Bilingual Lead Graphic Designer

Exploratorium • San Francisco, CA

85d • $53

About The Position

The Bilingual Lead Graphic Designer will be responsible for the full development of exhibition graphics for a major museum project in East Asia in both English and Korean. This role covers every stage of the design process—from initial concept development and design execution to production and final installation. The scope of work is broad and diverse, including environmental graphics, storytelling graphics, exhibit labels, gallery and directional signage. This position requires the creating visual content specifically tailored for a Korean-speaking audience. The designer must communicate effectively through designs that are both culturally relevant and visually compelling, ensuring the graphics resonate with the audience while maintaining high standards of quality and design excellence.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably in graphic design.
• Minimum 10 years of prior graphic design experience, ideally in museum exhibition design.
• Fluent and fully biliterate in Korean and English (written and spoken); assessment will be administered.
• Ability to review, transcribe, and translate between English and Korean.
• Strong portfolio of completed museum exhibition projects, preferably featuring content in both English and/or Korean.
• Advanced skills in: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Google Suite.
• Familiarity with databases (Smartsheet) and project collaboration tools (Basecamp, JIRA).
• Working knowledge of SketchUp is a plus.
• Versatile layout and design abilities, with strong knowledge of Korean and English typography.
• Proficient in ADA guidelines and key principles of accessible and sustainable design.
• Skilled in working with a diverse array of materials and design formats.
• Experience in translating exhibition design concepts into interactive digital graphics for immersive multimedia exhibits.
• Attention to accuracy and detail, willing to work through multiple revisions of projects.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, with demonstrated ability to work with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple aspects of a project simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines while providing accurate estimates for both time and expenses.
• Leadership experience within a graphic design team, including the ability to lead others in conceiving, defining, refining, and communicating design concepts.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in museum exhibition design.
• Working knowledge of SketchUp.

Responsibilities

• Work independently to consistently deliver high-quality environmental and exhibition graphics aligned with the project vision and educational goals.
• Design and produce all exhibition graphics—including labels, signage, and digital displays—in both English and Korean, applying best graphic design practices.
• Collaborate with other graphic designers through concept development, final design, production, and installation, providing support and contributing to shared outcomes.
• Coordinate with local and international vendors and printers, handling budgeting, billing, and production logistics.
• Scope work within established time and budget constraints, ensuring project milestones and final deadlines are met.
• Collaborate closely with content developers and 3D exhibit designers to integrate visual storytelling into exhibitions.
• Support communications with internal stakeholders and the East Asia client to ensure clear project coordination and cultural alignment.
• Consistently generate a diverse range of compelling and engaging design concepts.
• Work closely with project leadership and cross-departmental partners—including Exhibit Development, Editorial, 3D Design, Photography, and Fabrication—to ensure projects meet overall design and communication goals.
• Adapt proactively to project constraints, working effectively across diverse museum needs and various media, including indoor and outdoor exhibitions, digital media, and environmental applications.
• Make timely design decisions, demonstrating strong creative discernment and disciplined editing.
• Advocate for the design development process by contributing to conceptual planning, project strategy, timelines, and budgeting as appropriate.
• Provide feedback and guidance to designers, helping team members overcome challenges.
• Lead design critiques and brainstorming sessions as needed throughout projects.

Benefits

• Full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, union position.
• Starting rate of $53.59 per hour.
• Benefits included.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees