Graphic Designer

The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization established in 1981 in Baltimore, Maryland. Its mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for the ocean planet. Home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species, the Aquarium welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors each year and reaches many more through science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland. Its conservation work is guided by three goals: combating climate change, saving wildlife and habitats, and stopping plastic pollution. The role The Graphic Designer sits within the Marketing department and reports to the Design Manager. The role exists to support the Aquarium's marketing and campus needs across print, digital, experiential, and environmental graphic design. It is an individual contributor position that coordinates assigned design work from concept through production and installation, working with Marketing colleagues, internal clients, subject matter experts, and external vendors. What you would do Develop and apply a thorough understanding of the Aquarium's mission, brand aesthetic, and guidelines, maintaining a consistent look and feel while keeping designs fresh and current. Conceptualize and produce cross-channel marketing materials including social media graphics, illustrations, infographics, presentations, brochures, posters, and flyers. Design environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, interpretive displays, and wayfinding that integrate brand and operational standards with guest needs and the physical setting. Collaborate with the VP of Planning and Design, Learning and Engagement, Animal Care, and other subject matter experts to translate approved interpretive content into clear visual designs. Prepare production-ready artwork and specifications for large-format graphics and signage, covering 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 campus graphic and signage requests through the work-order process, coordinate requirements and deadlines with internal clients, and flag priority conflicts to the Design Manager. Maintain organized design assets, production files, and campus signage documentation to support consistent use, updates, and replacement. Participate in creative brainstorming and communicate creative concepts and rationale clearly to stakeholders. What they are looking for A bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or a related design field, or equivalent experience. 3 to 4 years of relevant professional design experience, including environmental graphics, exhibit graphics, or wayfinding. Strong layout and design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, 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. Knowledge of animation, motion graphics, After Effects, and data visualization (preferred, not required). Familiarity with project management software. A portfolio submitted with the application, including examples of print, digital, and environmental or exhibit graphic design. Experience in a cultural attraction, experiential marketing, or agency role is a plus. Working arrangements The role is on-site and hybrid, based at the Aquarium's Candler building at 111 Market Place, Suite 800, Baltimore, MD 21202. Pay and benefits The salary range is $45,000 to $55,699 per year. four weeks of paid time off six paid floating holidays up to four weeks of paid family leave health care coverage (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work conservation day leave a 401(k) plan with employer match #J-18808-Ljbffr National Aquarium