Head of Visual Design

Yale University • New Haven, CT

81d • $68,000 - $120,500

About The Position

The Head of Visual Design will lead design and graphic production for the Peabody across exhibitions, marketing, website, programming, and other areas. Reporting to the Associate Director of Exhibitions, this position will maintain, refine, template, apply, and build upon the visual approach established for the museum's 2024 reopening. Clear, accessible, and engaging visuals are essential to the Peabody's storytelling strategy, whether in a social media post or an exhibition's environmental graphics. This position manages a staff member, oversees vendors, and may instruct and manage students.

Requirements

• High proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Working knowledge of CAD and 3D design software.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders in collaborative design development processes.
• Proven ability to work creatively within high-level project parameters.
• Proven ability to think strategically about storytelling, institutional messaging, and shared vision.
• Demonstrated dedication to keeping abreast of industry trends, tools, and best practices.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, art or a related field.
• 4 years of visual design experience, including 2 years of marketing/communications experience and/or 2 years of museum exhibition graphic design experience which may be concurrent.
• Significant experience in all aspects of project management with complex workflows.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Designing bilingual graphics.
• Student instruction and supervision.
• Management of staff engaged in a creative process.
• Graphic production processes, both internal and involving external vendors.

Responsibilities

• Provide creative direction, design, and cohesion for the Peabody's visual material needs, including those for exhibitions, marketing, social media, website, programming, visitor experience, internal communications, and other collateral.
• Follow, refine, systematize, and build upon existing visual standards for the Peabody, including templates and style guides.
• Engage in an iterative review process from design concept sketches through proofing that is flexible and responsive to the needs of stakeholders.
• Ensure visual products meet or exceed industry accessibility standards.
• Produce visual materials for fabrication in-house and oversee production of materials fabricated externally, including budgeting, bidding and contracting, production files, sampling and proofing, fabrication, and delivery. Provide advice and guidance on the most effective approach to be adopted.
• Manage 3D exhibition designer and ensure cohesion of design direction throughout each project.
• Instruct students in the visual design process and techniques and oversee student participation in exhibitions, communications, and other museum activities.
• Create and oversee annual and project-based graphic design budgets.
• Operate and maintain all pertinent production equipment. Maintain, share, and archive graphic resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees