Graphic Designer

National Aquarium • Baltimore, MD

3d • $45,000 - $55,699 • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Aquarium is seeking a Graphic Designer to support its marketing and campus needs through print, digital, experiential, and environmental graphic design. Working with Marketing, internal clients, subject matter experts, and external vendors, the Designer creates publications, advertising, digital content, exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, wayfinding, and operational signage. The role translates approved content and project goals into clear, engaging designs that reflect the Aquarium’s brand and support accessible guest experiences. Based in Marketing and reporting to the Design Manager, this individual contributor coordinates assigned design work from concept through production and installation.

The Designer develops and applies an understanding of the Aquarium’s mission and brand guidelines, creating consistent yet fresh designs across channels and campus projects. The role includes conceptualizing designs, contributing to digital campaign tactics, participating in creative brainstorming, and communicating concepts and design rationale to stakeholders. It also involves maintaining design assets and signage documentation; collaborating with internal teams and subject matter experts; preparing production-ready artwork and specifications; and coordinating with printers, fabricators, and installers. The Designer develops mockups and prototypes, handles assigned campus signage requests through the work-order process, coordinates requirements and deadlines, and assesses existing graphics for updates or replacement. The position also supports the organization’s mission and adheres to organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Arts, Graphic Design, or another design-related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–4 years of relevant professional design experience, including environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, or wayfinding.
• Strong layout and design skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Knowledge of environmental graphic design, wayfinding principles, and the relationship between graphics, interpretive content, and physical spaces.
• Working knowledge of large-format printing, graphic fabrication, materials, finishes, and installation considerations.
• Ability to apply accessibility, legibility, and visitor-centered design principles to on-site graphics and signage.
• Ability to create scaled mockups and production documentation and coordinate technical requirements with fabricators and installers.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, creativity, and self-motivation.
• Ability to accept constructive input and adjust designs to accomplish project goals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate creative ideas effectively.
• Familiarity with project management software.
• Portfolio required with submission, including examples of print, digital, and environmental or exhibit graphic design.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of animation, motion graphics, After Effects, data visualization, and production processes.
• Experience in a cultural attraction, experiential marketing, or agency role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply a strong understanding of the Aquarium’s mission and brand guidelines.
• Maintain a consistent brand identity while creating fresh, current designs.
• Conceptualize and design print, digital, cross-channel marketing, and campus materials, including social media graphics, illustrations, infographics, presentations, brochures, posters, flyers, on-site experience and exhibit graphics, and operational signage.
• Research and implement trends and strategies that support the growth of digital campaign tactics.
• Design environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, and wayfinding that address Aquarium standards, guest needs, and the physical setting.
• Participate in creative brainstorming across creative disciplines.
• Present creative concepts to stakeholders and explain design rationale clearly.
• Maintain organized design assets, production files, and campus signage documentation.
• Collaborate with the VP of Planning & Design, Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, and other subject matter experts to translate approved interpretive content into visual designs.
• Prepare production-ready artwork and specifications for large-format graphics and signage, including dimensions, materials, finishes, and installation requirements.
• Coordinate with printers, fabricators, and installers to review proofs and samples, confirm quality, and support installation within approved schedules and budgets.
• Develop mockups and prototypes to assess readability, placement, accessibility, and guest understanding before production.
• Respond to campus graphic and signage requests through the established work-order process, coordinate requirements and deadlines with internal clients, and flag priority conflicts to the Design Manager.
• Assess existing graphics and signage and coordinate updates or replacements for damaged, outdated, or degraded materials.
• Support the company mission and adhere to organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• Four weeks of paid time off.
• Six paid floating holidays.
• Up to four weeks of paid family leave.
• Health care coverage for single and family plans after 30 days of full-time work.
• Conservation day leave.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level