Lead Graphic Designer

Lead Graphic Designer

Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio's communities through our mission-driven programs.

Opportunity: The Holden Arboretum seeks a Lead Graphic Designer to join our marketing team. The Lead Graphic Designer is a highly creative member of the Holden Forests & Gardens Marketing Team who creates compelling visual communications in a variety of styles from concept to completion in both print and digital media. This individual has expert knowledge of current design software and skills with every step of the design process from concept to final deliverable. They have a thorough understanding of visual branding, including the ability to produce work that is consistent with Holden Forests & Gardens brand style guide and other approved styles and standards. They are adept at working collaboratively with external creative partners and internal team members to effectively execute creative work.

Key Responsibilities

• Produces print graphics and finished art for projects such as rack cards, brochures, flyers, invitations, annual reports, environmental graphics, and signs for interpretation or wayfinding.
• Produces digital graphics for assets such as the website and social media pages.
• Mentors Marketing & Design Assistant in best practices, design process, and ideation, and provides design direction to other staff designers and freelance creative professionals.
• Uses creative direction from ad agency partners to produce related internal collateral for campaigns. Provides input and feedback to ad agency creative team on proposed campaign creative.
• Coordinates production schedules with ad agency partners, internal team members, printers and mail houses.

Visual Brand Strategy

• Evolve, expand, and maintain Holden Forests & Gardens visual brand in partnership with the Marketing Director.
• Ensure consistency across various channels and departments with brand guidelines.
• Serve as a key creative partner to the Exhibits & Experiences team, working alongside Director and Associate Director of Exhibits and Guest Experience to shape the visual narrative and creative direction of large-scale exhibition and experiential projects.

Content Creation and Media Asset Management

• Organizes and maintains electronic art archives and photo library.
• Creates simple art such as vector illustrations for use in designs.
• Occasionally takes photos or creates short videos using a mobile phone.
• Curates visual content, including images and videos, to enhance messaging.

Internal Project Coordination

• Schedules work in accordance with Marketing Team priorities and gains approval from supervisor on all work requests prior to acceptance.
• Provides review and guidance to staff who are creating branded materials.
• Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual communication, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience is required.
• At least 2 years of professional graphic design experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and organized.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and deliver quality work within tight deadlines.
• Builds and maintains effective professional relationships internally and externally.
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record, required.
• Ability to travel to and work on-site for activities at all Holden Forests & Gardens campuses as well as off-campus locations.
• Ability to work early mornings, weekends, evenings, and some holidays as required.
• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Effective vision and hearing.
• Hand and arm dexterity.
• Able to use a keyboard.
• Perform tasks outside in all weather conditions; temperatures may range from 0-100°F.
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, and/or slippery terrain.
• Walk on outdoor visitor attractions that require climbing 202 stairs and standing at platforms elevated 65 to 120 feet above ground.

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work! In addition to the salary range starting at $55,000, we offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year + 3 Floating Holidays | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!