Graphic Designer

National Aquarium • Baltimore, MD

2d • 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 maintains the Aquarium’s brand standards while developing fresh designs, contributes to digital campaign tactics, participates in creative brainstorming, and communicates creative concepts and their rationale to stakeholders.

The role also supports campus graphics and signage projects, including developing mockups and prototypes; preparing production-ready artwork and specifications; coordinating with printers, fabricators, and installers; maintaining design assets and signage documentation; and assessing existing graphics for updates or replacement. The Designer works with internal teams and subject matter experts to turn approved interpretive content into clear, accessible visual designs, while coordinating project requirements, schedules, and budgets.

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 and accuracy, creativity, and self-motivation.
• Ability to accept constructive input and adjust designs to accomplish project goals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively both 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 an understanding of the Aquarium’s mission and apply its brand aesthetic and guidelines thoughtfully.
• Maintain a consistent brand look and feel while evolving designs to remain fresh and current.
• Conceptualize and design cross-channel print and digital marketing materials and campus projects, including social media graphics, illustrations, infographics, presentations, brochures, posters, flyers, exhibit and on-site experience graphics, and operational signage.
• Research and implement new trends and strategies to support the growth of digital campaign tactics.
• Design environmental and exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, and wayfinding that incorporate the Aquarium brand and operational standards while addressing guest needs and the physical setting.
• Participate in creative brainstorming across creative disciplines.
• Present creative concepts to stakeholders and clearly explain the rationale behind design choices.
• Maintain organized design assets, production files, and campus signage documentation to support consistent use, updates, and replacement.
• Collaborate with the VP of Planning & Design, Learning & Engagement, Animal Care, and other subject matter experts to translate approved interpretive content into clear, engaging 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 design quality, and support installation within approved schedules and budgets.
• Develop mockups and prototypes to evaluate readability, placement, accessibility, and guest understanding before production.
• Respond to assigned 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 prepare updates or replacements for damaged, outdated, or degraded materials in coordination with relevant teams.
• Support the organization’s 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