for updating website content and graphics would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and After Effects highlights the core technical requirements. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable, and experience with web technologies is a significant advantage for a role that bridges print and digital.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to explore new artistic ideas and translate them into compelling visual forms, pushing the boundaries of contemporary art representation.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open dialogue, and effective communication with diverse internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: Commitment to high standards of quality, attention to detail, and meticulous execution in all design outputs.

• Mission Alignment: Dedication to supporting MoMA PS1's mission of presenting groundbreaking contemporary art and engaging the public.

• Adaptability: The capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment, responding effectively to changing exhibition schedules, project needs, and institutional priorities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with curatorial, marketing, development, and visitor engagement teams, acting as a bridge between artistic vision and public communication.

• Artist-Centric Approach: Working closely with artists, respecting their vision while applying design expertise to enhance their work's presentation.

• Feedback and Iteration: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine design solutions.

• Partnership with MoMA: Maintaining a strong working relationship with the central MoMA design and marketing teams, ensuring alignment and leveraging institutional resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at an institution like MoMA PS1 is likely to be passionate, intellectually stimulating, and driven by a shared love for art and culture. The emphasis on collaboration and mission alignment suggests a team that works together towards common artistic and institutional goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Expression: Navigating the need to adhere to institutional brand guidelines while developing fresh, innovative visual concepts for diverse exhibitions and programs.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating the varied requirements and visions of curators, artists, development teams, and marketing departments into cohesive design solutions.

• Adapting to Evolving Exhibitions: Rapidly developing and implementing design assets for new exhibitions and programs on tight timelines, common in the museum sector.

• Technical Evolution: Staying current with rapidly changing design software, digital platforms, and emerging creative technologies to maintain a cutting-edge visual output.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Museum Design: Gaining specialized experience in exhibition design, cultural branding, and audience engagement strategies within the arts sector.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to master new software features, explore advanced motion graphics, or delve into interactive design principles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Understanding curatorial processes, marketing strategies, and institutional management through close collaboration with other departments.

• Professional Networking: Engaging with a network of artists, designers, and cultural professionals, potentially leading to future collaborations or career advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior design roles in dynamic creative environments. The growth opportunities focus on deepening specialized skills within the arts and museum context, offering a unique career path for designers passionate about culture.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a visual identity for a complex exhibition, from initial concept to final implementation." (Focus on your conceptual approach, research, stakeholder collaboration, and execution.)

• "How do you balance the need for institutional brand consistency with the desire for creative innovation in your design work?" (Provide examples of navigating this tension.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you resolve it?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving and communication skills.)

• "How do you ensure your digital designs are accessible and adhere to standards like ADA?" (Show your understanding of inclusive design principles.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working specifically with MoMA PS1 and the contemporary art world?" (Research current exhibitions and PS1's mission.)

• "How do you envision your design contributing to MoMA PS1's mission and its engagement with the public?" (Connect your skills to institutional goals.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with artists or curatorial teams. What are the unique challenges and rewards?" (Highlight your ability to work within an artistic context.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your presentation as a narrative for each project, detailing the problem, your approach, your solution, and the impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, well-designed, and high-resolution. Let your work speak for itself, but use text sparingly to highlight key points.

• Process Emphasis: Be prepared to discuss the "why" behind your design decisions, not just the "what." Explain your rationale for typography, color, layout, and conceptual choices.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of specific tools (Adobe CC, Figma, After Effects) and any challenges or solutions encountered.

• Conciseness: Respect the time allotted for your presentation. Practice to ensure you cover your key points efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also strategic thinking, collaborative aptitude, and a genuine understanding of the museum's mission and the contemporary art landscape. The portfolio presentation is the most critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ultipro recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with exhibition design, brand systems, print and digital applications, and conceptual strength relevant to a cultural institution.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5-7 years of experience, expert software skills (Adobe CC, Figma, After Effects), project management capabilities, and any experience within the arts, culture, or non-profit sectors. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, conceptual thinking, and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and research MoMA PS1's current exhibitions and mission.

• Company Research: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with MoMA PS1's history, mission, current programming, and visual identity to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural understanding 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.

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